Arts hub at CUB site

By Reuben Brand

The City of Sydney and Frasers Property have planned a cultural makeover for the CUB site in Broadway, turning empty warehouses into studio space for artists.

Under the plan, up to three warehouses and five terraces at the old Kent brewery on Kensington Street, Chippendale will be transformed into temporary studio space for local Sydney artists.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was pleased to see Frasers Property supporting the local arts community.
‘The City provides a platform for creative expression and has a concentration of world class cultural destinations and a growing cluster of businesses engaged in creative industries. These new studios will be a part of that dynamic mix,’ she said.

Nicholas Wolff, Chief Operating Officer of Frasers Property, said that since purchasing the site last year Frasers Property had worked closely with the community, and the council to create a new heart for the southern CBD.

‘A place that is not just about beautiful buildings but which creates great spaces people will want to use and make a real contribution to the cultural life of Chippendale,’ he said. ‘We believe providing temporary artist spaces on site during construction is a great way to embed this philosophy from the start.’

But there is a call for more local live-in artist studios in the inner city. Pyrmont Ultimo Chamber of Commerce president Lawrence Gibbons (also publisher of the Sydney City Hub) said given that there are nearly 200 creative design businesses in the Ultimo, Pyrmont and Glebe areas, the Bay Street depot site would make an ideal location for a creative arts space.

‘We urge that the government give pride of place to art and artists in the development of an integrated affordable housing scheme on the site of the former Bay Street Depot,’ he said. 

Artists or organisations seeking space at FraserStudios should contact Lisa McCutchison on (02) 8823 8800 or lisa.mccutchion@frasersgreencliff.com