i think this is a novel idea.what a location
both art deco skyscrapers date from 1929)
both 12storey bldgs have old small floor plates that dont lease well.(lets hope floors line up?lol)
A $50mil plan refurb sees the upper floors connected and create a new luxury hotel. The lobby will be from state theatre. Also plans include a bar on lev2 of gowings.
story in todays fin rev!:cheers:

state theatre lobby
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2340/2187183734_730ef667cd_o.jpg


gowings and state theatre rear
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4202979610_427055d2ed_b.jpg

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/36/81341820_baffd460db_o.jpg

Is Gowings deco? Also, is the theatre itself remaining though?

^yes theatre stays. i think upper 8floors of both bldgs will become hotel.?

Sounds like a great project, although it's almost a pity to lose the small retail upstairs in Gowings. Nowhere near as grand as Dymocks Block, but similar concept.

Now all we need is for one of the big international chain stores to replace Supre/Lincraft on the bottom couple of floors of the old Gowings.

Nice idea, hopefully it works out well...the Blacket Hotel recently closed to make way for Louis Vuitton and office space, so it's good to be getting a boutique hotel back

^ Target would be great under there for sure!

^^
If Target went in there, it wouldn't be big enough for a full range store, they would basically just have to concentrate on clothes.

I'd like to see something like H&M, Zara, Abercrombie and Fitch go in there.

I heard about the proposal yesterday. I hope they go for an upmarket brand like the Swissotel across the road. Good location for tourists. Everything closeby

I was told that Ritz-Carlton were coming to Sydney, at first I thought Big Red, but it could easily be this one?

Good adaptation of these 2 buildings. :)

Any plans to do something with those string of buildings adjacent to this site on George Street? That section between Gowings and the Hilton screams redevelopment ... :yes:

Now all we need is for one of the big international chain stores to replace Supre/Lincraft on the bottom couple of floors of the old Gowings.

Nice idea, hopefully it works out well...the Blacket Hotel recently closed to make way for Louis Vuitton and office space, so it's good to be getting a boutique hotel back

I'm hoping also the network of 1st floor and 2nd floor walkways (level with the Monorail Stations) can also be extended into this development.

It said the hotel was taking up the top floors, as the Theatre takes up the lower floors of the space it occupies - so there must be still a few floors in Gowings not yet spoken for.

^^
Are you referring to Supre?
Apparently it is held on a monthly lease. PERFECT position for one of the big international chain stores that has been 'scouting' Sydney for a flagship store. Enough scouting start opening!

@Fabian, I would prefer to see this as an independent boutique hotel rather than a chain hotel, even if it is a luxury chain.

What a great idea :) Of course theatre stays! We lack heritage hotels in Sydney and it's good to have another major conversion (after Wales House/Radisson Plaza and Grace)...It's gotta be the most upmarket hotel, no room for 4 star there! :cheers:

^^
Are you referring to Supre?
Apparently it is held on a monthly lease. PERFECT position for one of the big international chain stores that has been 'scouting' Sydney for a flagship store. Enough scouting start opening!

@Fabian, I would prefer to see this as an independent boutique hotel rather than a chain hotel, even if it is a luxury chain.

I would like to see it as a Formula One because the CBD needs one for people from the suburbs to stay in.

I would like to see it as a Formula One because the CBD needs one for people from the suburbs to stay in.

lol, Formula 1! The one on William St will do for now :lol: I reckon CBD bars should charge double rates on workdays and triple on weekends to repel westies! I'm sick of their woggy cars on George St every Saturday nite :lol:

lol. At least the William st one is good for blokes from the riff to stay at on their bucks nights in the Cross, if they're not hiring a bus.

I would like to see it as a Formula One because the CBD needs one for people from the suburbs to stay in.

It's Formule One, It's better suited to Railway Square where the budget accomodation tends to be.

I know you like no frills brands, but sadly there isn't the space or the market, or isn't approprately suited to it's setting.

As for formule one, I question if it's financially viable to operate one there given the high property prices in that part of the CBD. I know they have one in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne which is in the retail heart but Sydney is a different market altogether.

Boutique hotel a work of art (deco)
JOSEPHINE TOVEY
March 12, 2010

A PROPOSAL to redevelop the upper levels of the State Theatre and Gowings buildings into a boutique hotel has been given a thumbs-up by heritage experts, who say it could help preserve and enhance the historic Sydney buildings.

Amalgamated Holdings Limited recently lodged a development application with the City of Sydney to turn the loftier floors of the two buildings into a 196-room ''New York or Venice'' style hotel, restaurant and day spa.

Guests will enter via the art deco palatial lobby of the State Theatre, with a reception on level one and rooms on levels three to 10 and four to 11 of the Gowings building.

Heritage experts praised the initial designs for the $55 million redevelopment, which involves no major structural demolition. The theatre will remain in its current form and will stay open throughout construction.

The facades of both buildings will be restored and details such as gargoyles that have been damaged or removed over the years will be replaced.

''I'll go out on a limb and say the State Theatre is probably Australia's finest historic theatre,'' said Graham Quint, advocacy manager for the National Trust.

''If as part of this project it can be brought back to its former glory then that's a good thing.''

