TOGA and AsheMorgan have today lodged a Development Application for over 13,000 square metres (sqm) of lettable floor area at 56-76, 82-106, and 110-122 Oxford Street in Sydney as part of their joint venture partnership.
Known as The Darlinghurst Collection, the project encompasses three heritage buildings along Oxford Street, presenting a significant opportunity to spark renewal and transformation in Darlinghurst and the surrounding neighbourhood.
The planned development will pay homage to the historic buildings and shopfronts along Oxford Street, as well as the rich cultural fabric of the iconic neighbourhood. TOGA and AsheMorgan are looking to deliver a revitalised mixed-use precinct with commercial, retail and creative spaces, alongside a 75-room boutique hotel.
The plan for the development outlines 2,300 sqm of activated ground plane and laneway retail, enhancing connectivity through pedestrian links between Oxford and Foley Streets.
It also includes 7,600 sqm of commercial floorspace, and 1,600 sqm of cultural and creative spaces, as part of AsheMorgan’s future program for creative start-ups and businesses in the local area.
CEO of TOGA, Fabrizio Perilli, said The Darlinghurst Collection presents an exciting and significant opportunity to help shape the future of one of Sydney’s cultural meccas.
“Our vision for the site is to create a diverse, and uniquely Darlinghurst precinct, that reflects the values of the local community and the significant heritage of the area,” Mr Perilli detailed.
“We plan to enrich and grow the community that enjoys Darlinghurst by bringing a range of amenity to the area that will ensure it is thriving, day and night. The development will contribute to the local economy, through a new commercial ecosystem that will integrate creative and cultural start-ups, bringing jobs and businesses to the area.”
TOGA and AsheMorgan have engaged Richard Francis Jones, Design Director of fjmtstudio to lead the architectural vision for the project.
“Our concept is to create a carefully crafted interplay between the beautiful turn of the century heritage buildings and a new dynamic series of glass and metal forms that hover above,” detailed Mr Francis Jones.
“This composed integration of heritage and advanced architectural form will create sustainable and inspiring places to work, while reinvigorating the street life of Oxford Street and the authenticity of its laneways.”
Artist’s impression of The Darlinghurst Collection, courtesy of TOGA and AsheMorgan.
Establishing a new benchmark for city-fringe development, TOGA and AsheMorgan see the plans igniting further transformation along Oxford Street.
The joint venture partners are also working with the City of Sydney and the site’s neighbours to shape the activation and future renewal of the Foley Street Laneway, building upon the vibrancy of the wider area. The commercial spaces will be heritage-inspired with open, flexible floorplates, break out areas, and a focus on natural light, with some tenancies having access to outdoor space. The commercial buildings will also include a rooftop extension with high ceilings capturing a northerly aspect with views to the CBD and Sydney Harbour.
The planned boutique hotel is forecast to have 75 rooms, as well as a rooftop pool and sun deck, with access to ground floor retail. Future guests will benefit from the site’s central location and proximity to the tourist hubs of the CBD, Kings Cross, Hyde Park, Paddington and Surry Hills.
Mendy Moss, Principal – Investor Relations and Acquisitions at AsheMorgan, said that they are proud to work with TOGA to revitalise an important precinct for Sydney.
“The sensitive adaption of the buildings will celebrate the history and heritage of the area while ensuring they cater to the requirements of modern workplaces and the wider community,” she said.
