Jacksons on George, the well-known pub in Sydney’s CBD, has been closed by owners Lendlease and will be demolished shortly to make way for an updated F&B venue.
Lendlease has shut down the pub as it prepares to significantly transform it as part of its Circular Quay development, which comprises a 55-storey office tower, Circular Quay Tower, with a mixed-use podium, retail-lined laneways and the new hospitality offering at Jacksons on George.
Jacksons on George will be replaced with a three-level food and beverage precinct, including a modern Australian gastropub and restaurant, and an outdoor rooftop bar overlooking the new George Street Public Plaza and laneways.
Lendlease purchased the freehold of the venue in mid-2013, after former owners J&J O’Brien went into receivership.
Local architecture firm Stewart Hollenstein has been chosen to reimagine the venue, following a design competition run according to the City of Sydney’s Competitive Design Policy.
“Stewart Hollenstein has delivered in full, responding to a brief that called for a public and inviting building with active edges, open frontages, flexibility and a roof terrace,” stated Kimberley Jackson, project director of the Circular Quay Tower project.
“The scheme speaks to the intimacy of the new George Street Public Plaza and laneway network at the ground level while integrating with the impressive Circular Quay Tower office building designed by Foster + Partners.”
Felicity Stewart, director of Stewart Hollenstein, outlined the plans for the new venue.
“Jacksons on George will have a redefined relationship with the public realm as it opens up to the new George Street Public Plaza. From every level, there will be a strong connection between the interior of the building and the city.
“The design includes a new façade which wraps the building in a porous veil of ceramic tiles. The building material is inspired by the classic Australian pub tile and the shimmer of the water on Sydney Harbour, while the curved form is influenced by the history of the site as a former boat yard.”
The DA for the entire development is currently with the City of Sydney, and is under assessment by the Central Sydney Planning Committee.
Jacksons on George is expected to be demolished in February.