News
November 07, 2025
‘Not about knocking things down’: City of Sydney prepares for Victoria Barracks sale
With the Albanese government poised to release a long-awaited review into the defence estate, the City of Sydney is getting on the front foot.
**City of Sydney Prepares for Victoria Barracks Sale, Emphasizing Preservation**
As the federal government prepares to unveil the findings of its review into Australia’s defence estate, the City of Sydney is proactively planning for the potential sale of the historic Victoria Barracks in Paddington. While the future of the sprawling site remains uncertain, the city is making it clear that its priority is the preservation and sensitive redevelopment of the significant landmark.
The Albanese government's review, long anticipated, is expected to identify surplus defence properties across the country, paving the way for potential sales and redevelopments. Victoria Barracks, a grand sandstone complex dating back to the mid-19th century, is widely considered a prime candidate for such a sale, given its prominent location and heritage value.
Recognizing the importance of the site to Sydney's history and character, the City of Sydney is taking a proactive approach. Rather than focusing on large-scale demolition and radical transformation, the council is emphasizing the need for a development strategy that respects the Barracks’ historical fabric and integrates it seamlessly into the surrounding community.
"This isn't about knocking things down," a source close to the City of Sydney council stated. "It's about finding a way to breathe new life into the Barracks while preserving its unique heritage. We want to ensure that any future development enhances the site's historical significance and provides benefits for the local community."
The council is expected to advocate for a development that includes a mix of uses, potentially incorporating residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Public access and the preservation of open green spaces within the Barracks grounds are also likely to be key priorities.
The sale of Victoria Barracks presents a unique opportunity to revitalize a significant piece of Sydney's history. However, it also presents challenges in balancing development pressures with the need to protect the site's heritage and character. The City of Sydney's proactive stance signals its commitment to ensuring that any future redevelopment is undertaken responsibly and in a way that benefits both the community and the city as a whole. The coming months will be crucial as the federal government releases its review and the future of Victoria Barracks begins to take shape.
As the federal government prepares to unveil the findings of its review into Australia’s defence estate, the City of Sydney is proactively planning for the potential sale of the historic Victoria Barracks in Paddington. While the future of the sprawling site remains uncertain, the city is making it clear that its priority is the preservation and sensitive redevelopment of the significant landmark.
The Albanese government's review, long anticipated, is expected to identify surplus defence properties across the country, paving the way for potential sales and redevelopments. Victoria Barracks, a grand sandstone complex dating back to the mid-19th century, is widely considered a prime candidate for such a sale, given its prominent location and heritage value.
Recognizing the importance of the site to Sydney's history and character, the City of Sydney is taking a proactive approach. Rather than focusing on large-scale demolition and radical transformation, the council is emphasizing the need for a development strategy that respects the Barracks’ historical fabric and integrates it seamlessly into the surrounding community.
"This isn't about knocking things down," a source close to the City of Sydney council stated. "It's about finding a way to breathe new life into the Barracks while preserving its unique heritage. We want to ensure that any future development enhances the site's historical significance and provides benefits for the local community."
The council is expected to advocate for a development that includes a mix of uses, potentially incorporating residential, commercial, and cultural spaces. Public access and the preservation of open green spaces within the Barracks grounds are also likely to be key priorities.
The sale of Victoria Barracks presents a unique opportunity to revitalize a significant piece of Sydney's history. However, it also presents challenges in balancing development pressures with the need to protect the site's heritage and character. The City of Sydney's proactive stance signals its commitment to ensuring that any future redevelopment is undertaken responsibly and in a way that benefits both the community and the city as a whole. The coming months will be crucial as the federal government releases its review and the future of Victoria Barracks begins to take shape.
Category:
Politics