Mural for historic Taylor Square T2 building

Once home to a 24 hour nightclub, Taylor Square’s T2 building will be adorned with a new mural commissioned by the City of Sydney.

The mural will be painted by Aboriginal Artist Reko Rennie as part of ‘Always was, always will be’ for Streetware 2012, an annual program demonstrating temporary art instillations in the city’s laneways. City of Sydney CEO Monica Barone said ‘Always was, always will be’ would make for a thought provoking addition to Taylor Square.

“Taylor Square is one of Sydney’s most iconic public spaces, making it the perfect home for this extraordinary artwork by one of Australia’s most talented street artists,” she said.

Following the opening of the exhibition, several smaller artworks will be installed in and around Foley St in late October, as part of this year’s Streetware program. While the City Of Sydney has a zero tolerance stance on street graffiti, Council emphasised Mr Rennie’s mural is not considered in a sanctioned category.

“Reko Rennie’s larger-than-life mural is a fascinating mix of traditional imagery and contemporary techniques, and is bound to be an instant hit with the thousands of people who pass through the area each day.”

The first Streetware was held in 2010, and has since given more than 20 artists the opportunity to exhibit their work in the public domain. All artworks will stay in place until March 2013, when the façade of the building will undergo a heritage restoration.

“Here is a great opportunity for artists, chefs or retailers to join the creative buzz on Oxford St in one of the area’s landmark buildings,” City of Sydney Executive Manager of Culture, Rachel Healy said. “This could involve putting an art gallery or work space in the underground level, while having a café or shop on street level to attract passersby.”

The T2 building was originally a night club with a colourful history. Downstairs the building was home to a popular underground leather bar with a popular night club on the other floors.

Alcohol-fuelled incidents led to the temporary closure of the establishment, which was eventually put on the market. Council purchased the property several years ago in order to reduce the concentration of drinking establishments on and around Taylor Square.

Council has indicated it plans to convert the building into a cycle hub. During the recent Council elections, various parties argued the building should instead be used for a Mardi Gras museum. Restoration of the T2 building will begin early next year.