Mr Quint said that like the General Post Office building, which has been home to the Westin Hotel since 1999, this was a good way to build new hotels that complement existing architecture.

He said these clever adaptive reuses stood in contrast to the proposed construction of a 60-storey hotel over the water at Barangaroo with its construction costs, environmental and visual impact.

''There's a million reasons why this is a much, much better way to go,'' he said.

Amalgamated Holdings Limited has owned the State Theatre from the time it was built in 1929 but only acquired the Gowings building in 2006, buying it for $68 million after the men's department store closed.

Despite significant falls in hotel revenue last year, the market is expected to bounce back as the economic crisis eases.

Overseas visitor arrival figures released yesterday showed a 7 per cent increase in the past quarter.

''Sydney is generally lacking in new five-star accommodation,'' said Brett Gale, executive director of the Tourism and Transport Forum. ''This will be a welcome addition to Sydney.''

The development application will be on exhibition until April 8.

FROM: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/boutique-hotel-a-work-of-art-deco-20100311-q1le.html





lol, they just had to throw their 2c in about Barangaroo

It's Formule One, It's better suited to Railway Square where the budget accomodation tends to be.

I know you like no frills brands, but sadly there isn't the space or the market, or isn't approprately suited to it's setting.

As for formule one, I question if it's financially viable to operate one there given the high property prices in that part of the CBD. I know they have one in Elizabeth Street, Melbourne which is in the retail heart but Sydney is a different market altogether.

ok, thanks.

ok, thanks.

I thought the end of the day F1 is just a motel, appeals to car based travellers. No good if you pay $60 a night for the room, but $40 a night for the car spot. And endless tolls to get in and out.

In Europe F1 is a car-based model where that is more unusual than here. And something intended for "Planned to drive back to Nice from Paris, got tired, pulled over at F1" - not a place you would stay by choice.

^^ surely most of the formule 1 on william st has people going back to have one night stands after the cross?

also just to reiterate what everyone else has said - i quite like this idea. should at least make this corner seem less trashy

SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

Going back to Gowings

Jim O'Rourke
September 26, 2010


AN APPLICATION to redevelop the upper levels of Sydney's historic State Theatre and Gowings buildings into a boutique hotel has been approved by the Central Sydney Planning Committee.

Amalgamated Holdings, which owns Greater Union cinemas, Rydges Hotels and the Thredbo ski resort, wants to build a 196-room 4½-star hotel with a restaurant and bar as well as a day spa.

The committee, made up of Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore, two City of Sydney councillors, two senior state government employees and two independent members appointed by the Planning Minister, approved the $55 million development subject to seeing details about conservation work on the buildings and the design of the internal fitouts.

Earlier in the year heritage experts praised the plan, saying it could help preserve and enhance both buildings.

Guests will enter via the art deco lobby of the State Theatre to reception on level one and rooms on levels three to 10. There will be rooms on levels four to 10 of the Gowings building.

There will be no major structural demolition at the site on the corner of George and Market streets and the theatre will remain in its current form.

It will stay open throughout construction, expected to begin in February or March next year. The facades of both buildings will be restored.

Amalgamated Holdings has owned the State Theatre from the time it was built in 1929 but only acquired the Gowings building in 2006, buying it for $68 million after the men's department store closed.

The company will provide the committee with detailed designs for, among other items, the rooms and suites; a glassed-in access link between the two buildings as well as the reconstructed shopfronts at street level.

It was published in The Sun Herald today. Good news for tourists.

reconstructed shopfronts to match new pitt st mall. Awesome

Im glad this is happening. The restored facades will be fantastic and will ensure these buildings survive for decades to come. :)

Supre are having a closing down sale. Any indication that this project is soon to go ahead?

Great news!! Confine the shitty/crappy/tacky Supre to the bowels of Westfield Sydney!!

Hopefully something a bit more suitable for the location (and the 4.5 star hotel that will be above it) takes the space. Wouldn't mind if Country Road upgraded from its current store in the QVB or if another international store opened up.

I hope they keep the awesome Gowings neon sign. Maybe they have to - would there be some kind of heritage condition which means they have to? I'd assume the Gowings building is heritage listed?

^^
Welcome to the forum :)

Yes the Gowings building would no doubt be heritage listed and I'd say the sign will stay. No more fitting name for the hotel than Gowings Hotel IMO and the sign would be relevant again.

From what I know the sign is heritage listed and will stay for the foreseeable future. :)

Supre are having a closing down sale. Any indication that this project is soon to go ahead? My tailor is moving from L4 in the near future - not sure whether this is linked, as other stores in there (eg. Towanda L5) show no indication of moving atm....

As long as the theatre keeps operating, it would be a shame to lose it for a hotel.

The theatre's staying, sport. They're just using the space above the theatre as a hotel.

Amazing what you can learn if you read back through the thread. (slow burn...)

The article in today's SMH:

http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/theatre/stage-drama-something-rotten-in-the-state-20110325-1c9u9.html

Australia's best theatre is in a disgraceful condition. AHL should not be allowed to develop this hotel without fully committing to theatre restoration.

If its thats bad, there should be a pre-requsite that stipulates resotration of the theatre.

