180 George Street plaza building: call for Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander tenant

Front view of an open urban plaza with towering canopy.

Apply online for tender E-2022-720

You will need to create a Tenderlink login to access the full expression of interest documents and application form.

Seeking expressions of interest to operate and curate a new community plaza building at 180 George Street, Sydney

An Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander business opportunity to play an integral role in this new precinct with an assisted grant subsidy.

Connect with visitors, workers and businesses and land your new home in the emerging Circular Quay precinct at 180 George Street, Sydney.

At the heart of this new precinct development is the City of Sydney’s plaza building. This site will become a major architectural addition to George Street, drawing design inspiration from Indigenous architecture, culture and gathering. The site will feature one of the largest Aboriginal artworks in Australia.

We’re looking for an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander operator to manage, curate and program the internal space plus the public plaza.

Businesses and creative and cultural organisations are welcome to apply for a subsidised 5-year lease for this space under an accommodation grant from the City of Sydney.

Applications have now closed 

These dates may change.

  • Applications open: Thursday 8 December 2022
  • Deadline for enquiries: Friday 3 March 2023
  • Applications close: 11am Friday 10 March 2023
Side view of open urban plaza with towering canopy above.
Rear view of open urban plaza with towering canopy above.
Side view of open urban plaza with towering canopy above.
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The offer

The commercial retail space comprises around 300 square metres including:

  • ground floor adjoining the outdoor public plaza and 24-hour accessible lobby. This ground floor spills out to the public plaza and suspended public art installation, a large canopy connecting the roof pitch designed by Indigenous artist Daniel Boyd. Fitout of the indoor space is subject to a separate development application to be undertaken by the successful tenant. This space is designed to operate as a retail premises, cultural display or exhibition space or as a cafe with associated indoor and outdoor seating. 
  • first floor multipurpose space to be used primarily for community benefit. This flexible space could be used as a meeting place or community gallery. Ideally this space provides a platform for exhibitions, performances or retail.
  • upper viewing terrace, publicly accessible.

The ground and first floor spaces include a mix of spaces for cultural and commercial use. Both are designed to accommodate a maximum of 50 people per floor.

Future neighbouring tenants include:

  • the 55-storey Salesforce tower
  • new hospitality landmark venue Jacksons, a reinvention of the former Jacksons on George
  • retail-lined laneways
  • underground cycling facility.

Expressions of interest to find an operator for the onsite public cycling facility is also open. This is offered in conjunction with a second cycling facility on Sussex Street, Sydney under a management agreement. Find out more about the expression of interest for the related cycling facility.

Construction of the precinct was recently completed. Retailers and commercial tenants are scheduled to move in throughout 2023. We hope to find an operator to commence trading in 2023.