The retained 10-storey heritage building will be refurbished and will house the project’s commercial spaces, while a new 22-storey residential tower will rise above the podium. A landscaped terrace will link the commercial and residential components of the project.

The elliptical form of the residential tower, containing 101 apartments, continues the identity created by the curved podium. Bronze ribbons that continuously wrap around the tower retain the material palette of the existing podium.
Image: The elliptical form of the residential tower, containing 101 apartments, continues the identity created by the curved podium. Bronze ribbons that continuously wrap around the tower retain the material palette of the existing podium. (Image: fjmt)
Image: The scheme proposes a curved residential tower suspended above the commercial podium. The three components of the development are connected by an atrium, enabling visual links to the base of the ‘floating’ tower while also letting natural light into the retail and office spaces.
Image: The scheme proposes a curved residential tower suspended above the commercial podium. The three components of the development are connected by an atrium, enabling visual links to the base of the ‘floating’ tower while also letting natural light into the retail and office spaces. (Image: fjmt)

Connected via existing bridge and tunnel links, the five retail floors will be part of Scentre Group’s Westfield Sydney expansion. Offering approximately 7,300 sqm of retail space, the development provides opportunities for flagship and luxury tenancies. Retail tenancies at street level, including two flagship retail tenancies may also have individual entries from Castlereagh or Market Streets. Architecture firm fjmt explained that the southerly positioning of the secondary mall entrance on Castlereagh Street complements the main Market Street entrance and encourages pedestrian movement at retail level R3 (ground floor).

The prominent Market Street and Castlereagh Street corner provides an opportunity for a flagship tenancy to have a significant retail presence along the curved corner of the existing building.
Image: The prominent Market Street and Castlereagh Street corner provides an opportunity for a flagship tenancy to have a significant retail presence along the curved corner of the existing building. (Image: fjmt)

The scheme features an atrium void, which visually connects the retail floors to the commercial floors and beyond to the base of the residential tower. The ribbon-like nature of the void complements the curvature of the existing heritage building, as well as the residential tower. The main retail circulation is situated within this void, creating an identity and providing visual interest when shoppers journey through the levels as well as when users look up or down the void to other floors.

Approximately 11,000 sqm of office space across levels 7-12 will be developed by Cbus Property, which will also have the atrium void running through its levels. This visually connects the spaces to the retail floors and the base of the residential tower, while also allowing natural light into the spaces. This office component will have a separate entrance and lobby, with the location of the core on the southern end of the site maximising the flexibility and size of the office floorplates.

The atrium void that runs through the commercial levels within the heritage podium to the base of the suspended residential tower allows natural light to illuminate the office and retail spaces within the building.
Image: The atrium void that runs through the commercial levels within the heritage podium to the base of the suspended residential tower allows natural light to illuminate the office and retail spaces within the building. (Image: fjmt)
The landscaped communal terrace on Level 14 will offer views to the city skyline, Hyde Park, and Sydney Harbour. It will also contain amenities and recreationals spaces for residents, including seating areas, a pool, bbq facilities, reading areas, gardens, etc. Elements such as an undulating pergola ribbon weaving through the terrace, green trellises, integrated sculptural timber benches, and paved walkways add to the character of the terrace and creates a sense of community in the project.
Image: The landscaped communal terrace on Level 14 will offer views to the city skyline, Hyde Park, and Sydney Harbour. It will also contain amenities and recreational spaces for residents, including seating areas, a pool, bbq facilities, reading areas, gardens, etc. Elements such as an undulating pergola ribbon weaving through the terrace, green trellises, integrated sculptural timber benches, and paved walkways add to the character of the terrace and creates a sense of community in the project.  (Image: fjmt)

The project provides opportunities for public art displays, as encouraged by the City of Sydney to improve the public domain and to create landmarks that attract people. Fjmt has identified various options for public art, with the gridded heritage building, the new tower and the rooftop garden being potential canvasses for art.  

One of the public art options identified is digital projections on the heritage building and/or windows. Other options include perforations on the underside of the residential tower’s louvres, roofscape art on the roof of the heritage podium (to be viewed from buildings that overlook the terrace), as well as a photographic installation on the full height bounding wall of the car plaza which provides access to the basement.
Image: One of the public art options identified is digital projections on the heritage building and/or windows. Other options include perforations on the underside of the residential tower’s louvres, roofscape art on the roof of the heritage podium (to be viewed from buildings that overlook the terrace), as well as a photographic installation on the full height bounding wall of the car plaza which provides access to the basement. (Image: fjmt)

The mixed-use complex is near St James Station, and will be near the future Pitt Street Station to the south and the future Martin Place Station to the north. The precinct is undergoing development, with projects such as the City Tattersalls Club redevelopment to the west, Martin Place Station Integrated Development to the north, and a potential 201 Elizabeth Street redevelopment proposed.   

Cover Image: The proposal combines an adaptive reuse of the heritage former David Jones store and a new residential tower. The project has the potential of creating a landmark within Sydney’s CBD. (Image: fjmt)