Between each of the four buildings are small clearly defined open spaces. Photograph by Patrick Bingham-Hall.

  • Client ::

    • Lend Lease

  • Location ::

    • Paddington, NSW

  • Completed ::

    • 2000

  • Team ::

    • Peter Tonkin, Paul Rolfe, Scott Falvey, Roger O'Sullivan, James Grant, Christian Fisher. Photos by Patrick Bingham-Hall

Project Description::

The Entertainment Quarter uses the heritage-listed former Sydney Showgrounds for film production studios, entertainment and retail spaces, with a combination of new and refurbished buildings. This project was developed within an overall master plan, conceived in liaison with government and community groups.

Four newly built two storey retail buildings by Tonkin Zulaikha Greer surround the major open space of the Showgrounds former Parade Ring. They replace demolished mid 20th Century grandstands, and have been designed to address both the Ring and the new curving pedestrian street located behind them. The new buildings accommodate a mix of restaurant and general retail, and integrate with large areas of public open space. The forms of the buildings relate to the adjoining historic grandstands, and to the pedestrian routes that have been retained or created on the site.

The single-pitch and curved rooflines respond to the arc of the pedestrian street. The end elevations are modulated to create, between each of the buildings, a range of smaller open spaces. Details and materials (metal, face brick, timber) were developed to continue the spirit of the old Showground in a contemporary way.