Sydney art deco icon to be transformed into luxury retail and apartments
Original source: By Kate Farrelly
Domain.com.au
Construction is underway at 111 Castlereagh, the redevelopment of the art deco building which was home to David Jones for more than 80 years.
Set to offer 11,500 square metres of premium-grade office space, a 9500-square-metre extension of Westfield Sydney’s luxury retail offering, and 98 luxury apartments, the 22-storey development is centrally located in the heart of Sydney’s CBD.
Those lucky enough to live in the residential tower can expect views of Hyde Park and Sydney Harbour, as well as access to two levels of rooftop gardens and communal amenities.
These include a private dining room, a multifunction space – with a catering kitchen – several terraces, a secure, climate-controlled wine cellar, a gym and yoga deck, and a heated open-air pool with a deck and sun lounges.
The heritage facade will be retained, with a new central atrium created to house commercial and retail spaces.
The iconic art deco property at 111 Castlereagh St in Sydney was the home of David Jones for more than 80 years. Photo: Supplied
Cbus Property chief executive Adrian Pozzo says the heritage podium was constructed in the 1930s and is an exemplar of interwar functionalist design.
“The use of Hawkesbury sandstone and the distinctive curved facade of the podium inspired the curved, beehive shape of the new residential tower, as well as other, art deco-inspired contemporary architecture, including the ceilings of the residential lobby,” he says.
A feat of extraordinary engineering and design, the curvilinear tower of 111 Castlereagh references futuristic forms, Pozzo says. “It’s an incredible object seemingly suspended over, yet embedded into, the historic foundation below.”
Pozzo says unique projects like 111 Castlereagh are the norm at Cbus Property and often become landmarks for the cities in which they take pride of place.
“While each project we work on is truly unique, with a unique set of challenges and rewards, we share ideas, cross-pollinate information and solutions and bring past lessons learnt to each new project, in order to meet the ever-evolving needs of our customers,” he says.
The distinctive beehive design inspired by the original building. Photo: Supplied
The highly convenient location, set within easy walking distance of a host of amenities and public transport options, is likely to be a drawcard for buyers.
“We envisage residents of 111 Castlereagh making the most of the incredible Sydney CBD location, with Hyde Park, The Domain, Sydney Harbour and a long list of coveted fashion houses, restaurants, theatres, art galleries and museums all at your doorstep,” Pozzo says.
“A typical day may include waking up at dawn for a sunrise walk around Hyde Park or a workout in the residents’ gym, picking up coffee from your favourite local cafe before breakfast on your balcony overlooking Sydney Harbour and beyond.”
The new development with include 98 luxury apartments .
If work is not on your agenda, you could spend the morning reading a book beside the pool, or you might ask the concierge to book you a table at a favourite restaurant for a long lunch after some retail therapy in the newly refurbished Westfield Sydney, which is only a lift ride away.
“You could unwind by selecting a special drop – or two – from your personal wine cellar to go with a professionally catered dinner you are hosting for guests in the private dining room, before heading out to a performance of The Australian Ballet at the Sydney Opera House for the evening,” Pozzo says.
“There are so many ways to spend your day with 111 Castlereagh as your home base – the world is your oyster!”