Sydney Qtopia Sydney – Former Darlinghurst Police Station

Contact point

Picture of Trish Ball
Trish Ball Director Heritage, Environment and Planning 0455 058 773

Background

The former Darlinghurst Police Station is located within the Oxford Street Heritage Conservation area. The building is listed on the State Heritage Register within the Sydney Mardi Gras Parade Route.

During a high-level façade inspection, undertaken by our multidisciplinary heritage conservation team, it was found that much of the overhanging and lower-level stone was deteriorated and had reached the end of its serviceable life, posing a safety risk. As a result, conservation works were required.

Our role

Due to the impending opening of Qtopia Sydney, it was decided, in conjunction with Create NSW, that the required conservation works were to be staged.

Within a short timeframe, the Minister’s Stonework Program (MSP) provided strategic planning, scoped documentation, planning approvals, quality assurance through construction and co-funded delivery of the stage 1 works.

Stage 1 focused on the Forbes Street entry. The front awning lining had collapsed due to moisture damage and had been removed from the site. Our team used the original plans for the awning and historic photos to reconstruct the lining to match the original.

Statutory approvals for this work were enabled by NSW Public Works’ environment and planning team who advised the works were an exempt development under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979.

Key facts

  • The Former Darlinghurst Police Station now houses Qtopia Sydney, a welcoming and inclusive museum space devoted to the memory, education and celebration of the unique histories and lived experiences of the LGBTQIA+ community.
  • The project is co-funded by the Minister’s Stonework Program and Create NSW.

Outcomes

Stage 1 works were completed on time and within budget. They included:

  • repair and replacement of rainwater elements e.g., gutters and cast iron downpipes
  • reconstruction of the Forbes St entry awning
  • cleaning of the façade
  • repointing of open masonry joints
  • repair of synthetic sandstone
  • repair and repainting of timber joinery and metalwork.

With the completion of these works, Qtopia Sydney is now open to the public.