I was told that Ritz-Carlton were coming to Sydney, at first I thought Big Red, but it could easily be this one?

Isn't there a Ritz-Carlton in Macquarie Street? Or there was...

Isn't there a Ritz-Carlton in Macquarie Street? Or there was... There was, as well as Double Bay. Rebranded as Sir Stamford a few years ago, and was never really able to compete with the Intercontinental and (the then) Regent for the upmarket clientele.

If its thats bad, there should be a pre-requsite that stipulates resotration of the theatre.

Surely any redevelopment of the theatre building would include restoration work on the theatre itself anyway? Up here in Brisbane, the redevelopment of the old Regent Theatre will include restoration work to the retained heritage listed portions (not that they need very much work).

Isn't there a Ritz-Carlton in Macquarie Street? Or there was...

So this will obviously be a Rydges hotel? AHL are the parent company of Rydges, which is a bit disappointing as I would rather a new chain.

^^
Don't think it will be a Rydges, Rydges doesn't fit the brief for a boutique hotel IMO.

And I remember reading older news articles stating that AHL are keen to open more boutique hotels in other Australian cities.

Keep an eye out for any news on the potential retail tenant/s guys, I'm dead keen to find out what will replace tacky Supre :nuts: Speaking of Supre, it mustn't be too far off closing now aye?

I wonder who would want to have three floors for a store. They might as well sub divide it.

It might be the Art Series of Hotels also affiliated with AHL but currently only in Melbourne.

http://www.artserieshotels.com.au/hotels

I wonder who would want to have three floors for a store. They might as well sub divide it.

Overseas it is a common size for a flagship city store for a standard large, generic fashion label. But this is Australia so who knows you are probably right.

Please, there's a squillion potential retailers that could take that spot - national and international...I mean if Supre can occupy the space then (almost) anyone can! It would be a waste of the site for it to be subdivided as there's a lack of these sorts of stores in the CBD as it already is.

H&M!! :banana:

Rydges epitomises an average business hotel. I would prefer a classy 5 star establishment.

H&M!! :banana:

Took the words right out of my mouth! It would have actually been a great store for Zara. What about Topman/shop, Marks & Spencer, Harvey Nicholls, Hamleys', Fortnum and Mason, Macy's. I am sure these guys could sustain an international chain here.

Rydges epitomises an average business hotel. I would prefer a classy 5 star establishment.

I agree and I hope Ippgi's thinking is the correct way.

UNIQLO would be perfect.

Yep, soooo many stores that are all said to be keen to enter the market - other stores in the Gap family like Banana Republic, others by Inditex like Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Pull & Bear as well as those that have expressed interest in the market like Uniqlo, Forever 21, Topman/Topshop, H&M, Sephora. Between this, Westfield. the site next to McDonalds a little bit further up George Street and Barangaroo still to come, there have never been so many good opportunities for internationals to launch in appropriately sized stores in the CBD of the biggest city in Oz.

I estimate the store is about 1200 sq m which is probably a bit small for the likes of H&M, Uniqlo and Forever 21 to launch their first Australian stores and it's a little big for the likes of Pull & Bear, but the rest it would suit almost perfectly. The 383 George Street (or thereabouts) site is about 1800 sq m and that's a bit of a bigger store that would be better for H&M, Uniqlo etc and pretty much allow them to offer same range as Zara at Westfield (1830 sq m)

Yep, soooo many stores that are all said to be keen to enter the market - other stores in the Gap family like Banana Republic, others by Inditex like Massimo Dutti, Bershka, Pull & Bear as well as those that have expressed interest in the market like Uniqlo, Forever 21, Topman/Topshop, H&M, Sephora. Between this, Westfield. the site next to McDonalds a little bit further up George Street and Barangaroo still to come, there have never been so many good opportunities for internationals to launch in appropriately sized stores in the CBD of the biggest city in Oz.

I estimate the store is about 1200 sq m which is probably a bit small for the likes of H&M, Uniqlo and Forever 21 to launch their first Australian stores and it's a little big for the likes of Pull & Bear, but the rest it would suit almost perfectly. The 383 George Street (or thereabouts) site is about 1800 sq m and that's a bit of a bigger store that would be better for H&M, Uniqlo etc and pretty much allow them to offer same range as Zara at Westfield (1830 sq m)

Wasn't there a Banana Republic store years ago in Victoria Galleries?

^^
I googled it and couldn't come up with anything??

But Busby Holdings (operator of Gap in Australia) said that once they had established Gap in Australia, they will open Banana Republic stores as well. Gap has been operating in Melbourne since August 2010, so you'd expect they would be preparing to bring Banana Republic out soon, all things going well

We have no need for Banana Republic, we have Joe Bananas (http://www.joebananas.com.au/)!

http://www.joebananas.com.au/UploadImages/whoopie.jpg

^^
I googled it and couldn't come up with anything??

