A proposal to replace reconstructed coloured window panes at Sydney's Queen Victoria Building (QVB) with clear glass has been withdrawn by building managers, Vicinity Centres. The decision followed public opposition and community feedback regarding the heritage-listed building. The application, which sought to enhance retail visibility and address economic performance concerns, had been submitted to the City of Sydney in December.
Initial Proposal and Rationale
Vicinity Centres lodged a development application with the City of Sydney in December, proposing to replace specific coloured window panes with ultra-clear glass. The proposed changes targeted retail tenancies along Market Street, three bays on George Street, and one on York Street.
Cracknell and Lonergan Architects, in a letter supporting the application, stated the change aimed to enhance visual appeal and effectiveness for prospective retail tenancies within the city's CBD shopping centre. Vicinity Centres argued that the existing coloured windows were not "fit for purpose" for modern retail.
Economic Considerations
Consultants cited in the application indicated that corner tenancies in the QVB experienced "poor visualization on retail performance." They suggested these spaces were perceived as "not being fit for purpose" by global retail brands seeking flagship locations outside of Pitt Street Mall. The proposal cited instances where potential tenancies, including a global flagship lifestyle brand and a luxury jewellery brand, reportedly withdrew after being denied permission to alter the glass. One retailer reportedly opted for a different level within the QVB due to perceived undesirability of mezzanine and Level 1 spaces. The application stated that one withdrawal alone resulted in over $1 million in lost rent, concluding that the coloured glass imposed a "significant economic burden" on the landlord, reducing the attractiveness and value of the retail space.
Heritage Context and Public Response
The Queen Victoria Building, a 128-year-old Romanesque sandstone structure, is a state-listed heritage building, requiring approval under special legislation for modifications. The existing coloured glass panels proposed for replacement were reconstructed in the 1980s, based on original stained-glass designs. Vicinity Centres clarified that the proposed changes applied only to these reconstructed panels, not the original stained glass, aiming to improve natural light and visibility while maintaining architectural consistency. A 2019 conservation management plan permits changes to the exterior provided they do not negatively impact the building's overall heritage significance.
Public submissions regarding the proposal were accepted until February 6. A significant number of respondents urged the council to reject the plan, citing concerns about preserving the building's heritage and unique appeal.
Application Withdrawal
The application was under review by the Heritage Council of NSW and the City of Sydney's heritage team, and due to the volume of public input, it was initially set to proceed to the Local Planning Panel for a final determination.
However, Vicinity Centres subsequently withdrew the development application. A spokesperson for Vicinity Centres stated that the company had considered community sentiment regarding the building's heritage and its commitment to preservation. City of Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed the withdrawal, identifying the QVB as a significant heritage building and appreciating the operators' decision to maintain the building's original vision and craftwork.