20 May, 2020

Historic Sydney venue could make way for 270-metre residential tower

The City of Sydney has approved two development applications for what could be the city’s tallest residential tower at 270-metres and a 43-storey building.

Both builds straddle separate blocks of land at the Event Cinemas site, which could see the demolition of the last of George Street’s historic cinemas.

According to the 270-metre residential tower’s developer Mirvac, the property would include 507 units, house a childcare facility, shops, a separate boutique cinema and meeting room facility for council, and a 347-car parking lot.

The scheme also includes plans to improve pedestrian connectivity at ground level by linking George Street and Kent Street, as well as significantly enhancing the existing streetscape.

The Sydney Morning Herald reported that Mirvac’s $692 million build proposal includes the demolition of the existing Event cinema complex.

Coombes Property Group is the landowner and developer of the project. Ownership of the completed development by Mirvac is intended to be retained by Coombes Property Group and the building offered for lease.

Mirvac is coordinating the project on behalf of Coombes Property Group.

The project’s developer, Event Hospitality & Entertainment, told SMH the site would consist of hotel accommodation, residential apartments and parking for 159 cars.

Prior to its temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Event George Street was known to host annual general meetings, conferences, presentations, fundraisers, roadshows, private parties, and private screenings.

Furthermore, Event launched its boutique cinema concept at its flagship George St site in July last year.

It is unclear at this stage what the future of the cinema complex looks like, especially in the case of events. However, The Nibbler has contacted Event Hospitality & Entertainment for comment.

As it stands, any decision on its future is still under wraps, with the company’s chief executive Jane Hastings telling the SMH and ABC News the site would become a mixed-use development.

“There are no plans at this stage to close the George Street cinemas,” Hastings said.

“As soon as government restrictions are lifted and new release film product is available, we look forward to delivering a superior customer experience at this location.”

According to SMH, Event Hospitality’s proposal includes the “demolition of the existing building” and notes “four separate cinema rooms” would be included in the final project.

Event Cinemas lays claim to having the last remaining theatre on George Street’s historic entertainment strip, which housed the Hoyts cinema, a Crystal Palace Theatre, Regent Theatre and the Victory Theatre during the 1900s.

Featured image: Mirvac

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Event Cinema Event Hospitality & Entertainment george street Mirvac