But Busby Holdings (operator of Gap in Australia) said that once they had established Gap in Australia, they will open Banana Republic stores as well. Gap has been operating in Melbourne since August 2010, so you'd expect they would be preparing to bring Banana Republic out soon, all things going well

I disagree, BR branded stores are quite conservative with openings outside of North America. I think you will need to see a national roll-out of profitable Gap stores before they would consider a BR. It took over a decade to open the first BR in the UK even though there were well over 100 Gap stores in the country (the largest market by store numbers outside the USA).

tower crane now above gowings

July 29 2011

Crane is up. Hoardings and scaffholding are also going up.

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/1599/img2734qn.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2011-07-30

http://img814.imageshack.us/img814/1786/img2733d.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2011-07-30

http://img62.imageshack.us/img62/8093/img2730ji.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2011-07-30

http://img193.imageshack.us/img193/8351/img2731s.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2011-07-30

I thought this might interest those who are more into the potential retailers than the actual refurbishment.

A second store will open in Sydney, but Next Athleisure has yet to formally announce the chosen site. The company has been in discussions over leasing the former Supre site in the Gowings Building on the corner of George and Market Sts in the CBD but Inside Retail understands this lease has yet to be signed with another rival bidder also interested in the space.

http://www.insideretail.com.au/IR/IRNews/Topshop-Australia-finally-official-2011.aspx

Will the Gowings signage be retained?

Yes - for heritage purposes.

externally these buildings stay the same.lol not much to see. its all happening inside!

A few posts back there was a comment about the state of the State Theatre. Are there plans to fix it up or just the hotel/facades at this current time?

I thought this might interest those who are more into the potential retailers than the actual refurbishment.



http://www.insideretail.com.au/IR/IRNews/Topshop-Australia-finally-official-2011.aspx

Yes, this news was floating around a couple of weeks ago - think I posted it in the wrong thread! Be interesting to see if/when Topshop is announced as the new tenant and when they would expect to open.

A few posts back there was a comment about the state of the State Theatre. Are there plans to fix it up or just the hotel/facades at this current time?

Nothing is planned. Business as usual.

Just a reminder of what we've getting plus a couple of artist's impressions for the interior.

Woodhead design for the transformation of the State Theatre and Gowings Building into a boutique hotel has achieved development approval in Sydney

The application to redevelop the upper levels of Sydney’s historic State Theatre and Gowings buildings into a boutique hotel has been approved by the Central Sydney Planning Committee.

Woodhead has been commissioned for both Architectural and Interior Design services. Refurbishments will commence in early 2011 with completion in 2012, marking the first major hotel redevelopment in the City since 2000.

The Central Sydney Planning committee, made up of Sydney lord mayor Clover Moore, two City of Sydney councillors, two senior state government employees and two independent members appointed by the Planning Minister, approved the $55 million development subject to seeing details about conservation work on the buildings and the design of the internal fitouts.

Earlier in the year heritage experts praised the plan, saying it could help preserve and enhance both buildings.

Guests will enter via the art deco lobby of the State Theatre to reception on level one and rooms on levels three to 10. There will be rooms on levels four to 10 of the Gowings building.

There will be no major structural demolition at the site on the corner of George and Market streets and the theatre will remain in its current form.

It will stay open throughout construction, expected to begin in February or March next year. The facades of both buildings will be restored.

The project proposes to join the two buildings, transforming the upper floors into a boutique hotel, whilst conserving and enhancing their historic features. This project will offer an exciting mixture of history, location and contemporary design which has the potential to become a Sydney landmark.

Important and historic fittings and fixtures are being protected and a new layer of sensitive contemporary design is being inserted to allow the buildings to function as a hotel. This proposal does not affect the State Theatre, nor the lower retail levels of the Gowings building which will remain unchanged. The Hotel will be predominantly located in the upper levels of both buildings which are currently a mixture of commercial space, retail tenancies and vacant space.

Although the two buildings were built at a similar time and for similar purpose they are stylistically very different and this proposal maintains and reinforces those differences, whilst providing the infrastructure for a hotel to function. The proposed hotel will comprise of:

- 196 designer rooms including eight rooms with disabled access
- Lobby area accessed through the existing State Theatre Building lobby. The dividing wall between the lobby and the café will be partially re-opened to recreate aspects of the original lobby space and maintain the Art Deco and Gothic styles.
- A new connection between the buildings will be created to join the two ‘wings’ of the hotel with the heritage sensitive access link over the Gowings Laneway not visible from Market or George Streets.

http://www.woodhead.com.au/news/woodhead-design-for-the-transformation-of-the-state-theatre-and-gowings-building-into-a-boutique-hotel-has-achieved-development-approval-in-sydney/

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/3227/gowingshotelsydney.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/840/gowingshotelsydney.jpg/)

http://img155.imageshack.us/img155/7030/gowingshotelsydney1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/155/gowingshotelsydney1.jpg/)

Both impressions from;
http://www.built.com.au/refurbishment/view/id/131

DA has been lodged (Friday 9 September) for the refurbishment of the retail tenancy (basement, lower ground, ground, first floors).

As part of the DA, base upgrade, new awnings, internal escalators & indicative signing are part of the $4.5 million application.

The documents aren't up yet on the SCC website, hopefully in the next couple of days. I'm thinking we should find out who the tenant is when the documents become available, and if all the speculation about Topshop proves to be correct.

