After nearly four years of construction and double that time talking about it, the revitalised Surry Hills Village is here.
And it doesn’t disappoint.
There’s no trace of the dodgy 1960s-era shopping centre that started out as “Redfern Mall” – though the locals often unkindly called it “Murder Mall” or “Methadone Mall” due to its rundown state and the unsavoury types it attracted.
That’s all changed.
I’m a proud Redfern resident, have been for 14 years, upgrading from Surry Hills.
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There are just 18 apartments left for sale at the popular new Surry Hills Village at 10 Baptist St, Redfern. The complex features 122 units in total.
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This display apartment has a good-sized lounge room with an easterly aspect.
It’s for sale at $2.25m.
Back in the day, it wasn’t uncommon for the police to be called to the mall, with staff or passers-by holding shoplifters in a headlock and the coppers dragging them off into a police van.
They changed the name to Surry Hills Village a few decades back because Redfern was a bit on the nose in those days.
Now, of course, Redfern is uber cool, full of young professionals, families and plenty of millionaires. Surry Hills Village, by respected developer Toga, is for them.
Already, a swanky new Coles has opened. And its retail and restaurant precinct, Wunderlich Lane, is on the way: Harris Farm comes at the end of the month; then a huge 200-seat Greek eatery called Olympus (spin-off of Potts Point’s Apollo); LuMi Dining, an Italian restaurant with a Japanese twist; a pub/eatery from House Made Hospitality (Carrington Hotel, Promenade Bondi Beach); Blooms Chemist; Beyond Eyecare, lifestyle and gift shop Saarde and, it’s common knowledge though Toga won’t confirm, Messina.
The display apartment has two bedrooms.
The bedrooms are at opposite sides of the apartment, giving separation for homeowners and guests or tenants.
There are two stylish bathrooms.
It’s the prospect of the famous gelato being so close that has many Redfern locals salivating the most.
Real estate firm The Agency is moving its HQ from Bondi Beach to upstairs offices in September and exclusive Eve Hotel Sydney will arrive soon after.
And then there are the apartments — they’re to die for`. The residents have just started moving in.
There are 122 units, designed by SJB Architects with interiors by BKH.
All but 18 have sold, with those remaining including two-bedders from $2,175,000 and three-bedders from $3.2m. There’s also one penthouse left, with impressive district views and expectations well above $7m.
Toga’s general manager for sales, Anthony Falas, has a clear idea of why the apartments have been so popular.
The author in the old Surry Hills Village, just before it closed in January, 2021.
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Pet owners will appreciate the dog-washing area, off the landscaped internal courtyard.
There are 10 EV charges in the downstairs public parking area.
“I believe it’s the level of the finish of the product itself, a lot of them are oversized apartments with balconies, with an outlook as well,” he said. “But also the amazing retail component … which will underpin the vibe and activity that we want in this precinct.”
Having all these offerings downstairs certainly makes the likes of me want to move in.
Surry Hills Village apartment owners who got in early were able to secure an EV charger for their own car spot. They’ve all gone. Though at least there are 10 EV chargers for the public in the underground carpark.
Then there’s a special dog-washing room for my pampered pooch off the landscaped internal courtyard. And yes, I do love the apartments.
Where do I sign?