New York Hotel (former) - DFS (Duty Free Store)

Item details

Name of item: New York Hotel (former) - DFS (Duty Free Store)
Other name/s: DFS (Duty Free Store) Complex
Type of item: Built
Group/Collection: Urban Area
Category: Streetscape
Location: Lat: -33.8607566843 Long: 151.2077286860
Primary address: 153-155 George Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Parish: St Philip
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Metropolitan
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
PART LOT2003 DP788428

Boundary:

Eora
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
153-155 George StreetThe RocksSydneySt PhilipCumberlandPrimary Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
Place Management NSWState Government 

Statement of significance:

The former New York Hotel at 153-155 George St was constructed in 1908 for Tooth & Co Ltd, & has State heritage significance for its historical & scientific cultural values. The subject site has historic significance at State level for having been the site of early European settlement & continuously occupied by Europeans since 1788. The site has historic associations with three phases of 20th century urban renewal. The 1st phase of development followed the 1900 plague outbreak, a period of considerable rebuilding in The Rocks, when the building on the site was demolished & rebuilt under the Observatory Hill Resumption Act. The second phase is associated with infrastructure works, when the construction of the Cahill Expressway & the City Railway link, immediately south of the subject site, dramatically changes the building's curtilage. The third phase of construction is associated with the 1980s creation of The Rocks as a tourist destination, when the interior & rear of the building was changed considerable to accommodate a duty free store. The subject site has high historic significance at local level for its associations with its use as a hotel form 1873 to 1960: the Nil Desperandum Hotel (1873-1880) and the New York Hotels (1882-1907 & 1908-1960). Physical evidence of its function as a hotel has been lost.
The subject site has high scientific/research significance at State level associated with the archaeological potential of early structures of the Underwood Building & shop located on or near the site. Potential archaeological remnants could exist beneath the building & date to early settlement of the colony.
The East Elevation of the former New York Hotel has high aesthetic significance at local level associated with being a representative example of a Federation Free Style commercial building designed in the 1st decade of the 20th century. In the 1980s the rear elevation, much of the ground floor & upper floor interiors, shopfronts & street awnings were altered. While this has reduced the ability to interpret the building's significance, the eastern façade contributes to the aesthetic & historic diversity of the George St streetscape.
The former New York Hotel forms part of a group of four commercial buildings (Nos 145,147, 149-151 & 153-155 George St) which front George St & form the eastern portion of the DFS (Duty Free Store) Complex. This group of buildings bounded by Globe St & the Cahill Expressway mark George St's southern entry to The Rocks precinct. The facades of the four late 19th century & early 20th century buildings have streetscape qualities & character that contribute to the overall richness of a coherent & harmonious brick & stucco group of buildings located within The Rocks. The significance of the subject site & the group is associated with its location in The Rocks, a precinct unique to NSW & its historic associations & streetscape character & qualities that contribute to The Rocks area which has State heritage significance in its own right. The group is an important part of the The Rocks Heritage Conservation Area being sympatric in scale & character and an extension of the remaining earlier buildings of George St, presenting a unified streetscape. The buildings are tangible evidence of the redevelopment of The Rocks in the 1900s.
The former New York Hotel has high social significance as a contributory element associated with the historic character of The Rocks, which is held in esteem by the community.
Date significance updated: 30 Mar 11
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Construction years: 1908-1908
Physical description: The brick and stucco building was constructed in 1908 and is a good example of what has been described as Federation Free Style architecture. It has two major elements, a five storey tower section and a lower three storey section splayed at a slight angle to follow the change in the alignment of George Street. The building features elements typical of the style in its tower design and the art nouveau and classical motifs in the arched entablature over the balconies of both sections.
(Godden Mackay 1996: 10)
Style: Federation Free Style; Storeys: 5 and 3; Facade: Brick and stucco.
Physical condition and/or
Archaeological potential: 		Remaining heritage fabric is in good physical condition.

Assessment Condition: Destroyed. Assessment Basis: Modern development. Excavated into bedrock.
Date condition updated:03 Dec 99
Modifications and dates: In the late 1980s a large commercial building, now known as the DFS Complex, was erected behind 145-155 George Street with the removal of most of the interior and the adaptation of the facades of the buildings including mostly new shopfronts.
Further information: Conserve any remnants of original fabric such as shopfronts at ground level. Ensure awning, signage and lighting proposals are sympathetic to the historic streetscape group.
Colour scheme of 153 - 155 George as it exists in 1999 should be reviewed above the awning.
Current use: Duty Free Store
Former use: Aboriginal land, town lot, houses, bowling alley, Pub / Hotel

History

Historical notes: The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

As indicated by James Meehan's Survey of 1807 this site was first occupied by Surgeon General John White at Lot No.4 and Captain William Raven at Lot No. 5.