Daily Telegraph and Torstar Sydney (media rep for Topshop in Australia) have confirmed Topshop will open at Gowings Building in August 2012.

Also, DA has been lodged with SCC for a restaurant/bar as part of the boutique hotel. Think there was also mention of a cafe in the foyer area at the State Theatre.

Between this, Temperance Lane, 383 George Street and Westfield, there is an increasing number of food and beverage outlets in the middle of the city.

^^
YAY TOPSHOP!!! :banana::banana::banana::banana::banana::banana:

and assume Topman too?

^^
Yes I imagine it will be a joint Topman/Topshop store ala Chapel Street

There's one on Chapel Street!? Whilst it is good to get international brands, when I go home to the UK and buy Topman clothing, I will no longer have different clothing to the rest of Sydney :o(

^^
Chapel Street opens December 8 at The Jam Factory.

So selfish :lol:

Herald Sun did a preview of the stock a few days ago - men's t-shirts priced between $14 and $30.

There's one on Chapel Street!? Whilst it is good to get international brands, when I go home to the UK and buy Topman clothing, I will no longer have different clothing to the rest of Sydney :o(

So try H&M! Plenty of stores that aren't yet here. ;)

The scaffolding is now covering the building that mimicks the real facade. :)

DA for cafe and restaurant fit out: http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Development/DAsOnExhibition/details.asp?tpk=1032545

The restaurant/bar will be on levels 2 and 3. The Retro Cafe will also be upgraded. :)

There's one on Chapel Street!? Whilst it is good to get international brands, when I go home to the UK and buy Topman clothing, I will no longer have different clothing to the rest of Sydney :o(

I wouldn't worry ... the products sold in local concept stores by these multinational clothing brands is often a limited selection of what is offered in the northern hemisphere. So I'm sure it wouldn't be too hard to find clothes that are not sold locally.

DA for internal and external works to retail podium has been approved.

floors dont look like they line up?
1928-
http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/_DAMx/image/17/146/hood_08037h.jpg

It'll be just like a lot of those old European & UK hotels built before C.20th rationalism became God.

floors dont look like they line up?
They don't. Even the Gowings building alone was strange with its access to upper levels.

Found this excerpt from The Australian in regards to the opening of the hotel.

The group said its new QT hotel would open in its State Theatre building on Sydney's Market Street in August.

British fashion retailer Top Shop would occupy the bottom four floors beneath the hotel, he said.

http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/economics/beating-economy-woes-a-happy-feat-for-amalgamated-holdings/story-e6frg926-1226225243089

I'm interested to see how the rooms turn out and what the bar/restaurant is like. It is a fantastic location so I don't think they'll have too many problems marketing the new hotel!

It will apparently be known as 'QT Hotel Sydney.' There is already a QT Hotel on the Gold Coast and a third will launch next year in Port Douglas.

wow topshop will span across 4 floors

If I am correct that fills up all the space once occupied by Gowings.

QT Hotels – bringing excitement, elegance and style to inner city hotel offerings

The Sydney QT hotel in the upper floors of the State Theatre and Gowings Buildings will include 196 designer rooms, an exciting and edgy restaurant and bar and a luxurious day spa. This will be the launch hotel for the QT brand. QT hotels and resorts will be 4.5 star level boutique hotels offering a stylish, exciting and elegant experience.

New hotel supply has been severely constrained in Sydney over the past few years, with residential and office developments capturing the most available land. The State Theatre and Gowings Buildings Revival Project will help address the current shortage of hotel room stock, boosting employment and tourism infrastructure.

The new group of 4.5 star level hotels will initially be located in Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Perth, Adelaide and Canberra. They will be centrally located for business and individual leisure travellers. Each hotel will have a distinct personality offering a new hotel experience. Resorts are also planned in alpine, coastal and unique geographical locations.

http://www.ahl.com.au/images/brands/qt-state/FactSheet_AHLandQTHotels.pdf

I imagine Topshop will be in those 3 floors below the lower lip of the building and also the basement that links to the underground QVB walkway.

http://sydneyarchitecture.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/04/11-CBD-GOW-01.jpg
http://sydneyarchitecture.com/2011/04/the-renaissance-wonders-of-sydney/

Topshop will occupy the basement, lower ground, ground and first floors of the building.

The basement level will be for stock, amenities and the personal shopper service whilst the lower ground, ground and first floors will be for retail space.

^^ Got this info from the documents lodged for amendments to the interior of the Gowings podium a few months ago. Don't have a link but have the documents on my laptop.

In total the four floors will have 1,823 sq m of space, with at least 1,353 sq m dedicated to retail space. When you factor in the personal shopping service in the basement level (should be around 1,500 sq m of retail space + personal shopping), Topshop will be bigger than its main competitors in the CBD - Zara has ~1,400 sq m of retail space, Esprit ~1,200 sq m and Gap ~850 sq m.

Sorry to be so naive but what does 'personal shopping' refer to?

Westfield Sydney has really started a great retail change in the CBD of late!

When one is simply too, too exhausted, my dear, to possibly have the strength to do anything so menial as shop, one engages a person to do it for one. It's frightfully useful and one isn't forced to mingle with lower class persons and other vulgar pushing sorts of common folk.
One cannot be tooooo careful, can one really?!

