A proposal submitted to the City of Sydney details plans to replace some coloured window panes at the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) with ultra-clear glass. Cracknell and Lonergan Architects, in a letter to the City of Sydney, stated that this change would enhance visual appeal and effectiveness for prospective retail tenancies within the city's CBD shopping centre.
The application, lodged in December, suggests that coloured glass currently hinders product visibility, affecting stores along Market Street, three bays on George Street, and one on York Street. These alterations are described as minor.
Public and Heritage Response
Public submissions concerning the proposal are being accepted until February 6. Some respondents have urged the council to reject the plan, citing concerns about preserving the building's heritage and unique appeal. The QVB, a state-listed heritage building, requires approval under special legislation for any modifications.
Vicinity Centres, the building managers and applicant, stated that they are committed to preserving the QVB's heritage. A spokesperson clarified that the proposed changes apply only to reconstructed glass panels, not original stained glass, aiming to improve natural light and visibility while maintaining architectural consistency along the key CBD frontage. Cracknell and Lonergan Architects declined to comment.
Economic Considerations
The existing coloured glass, which reconstructs original stained-glass from the 1980s, lines the exterior of the 128-year-old Romanesque sandstone structure. The City of Sydney identifies the QVB as a significant heritage building. A 2019 conservation management plan permits changes to the exterior provided they do not negatively impact the building's overall heritage significance.
Consultants cited in the application argue that the QVB's corner tenancies experience "poor visualisation on retail performance." They suggest that these spaces are perceived as "not being fit for purpose" by global retail brands seeking flagship locations outside of Pitt Street Mall. The proposal cites 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 opted for a different level within the QVB due to perceived undesirability of mezzanine and Level 1 spaces. Consultants concluded that the coloured glass imposes a "significant economic burden" on the landlord, reducing the attractiveness and value of the retail space.
Current Status
The City of Sydney has received numerous submissions regarding the development application. The application is currently under review by the Heritage Council of NSW and the City of Sydney's heritage team. Due to the volume of public input, the proposal will proceed to the Local Planning Panel for a final determination.