Surry Hills

“...the concept of Sydney as a city of villages can be no better illustrated than this public library and neighbourhood centre in Crown Street, just up the road for our office...”

Lippmann Partnership was established on Crown Street Surry Hills in 1985, and has seen the area gradually transform itself into a vibrant mixed use precinct within easy reach of the city centre. 

Shannon Reserve and a small strip of shops opposite are the epicentre of this precinct. A community library and child care facility which had become very dilapidated are strategically located opposite the reserve and adjacent to a small public square the south. Having seen the change in the neighbourhood, Lippmann Partnership approached the City of Sydney suggesting a more appropriate site for the child care centre and subsequent development of a new library with a greater access for the public off Crown Street. Additionally, the potential for some cafes and retail use to reinforce street activity was considered appropriate to underpin the commercial viability of the new development.