In c1835 Mrs Underwood was owner of three storey stone shops and houses each with seven rooms. By 1845 a two storey brick house and shop with a shingle roof and five rooms was built. Also on this same allotment at the corner of George and Globe Streets a two storey stone and brick house and store was erected. The five roomed house had 'every convenience'.

In 1861 this building was used as a 'Bowling Alley' managed by William Ogilvie. In 1871 in the tenements erected by Underwood, a Public House was opened. The Inn was called the 'Nil Desperandum Hotel'.

By 1882 three two storey tenements were erected between the butcher shop and the brick and stone shop on the north side of the Public House, then known as the New York Hotel. These shops and dwelling were constructed of brick and they were roofed in iron. In 1891 the building to the south corner of Globe and George Street was pulled down.

By 1891 George McEvoy had erected houses to the Harrington Street frontage. The four storey buildings were of brick and stone and the roofs were slated. In c1906 these houses were pulled down. In 1892 a three storey brick and slate roofed shop and dwelling was erected for the Trustees of the Church of England to 145 George Street. In 1900 the area was resumed under the Observatory Hill Resumption Act. In c1907 the New York Hotel was demolished and by 1908 Tooth & Co. Ltd. erected the brick and iron roofed building to 153/155 George Street.

In 1912 the tenements to 149 and 151 George St. were pulled down, and in the same year a two storey brick office building was erected to the rear of 145 George St. During 1913 Quay Chambers at 149-151 George St. were built. The tenement to 147 George St. was demolished in 1914 and in that same year the present three storey brick building was erected.

The New York Theatre was erected at 157-159 George Street in 1914 by Nathan Jacobs. It was demolished in 1937. This site was acquired by the Public Transport Commission in 1946 and the City Circle Railway (i.e. adjacent to and cantilevered on a rail bridge over the subject site) was opened in 1956, with Circular Quay railway station nearby.

In the late 1980s a large commercial building, now known as the DFS Complex, was erected behind 145-155 George Street with removal of most of the interior and adaptation of the facades of the buildings, involving mostly new shopfronts.