Sorry to be so naive but what does 'personal shopping' refer to?

Westfield Sydney has really started a great retail change in the CBD of late!

Employers help pick things out for you that they think you will like/suit you. Often comes with champagne and/or coffee and apparently the Topman personal shopper in Chapel Street comes with an X Box.

Provided the service is actually good, it is an effective way for physical stores to compete with online retailers.

Woah I am not much of a shopper but I didn't think that sort of thing was around haha!! Sounds nice enough...

And people are prepared to pay for it.

Yes and word has it Topshop Sydney will be the company's fourth city worldwide to offer the personal shopping service alongside flagship stores in London, New York and Melbourne.

Here's a few renders I've stumbled across - but take them with a grain of salt.

Gowings Podium
http://img40.imageshack.us/img40/7225/gowings1.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/40/gowings1.jpg/)

http://img560.imageshack.us/img560/3256/gowings2.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/560/gowings2.jpg/)

http://www.base3d.com/projects/exterior/gowings-sydney/

Rather clumsy interpretation of what the podium could look like come August. The west-facing glass facade doesn't appear to line up and the windows are cluttered.

It will be interesting to see if these less invasive awnings are chosen over those in the render below. Another Sydney building that would look light years better without awnings that are only to meet council requirements.

Gowings Facade
http://img189.imageshack.us/img189/417/gowings.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/189/gowings.jpg/)

http://ourvision.com.au/index.php/2010/04/01/q1-hotel-gowings/

Surely the council would have some form of heritage protection for the vertical Gowings signs? Therefore not sure how to take this render. Note the less cluttered ground level windows and the existing awning - not sure what will happen with the awning until the DA for Topshop is launched early 2012.

Surely the council would have some form of heritage protection for the vertical Gowings signs? Therefore not sure how to take this render.

Often renders don't accurately reflect signage. To me that the outlines of the signs are included in the render is indicative enough that the Gowing signs will be be restored and included. There are even spaces for 7 letters included.

I've had a flick through council documents and they will alter ground floor signage at the State Theatre to make it consistent with previous signage.

I can only assume that the famous Gowings signage will be retained.

Four of these "creatures" were lifted up long ago, and now sit up near the Roof...

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/Grosvenor/2012-01-15110836.jpg

They are really going to lengths to accurately restore the buildings... Great to see!

From Opera insider:
January 28, 2012

A $32 MILLION proposal to extend the State Theatre’s stage and backstage facilities could breathe new life into one of Sydney’s most beautiful venues.

A development application from the State Theatre owner, Amalgamated Holdings (AHL), to extend the stage includes a proposal to demolish the two-storey Mick Simmons building, including the wall between the theatre and the store. That would make room for renovations to the theatre before a new 16-storey retail and commercial building was built facing George Street.

The proposal is part of a long-term plan by AHL, dating back to 2005 when it bought the Mick Simmons building for $12.5 million, to make the State Theatre suitable for major theatre and musical productions. The theatre suffers from a lack of wing space, a proscenium arch opening no bigger than the Opera Theatre of the Sydney Opera House, a triangular shaped stage and a small loading dock. AHL is also converting the upper levels of the heritage-listed theatre and the Gowings building next door into a 196-suite boutique hotel.
The rest Here: http://operainsider.info/index.php/state-theatre-sydney-to-get-major-backstage-renovations/[/URL]

Scaffolding is slowly coming down.

Scaffolding is slowly coming down.

Walked past today. What I could see of the State Theatre looked really good.

I saw the same too today. The facade restoration has come out good.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6907133321_ab9c40b281_b.jpg

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7200/6907124763_ca36a35e8e_b.jpg

As good as new guys. :)

And the Gowings signs are still there! Does the State have a light shade of gold? It looks good!

^^ I don't think there was any suggestion that the Gowings signage would be going, I'm pretty sure it has heritage protection.

The restoration works are looking really great! I love that they've put back the gargoyles on the state theatre! I'll be interested to see whether the original Gowings awning remains, or whether that glass one in the render appears. Personally, looking at the two renders, I think the existing awning is the one I would prefer, strangely enough. Usually I prefer the modern, almost invisible awnings, but I don't like the look of it in that render.

^^ It was in reference to the discussion on the previous page:)

Scaffolding has almost completely been removed.

Found this in regards to the hotel :)

QT SYDNEY WILL BE OPENING IN AUGUST 2012. MORE INFORMATION WILL COME SOON!

While preserving two of the city’s most iconic buildings, QT Sydney is destined to become a new landmark by reviving a rich and colorful past of theatre and retail. Set within the historic Gowings department store and heritage-listed State Theatre in the heart of Sydney’s Central Business District, the surrounding area is brimming with culture, art, fashion, cuisine and design, while still being within easy reach of sandy beaches.

With stars from stage and screen having performed in the State Theatre over the past 80 years and the classic vertical retail of the Gowings department store, the QT Sydney captures the intrigue and excitement of the past in an edgy, contemporary design style. The 200 guest rooms range in size from 36 to 42 square metres, with some 12 different room styles – most equipped with a signature bathtub and oversized shower. A number of historic building elements have been retained including the original timber floors throughout the Gowings building and reinstatement of the retail showcases in the hotel entry foyer.

