The Gentrification and New Face of The Cross
At SydneyLinks we find ourselves right in the mix of Kings Cross and it’s rapidly changing urban landscape. There’s a lot that our beloved local characters will tell you about what has gone from the red-light district and there’s even more new history in the making.
1. Trams and trolley buses pass through Kings Cross intersection in the 1950s (picture: City of Sydney Archives). 2. The Omnia development (picture: supplied).
Originally named Queen’s Cross, The Cross is most definitely going through a cleanse. Since the Lockout laws came in to effect in early 2014, more than 40 clubs and other nightlife venues have closed their doors. Many locals will tell you how the crowds have died down and the streets have become much more of a relaxed environment.
From one end of the strip to the other, new businesses are sprouting up and redefining the area. Ultra urban Jack Rabbit Slims barbershop on the corner of Roslyn street and Ward avenue has a buzzing following of locals as does the quirky Macleay on Manning interiors which is attracting a new kind of foot traffic.
Ironic for the cross is the appearance of health and fitness clubs. Body Mind Life yoga and pilates centre has opened up on Kings Cross road, Anytime Fitness has expanded and is going strong as well. Then there’s our neighbours, the P.E. Department over on Orwell street, who have extended their opening hours in response to the reduction of nightlife and violence in the streets.
The food scene seems to be the biggest winner with The Farm Wholefoods, Hugonettes crepes and coffee, Billy Kwong and our new favourite Good Times Artisan Ice Cream on Macleay street, all setting up shop.
3. BodyMindLife Yoga & Pilates Potts Point (picture: bodymindlife.com). 4. Good Times Artisan Ice Cream (picture: melissackoh.com).
When it comes to the topic we know best, real estate has soared to new sales heights. Unit prices have seen a steady increase with a current surge of 25% since the Lockout laws came in to effect. A mix of investors, young professionals and semi-professionals are flocking to our neighbourhood. As the sharp decline of the entertainment zones continues and the commercial areas reinvent themselves, property will continue to increase in value.
The sparkling new Omnia development on, our very own, Victoria street is set to change the face of The Cross. Where travellers once stayed at the old Mecure, the development sits right in the intersection of The Cross, set to cast an eye-catching hour-glass shadow over the streets below. Much to our delight, the bottom two levels will feature quality retail stores and space for designer, boutique shops and restaurants.
Young first home buyers are driving the market within this gentrification period. The area is full of studios and one bedders, which are ideal for these buyers and also investors. With good transportation to the city and the food and restaurant sector kicking off we see a new and permanent change for Kings Cross. However the community changes in the future, we’re happy to be a part of this vibrant neighbourhood and it’s continued evolution.
The SydneyLinks team
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