Oxford Street’s northern side has been under construction for some time now.
But that’s all about to change. One of the companies behind the project to revitalise it has told Gay Sydney News that it will complete construction by mid-next year, allowing tenants to open their doors from then onwards.
Retail tenants will include Lune Croissanterie (famous for its croissants in Melbourne and Brisbane), Mapo Gelato, fashion house Alpha60, and a new live entertainment and culinary concept over two floors.
Sony Music and tech start-up Dovetail will also call it home – and there’ll be a retail laneway behind it on Foley St.
“These renowned brands will be complemented by unique and emerging cultural and creative operators, enhancing the rich tapestry of Oxford Street and revitalising Foley Street, turning it into a vibrant hub and laneway precinct with outdoor dining and entertainment,” said Alton Abrahams, principal at investment company AsheMorgan, which is backing the $200 million project being built by property developer TOGA.
“A meaningful public artwork is also being curated to celebrate the significance of the location to First Nations, the LGBTQIA+ community and their allies,” added Abrahams.
Known as Oxford & Foley, the development will open in mid-2024, said Abrahams, with tenants opening their doors from then onwards.
The Australian Financial Review newspaper reported in May last year that the development was due to start by late June of the same year, with staged openings from early this year. The newspaper also reported that the completion of the project was scheduled for the middle of this year. It has since been delayed.
Abrahams said AsheMorgan worked closely with the City of Sydney to ensure the old charm of the area is retained, “while breathing new life” into the Darlinghurst area.
Ben Grubb is the founder and editor of Gay Sydney News, an independent publication covering LGBTQIA+ news. A journalist with more than 15 years' experience, he has reported and edited for The Sydney Morning Herald, The Age, WAToday, Brisbane Times, The Australian Financial Review, News.com.au, ZDNet, TelecomTimes and iTnews, primarily on the topic of technology. He previously hosted The Informer, a queer current affairs program on Melbourne’s JOY 94.9 radio station, and contributes to LGBTQIA+ media including Stun Magazine. Ben has also appeared as a technology commentator on Channel Ten's The Project, ABC RN’s Download This Show and commercial radio stations 2UE, 2GB and 6PR. Contact Ben: ben.grubb@gaysydneynews.com.au
