Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Panov Scott have together designed the redevelopment of a five-building apartment and entertainment precinct on Darlinghurst Road, where Kings Cross meets Potts Point.
The project will see the existing Radnor and Empire buildings demolished and replaced, while the Lowestoft, Bourbon, and Commodore buildings will be partially demolished and restored. The site is located on the land of the Gadigal people of the Eora Nation.
Once complete, the block will accommodate two pubs, a hotel, medical centre, retail tenancies and 54 apartments. A new four-level basement will be built for services, storage, car parking and a commercial tenancy.
“This project is about harnessing the rich urban diversity and density of Sydney’s first 24 hour economy, whilst simultaneously providing vibrant and pleasant residential and commercial accommodation that meets contemporary controls and standards,” state the architects in planning documents.
“Our approach is rooted in the notation of the architectural continuum with historic and contemporary buildings sitting side by side. They simultaneously echo the Glittering Mile’s rich and colourful history and make a proclamation about the Cross’s optimistic and urban future.”
18-32A Darlinghurst Road Potts Point by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Panov Scott.
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and Panov Scott were selected as architects for the project through a competitive design process, which allowed developer Piccadilly Hotel Operations to add a bonus 10 percent ground floor area for the $65 million project. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer is leading the design for the Lowestoft, Commodore and Empire buildings, while Panov Scott is designing the Bourbon and Radnor buildings.
The new buildings will feature highly detailed masonry, complementing the surrounding heritage 19th and 20th century buildings. Each building will be designed to be read as a distinct form, with different brick colours emphasizing the distinction, including contemporary whites, heritage brown blends, vibrant rusty reds and a deep blue/black brick.
On one building, a large custom glass mosaic will celebrate the history of the internationally renowned Les Girls nightclub, where legendary cabaret performer Carlotta performed from the early 1960s.
The architects state in planning documents that the proposal seeks to maintain the scale and eclecticism of the area, which “for almost a century has been populated by diverse people from all corners of the world and walks of life searching for a future or an enthralling experience.”
The scheme includes new public spaces, including a new through-site link between Darlignhurst Road and Barncleuth Lane; a small plaza at the intersection of the through site link and Barncleuth Lane and the extension of the footpath adjacent to the restored heritage facade of the Bourbon.
The landscape design has been developed with James Mather Delaney Design.
The development application for the project is on public exhibition until 20 October.