Buildings which occupied the site prior the 1980s development include the SRA depot, a motor garage on Globe Street and a decorated face brick wall with decorative detailing along Harrington Street.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture (none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Retailing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Innkeeping-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Developing discrete retail and commercial areas-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. (none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing (inner city)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing in shop-based accommodation-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Accommodating travellers and tourists-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing ordinary families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Guesthouses-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Adapted heritage building or structure-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal (none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Changing land uses - from suburban to urban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages (none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to the pub-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to the theatre-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going drinking in bars or clubs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going shopping downtown-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities bowls-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance] 		153-155 George St has exceptional significance at State level for its associations as a built element within George St. George St was the first road created in the settlement of NSW and thus the oldest road in the country. The history of George St (North) & its uses & changes since 1788, illustrate & inform the aspirations & way of life of Europeans in Australia. George St (North) is historically significant because it shows the continuity of European settlement in this area.
Since its creation George St (North) has had numerous alignments & widenings. The subject site reflects the angle in the alignment of the road along it George St frontage. The design & form of both the site & the building expresses this alignment.
153-155 George St has high significance at local level for its associations with an historic phase, the first decade of the 20th century, when the urban development of The Rocks was impacted by the plague of 1900. The Observatory Hill Resumption Act resulted in the resumption of large tracts of land. Post plague redevelopment of The Rocks saw the demolition of a large number of buildings & the construction of new buildings that met health standards & requirements. This included the demolition of the New York Hotel in 1907 & the construction of the replacement New York Hotel in 1908 by owners, Tooth & Co Ltd.
153-155 George St has high significance at local level associated with hotels & public houses continuously operating on the site for almost 90 years. Hotels operating on the site included the Nil Desperandum Hotel from 1873-1880 & the New York Hotel from 1882-1960. These hotels were among the numerous similar premises that gave The Rocks its unique character, recognisable in the 1880s until the 1960s with fewer public houses operating as such today.
153-155 George St has moderate significance at local level for its associations with urban changes in The Rocks including the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge & associated transport infrastructure, in particular the Cahill Expressway & the City Rail link to Circular Quay. Buildings adjoining the subject site to the south were demolished to make way for infrastructure which severed The Rocks precinct from the central business district.
153-155 George St has moderate significance at local level for its associations with the phase of redevelopment of The Rocks in the 1980s when the precinct was transformed into a major tourist attraction.
The item meets this criterion at State level.
SHR Criteria b)
[Associative significance] 		The item does not exhibit any associations with a notable person or a group of persons from the local or wider NSW history.
The item does not meet this assessment criterion.
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance] 		The East Elevation of 153-155 George St has high significance at local level as a representative example of a commercial building in the Rocks designed in the Federation Free Style. The East Elevation expresses the change of alignment of George St through the expression of the tower structure.
The building at 153-155 George St has high significance at local level associated with the intactness of external elements & the retention of early 20th century streetscape elements conserved with the building group between Globe St & the Cahill Expressway.
153-155 George St has high significance at local level associated with a group of buildings with landmark qualities. On entering the precinct from George St this group of buildings is the gateway to The Rocks. The scale of the group of buildings between the Cahill Expressway & Globe St contrast with the modernist brutalism of the Cahill Expressway & the 20th century modernist buildings located within George St south of the Cahill Expressway, Circular Quay & the city generally. The backdrop of the DFS buildings does not diminish the picturesque quality of the group.
The West Elevation of 153-155 George St is a façade designed as part of the 1980s development & as such contributes to the loss of design integrity. The interior of the building was removed in the 1980s development & little evidence of the architectural planning or fabric is retained internally.
The item meets this criterion at local level.
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance] 		The Rocks has considerable significance to the people of Sydney & NSW as a heritage precinct. The fight to 'Save The Rocks' was a significant battle for local residents & the community. The Rocks is a highly visited tourist area. It is visited by both local & international tourists & Sydneysiders who go to the area for its historic character & associations as a remnant of the area first settled in Sydney. The Rocks, of which the subject site forms part is important to the community's sense of place.
As an element within The Rocks, 153-155 George St, provides a sense of place that is integral to The Rocks as a whole & is subsequently held in esteem by the community.
The item meets this criterion at State level.
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential] 		The earliest & most substantial phase of building on the subject site & in its close proximity occurred by 1822. These earliest buildings, located along the George St frontage, comprised the Underwood Building, an adjacent shop to the north & Thomas Moore's house. The impact of the site on these very large, multi-storeyed, well constructed, brick & stone buildings would have been extensive & it is highly probable that intact evidence still remains in the archaeological record. In the case of the Underwood Building & adjacent shop this evidence is likely to be found beneath the existing building or in the immediate vicinity of them.

Archaeological evidence on the southern section of the site has probably been removed by later developments.
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity] 		There are numerous examples of buildings within The Rocks that are similar to 153-155 George St. The item does not meet this criterion.
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness] 		The former New York Hotel is one of a group of hotel buildings that operated in The Rocks from the end of the 19th century until the mid 20th century. With the reduced need for public houses many of these pubs have been adaptively reused for retail & office purposes. The item, 153-155 George St is a representative example of this group. The item meets this criterion at local level.
Integrity/Intactness: Archaeology partly destroyed.
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Conserve the historic facades and fabric and ensure new development is sympathetic to the heritage significance of the buildings. Above ground archaeological remains: No archaeological investigation is required. Below ground archaeological remains: No archaeological investigation is required.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard Exemptions HERITAGE ACT 1977

ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL

I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977:

revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and

grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A.

This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette.

Dated this 29th day of October 2025
The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC
Minister for Heritage

For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below. 		Nov 7 2025

PDF Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0156310 May 02 852865

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
SCA Register 1979-19981998B067, AR081Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)  Yes

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenConybeare Morrison International2007Former New York Hotel, 153-155 George St the Rocks
WrittenGodden Mackay / APT Peddle Thorp1996'Heritage Impact Statement' as a part of a 'Statement of Environmental Effects for Proposed Alterations, DFS (Australia), 155 George Street, The Rocks
WrittenHigginbotham, Kass & Walker1991The Rocks and Millers Point Archaeological Management Plan
WrittenSCRA1980Building Data Sheet , Globe Street Precinct

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5053179

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