The lower levels of the buildings have remained unchanged, but important historic fittings and fixtures such as original stone cladding, gargoyles and facade details, which have been damaged or removed over decades, have been carefully restored. The restaurant, bar, late night lounge and luxurious day Spa attract Sydney’s ‘it’ crowd, particularly those in the fashion and entertainment industries, while the lively lobby, linked to the bustle of Market Street by a streetside Barista creates an exciting aroma and buzz as guests arrive.

http://www.designhotels.com/hotels/oceania/australia/sydney/qt_sydney?workmatrix_user=92f8047dae

There's a few pics of the interiors that mightn't have been seen before too.

And the Gowings signs are still there! Does the State have a light shade of gold? It looks good!

I'm pretty sure its heritage listed and is still lit up at night.

March 9 2012

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/3329/img6996c.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-03-09

Hoardings are nearly gone from The State Theatre.

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/2143/img7005z.jpg
By fabianamuso (http://profile.imageshack.us/user/fabianamuso) at 2012-03-09

Walked past state theatre and the gowings building today.

The protective footpath-scaffolding like stuff, is coming down, and has retreated past the entry to the theatre, revealing the flashing light globes. The state theatre signage looks brilliant, with the exterior now matching the rightful splendour that the building deserves. This I reckon will only get better with the removal of the monorail :D

Also topman/shop is advertising opening in october! Get ready peeps! I had a sneaky glance through the open plywood door, which revealed there is so much renovation work to go.

Sorry for the lack of pictures!

QT Hotel Sydney has opened!!

There is an opening party tonight. Plenty of instagram pictures on twitter however I'll wait until a few less edited photos are available online before posting any.

ABOUT QT SYDNEY

With an eye for modern design whilst reflective of past, the 200 guest suites that make up the QT Sydney hotel have been carefully crafted within the historic Gowings and State theatre buildings. This boutique Sydney accommodation retains many of the buildings most distinctive features, such as the blend of Gothic, Art Deco, and Italianate influenced architecture that form the dazzling exterior of the building.

With a contemporary and, at times, quirky design, all guestrooms feature creature comforts such as luxurious bedding, high-speed internet, walk-in showers and most guest suites also offer an indulgent oversized soaking tub.

The lower levels of this truly designer Sydney Hotel, will retain a historical allure but be the home of Sydney’s hottest new bar Gilt Lounge and Robert Marchetti’s newest creation Gowings Bar & Grill.

FEATURES
200 designer guest rooms
Gowings Bar & Grill
Gilt Lounge
Parlour Lane Roasters
spaQ – luxurious day spa, also open to the public
Private dining and events
24-hour room service

http://www.qtsydney.com.au/hotel-rooms/

I WENT ON TOUR OF THIS YESTERDATY. REALLY COOL PHOTOS LATER IF ANYONE INTERESTED

I would love to see some pics Cul..

Walked past today and the cafe looked cool.. much more open and welcoming than before..

In terms of hotel staff they have gone for the lets try and be young and cool crowd which I guess fits the positioning of the hotel brand but reminds me a bit of the apple store geeks somehow..

Yeah, some pictures would be great please Cul :)

hyperkube - the inevitable invasion of the hipster on what is traditionally white collar turf?

Some photos of the hotel, grill and bar thanks to Broadsheet.
http://www.broadsheet.com.au/sydney/food-and-drink/article/place-stay-and-eat-well

http://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/a7/67/a7675e0ed8329086e2865e2d0baf791a.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/e3/12/e31261d35da8b32eab5c3ca19d2f86b6.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/3a/ce/3ace6b9920c547f38ae58e2614ae8294.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/53/c1/53c1b4976d1c2c5e98aae3e2273f6132.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/05/32/05323066d38a25ea4fe428ed36897ba8.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/a4/fa/a4fa6bd9125819c19988b1d10f83475e.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/a7/47/a7473812fec3d6d1fcd9c9f06e8b2d8a.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/e0/84/e08409d0cd011256db252439c1634708.jpghttp://www.broadsheet.com.au/media-syd/cache/ce/35/ce355e876811b88f37425625be2e5c93.jpg

Looks good!

Thanks ipggi.

I've seen a few of those before but was a bit confused - some look like renders (third, fourth, fifth and the last one).

I had a coffee this week at Parlour Lane Roasters. The coffee was so, so but the fitout and atmosphere was fantastic!! Even better are it's opening hours;

Parlour Lane Roasters
O/H: Monday-Friday 0600-2030, Saturday 0800-2030, Sunday 0900-1700

It's good to have a non-chain cafe open in the core of the CBD, into the early night and on weekends. We need to see more of it!

Haven't been to Gilt Lounge yet but the pictures/renders of it look pretty good and atmospheric too.

Gilt Lounge
O/H: Monday-Wednesday 1800-0000, Thursday-Saturday 1800-0200, Sunday Closed

As a lounge located in a hotel, I think it's a bit unfortunate that they don't open at all on a Sunday.

