A proposal to remove the coloured-glass tiles from Sydney’s Queen Victoria Building (QVB) has been withdrawn following strong community opposition, a development welcomed by Business Sydney chief executive Paul Nicolaou and Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore.
The development application, lodged with the City of Sydney by Cracknell and Lonergan Architects on behalf of partial landowner Vicinity Centres, sought approval to replace the QVB’s stained-glass shopfront panels with clear glass. Proponents argued the existing glass reduced visibility for retailers and negatively affected the commercial appeal of the heritage-listed building.
The proposal attracted significant opposition, with 1,755 submissions lodged with council objecting to the plan. City of Sydney planning staff also advised that the removal of the coloured glass was not supported on heritage grounds, noting the QVB’s status as a state-listed landmark.
The withdrawal follows public criticism from business and civic leaders, including Nicolaou and the Lord Mayor, both of whom had raised concerns about altering the QVB’s heritage features and argued that strengthening city vibrancy – rather than changing the building’s appearance – should be the priority.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the Queen Victoria Building remained one of Sydney’s most important and cherished heritage structures.
“As the city around the QVB changes, it remains a bold and significant example of both our architectural history and cultural fabric,” she said.
“I’m glad its operators have listened to the community and will maintain and honour this important aspect of the original vision for the building and its superb craftwork.”
Ms Moore noted the building had narrowly avoided demolition in the 1960s and has since been carefully restored and repurposed, continuing to serve as a central meeting place and commercial hub in the city.
Nicolaou, who had previously questioned the need to alter the shopfronts, said the withdrawal reflected a sensible outcome.
“Business Sydney thanks the owners of the QVB for withdrawing a plan to replace stained-glass shopfront window panels with clear glass,” he said.
“Replacing the multi-coloured panels would have irrevocably changed the heritage fabric and appearance of the QVB. Its owners are to be applauded for listening to the people.”
He reiterated that long-term CBD revitalisation depended on creating a lively, engaging city environment rather than altering heritage features.
“In-store events, late-night trading, pop-ups, live music and cultural programming are what encourage people to spend more time in the city,” Nicolaou said.
“When the city feels vibrant and alive, arguments for changing the appearance of an iconic heritage building quickly fall away.”
Vicinity Centres said it had taken community sentiment into account and acknowledged the strong connection many Sydneysiders have with the QVB, confirming the decision to withdraw the application.
Deputy Lord Mayor Jess Miller also welcomed the outcome, expressing satisfaction that the building’s distinctive stained-glass shopfronts would be retained.
The withdrawal brings to a close a proposal that prompted widespread debate and highlights the influence of public advocacy in decisions affecting Sydney’s historic landmarks.
Source: The Daily Telegraph
