Following 7 years of negotiations with North Sydney Council as part of a private and public partnership, including feedback from the community, Woolworths successfully obtained approval for the redevelopment of their existing supermarket at Falcon Street, Crows Nest. Construction started in May 2014 and finished in late April 2016.The plan consists of 5 levels, with car parking increasing from 130 to 294 spaces and the supermarket doubling in size to a grand 3,900sqm. The site also provides six new speciality retail stores, all supporting an expected 300 new jobs during construction and 120 ongoing positions.
Sitting at two intersections, this gateway building encapsulates the location through its vibrant aesthetic appeal and symbolic meaning of Crows Nest. The awning curves are a gesture from the existing architecture shared by the neighbouring Crows Nest Hotel. We looked to the surrounding colourful terrace houses that line Falcon Street and — extracting their palette — we wrapped the façade in our unique louvres, fabricating a striking sculptural exterior. We lifted and lowered our awning, further exposing the gorgeous prismatic louvres, to add a motley of scintillating brilliancy to the public entrance or to bring an element of spiritedness to Woolworths, inviting shoppers through its rainbow exterior. The design has been softened by a refreshing green wall that covers almost the entire length of Burlington Street. Created to look like a nest made of lively ribbons, wrapping around the building as a symbol of vibrant new life. Various positive responses have been seen from the public via social media and directly. We also received congratulations from a local PHD colour expert, who specialises in the built environment.