Gowings Bar and Grill is headed up by Robert Marchetti (of Icebergs fame). It isn't exactly your affordable family diner - $4.50 for a coffee, $9 for a smoothie, $18 for a sandwich, $35 for a for a Nicoise Salad (main) - so it will be interesting to see how it is reviewed in the coming weeks. Good news is they do breakfast, lunch and dinner 7 days and the bar is open 7 days a week also.

Gowings Bar and Grill
O/H: Breakfast 0600-1030, Lunch from 1200, Dinner from 1800. Bar 1200-0000

Looks good!

I think it looks great and classy. :)

The SMH has reviewed the hotel. Photos at the link below.

Too sexy or too much? Verdict on Sydney's newest hotel
October 8, 2012

You know a hotel is going to be a bit on the kooky side when you're met at the door by a staff member with the title "Director of Chaos".

Kitted out in a Rocky Horror-esque, military chic get-up, the flouro-haired Ms Chaos is the sunny meeter and greeter at the brand-new QT's Market Street entrance, where she and her equally chatty colleagues whistle for cabs, take care of valet parking and direct guests to the foyer on level two. Make sure you check out the glass-encased gown made entirely from nana-knickers in the ground floor coffee shop while you wait for the lift.

The scene is presided over by an army of pretty young things in sharp, skinny-legged suits, little black dresses and perfect make-up.

The lift has sensors that actually detect the number of passengers. Solo guests may or may not get a laugh when the Muzak switches to cheesy songs about loneliness. Couples get love songs, while groups get party tunes.

Nursing a case of multiple personality syndrome, the design vibe in the reception area of the $420 a night digs is an amalgam of art deco eccentricity and Gen-Y attitude – pop-coloured sofas meet look-at-me art. Digital LED installations meet classic wood panelling. Add some stage lights, screens showing old movies, bowler hats and retro collectables (baby rhino statue anyone?).

In short, there is a lot going on.

Some impressive pieces such as hot pink and yellow chairs, a group of old-fashioned seamstress mannequins and a must-see wall created using vintage suitcases with a couple of retro TVs and record players thrown in would be perfect as stand-alone statements. Together, it borders on design overload.

But is it fun? Definitely. Sexy? Sure. Too much? Possibly, for those who prefer to unwind after a day at the office amid quieter, more traditional surroundings. If nothing else, it's one of the few five-star hotels in Sydney to depart from chocolate-and-neutrals corporate chic as an interiors theme.

The design team behind the project spent 18-months gathering objets d'art at auctions, on eBay and even council clean-ups to achieve the quirky look designed to reflect the original use of the heritage buildings as well as adding an in-your-face modern flourish.

The scene is presided over by an army of pretty young things in sharp, skinny-legged suits, little black dresses and perfect make-up. The Virgin Airlines approach to employment was in evidence the night we dined in the main restaurant, with good-looking girls in high heels and even higher ponytails seating diners and cool boys behind the bar chatting to us.

We're told the staff was "cast" rather than hired, using an Australian Idol-style audition process of elimination, with the judges looking for personality plus polish, not necessarily experience.

And despite their zany work environment, the staff we encountered at every stage of our overnight stay were professional, with just the right dash of friendly.

The slightly chaotic design theme continues in the guest rooms with a giant asymmetrical red bedhead dominating ours on the seventh floor above George Street. There was a multicoloured rug, odd little animal head figurines on the wall (coat hooks maybe?), a metal artwork, a round yellow table and a black hand sculpture on the bathroom sink. There are retro games of pick-up sticks, marbles, an array of old-fashioned lollies, everything you need to make your own cocktail and black towelling bathrobes. Everything that isn't nailed down is for sale.

Despite being above one of the city's busiest intersections, the room was quiet. We slept blissfully and heard only the slightest rumble from early morning busses below.

Across the 200 rooms, there are 12 unique styles. There are two wings, with half the rooms above the State Theatre in Market Street and the other half in the shell of the old Gowings building, on the corner of Market and George streets.

Converted from a rabbit warren of former offices, the rooms we saw were on the small side except for the apartment-sized, expensive suites on the top floors. The bathrooms are funky and spacious with the giant stand-alone bath the highlight.

Someone with a more classic eye won the argument when it came to designing the main restaurant, Gowings Bar & Grill, where a calmer, sophisticated ambience prevails. Though our mains weren't delivered at the same time, we couldn't fault the meals, with our Black Angus rib-eye steak and beef bourguignon truly memorable.

The writer was a guest of QT Sydney.

The verdict
Where QT Hotel, 49 Market Street, Sydney,

(02) 8262 000

www.qthotels.com.au

How much Rooms from $420 per night.

Top marks Its youthful sense of humour and good service. The food was impressive – we will certainly be back to sample more from the brasserie-style menu

Black mark The bed: Too soft for my firm-mattress taste. And when did it become unfashionable to have a door on the toilet? Brighter lights in the bathroom would also make the morning zhuzh much easier.

Don't miss The cocktail bar: Closed on the night of our visit but a cool, cushion-littered space likely to become a popular spot for after-work drinks and tunes.

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/travel/too-sexy-or-too-much-verdict-on-sydneys-newest-hotel-20121008-278so.html#ixzz28iI62Tms