Plan To Change QVB Coloured Windows Scrapped After Community Backlash

The owners of the Queen Victoria Building have abandoned a proposal to replace the building’s multicoloured windows after significant community backlash.

Retail landlord and co-owner of the building, Vicinity Centres had previously lodged a development application with the City of Sydney to replace the iconic stained glass along the Market Street ground floor with clear glass, deeming the current windows a “significant economic burden” to landlords.

The proposal argued the coloured glass is unattractive to prospective retailers, obscuring views from the street to the product in the shop, and said millions of dollars have been lost in revenue.

Almost 2,000 community members wrote to the council to reject the proposal, with Vicinity quietly withdrawing the proposal on Wednesday night, more than two weeks before public submissions were scheduled to end.

“We have listened carefully to community sentiment and recognise the strong connection many people have to this treasured icon and the importance placed on its historic character,” a spokesperson said.

“As responsible custodians, we take that feedback seriously and remain committed to preserving the QVB’s heritage. This decision reflects Vicinity’s commitment to act proactively, decisively, and respectfully in the best interests of the QVB and the broader community.

“We have withdrawn the application to ensure the QVB continues to be celebrated, protected and enjoyed for generations to come.”

Future tenant sure to “love the building just the way it is”

Built during the recession in 1898, much of the building’s Romanesque architecture was carefully planned so the government  could employ out-of-work craftsmen, including stonemasons, plasterers, and stained window artists.

Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore welcomed the news in a post on social media, saying the QVB was one of the city’s most important “treasured heritage buildings”.

“I’m glad its operators have listened to the community and will maintain and honour this important aspect of the original vision for the building and its superb craftwork,” she said.

“It remains a bold and significant piece of public infrastructure and an important layer of both our architectural history and cultural fabric.”

Deputy Mayor Jess Miller echoed the sentiment and called the development “heartening”.

“It shows not only that our planning system is transparent, and invites the community to have their say, but also that Vicinity – who look after the QVB (the Strand and the Galleries) have heard the community and responded well,” she said.

“I did not expect so many people to care so much about our heritage buildings – there has been overwhelming love and support for the QVB and I’m sure that the tenant who eventually takes up this primo spot will be one that loves the building just the way it is and as much as we all do.”