Signs of beauty lost on Council

by Lucie Robson
An iconic Pyrmont business is fighting to keep its signs up.

After spending over $1m restoring its Union Street site, prominent beauty company Madame Korner’s has been told to remove its current pink signage, on heritage grounds.

Proprietor Judit Korner erected the signage before gaining approval.

The City of Sydney later approved a signage application on the condition that several alterations be made. These included the removal of signs from the windows and a large pink-and-black banner, as well as replacing two pink plaques on either side of the entrance with identical versions in bronze.

The City’s regulations for heritage structures state that signage must be consistent and compatible with the existing architecture.

Ms Korner says many businesses are doing it tough in the current economic climate, and bureaucracy about signage is counter-productive.

“The Council should be supportive of businesses that are surviving,” she said. “I really would like to get on with what my work is supposed to be.’

Madame Korner’s business incorporates a beauty therapy college and a line of skin care products, and first opened in Australia more than 50 years ago.

A council spokesperson said it strives to support local businesses, and the approval process is an important part of that.

‘There are strict planning and heritage rules around signage which ensure that council considers the impact of the signage in the local area and the views of the local community can be taken into account,’ a Council spokesperson said.
“The City of Sydney encourages local businesses in a number of ways, but it is important building owners or occupiers comply with the law before installing advertising signs or carrying out other development.’