Toga and AsheMorgan have revealed plans to transform a series of heritage buildings on Sydney’s Oxford Street into commercial, retail and creative spaces, alongside a 75-room boutique hotel.

The companies have lodged a Development Application for over 13,000 sqm of lettable floor area at 56-76, 82-106, and 110-122 Oxford Street for the project, which is located along Oxford Street between Oxford Square and Taylor Square.

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.

“The Darlinghurst Collection presents an exciting and significant opportunity to help shape the future of one of Sydney’s cultural meccas,” said Toga CEO, Fabrizio Perilli.

“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.

“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,” Jones said.

“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.”

The planned boutique hotel is set to have 75 rooms, which will include a rooftop pool and sun deck, with access to ground floor retail.

AsheMorgan Principal – Investor Relations and Acquisitions, Mendy Moss, said: “We 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.” 

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. 

James Wilkinson

Editor-In-Chief, Hotel Management