RetailHudson FarrFri 06 Nov 26
Mirvac, Perron Wind Up Landmark Restoration at Broadway Sydney
A 122-year-old clock tower is ticking towards a new chapter at Broadway Sydney, as Mirvac and Perron Group complete the restoration of one of the city’s landmark retail buildings.
The refurbishment of the Model and Moxham building is all but done, with the clock tower the last piece of work to be completed.
Mirvac retail general manager Alison Flemming said it was a milestone in protecting the building’s heritage while keeping it relevant for future generations.
“Broadway Sydney holds a special place in Sydney’s retail history, and completing this refurbishment allows us to celebrate that legacy while ensuring the building continues to serve the community for decades to come,” Flemming said.
“Through close collaboration with specialist heritage consultants and craftspeople, we’ve carefully revitalised key architectural elements including the landmark clock tower, plaster friezes and terrazzo mosaic preserving the character that generations of Sydneysiders know and love while creating a retail destination that meets the needs of today’s customers.”
Mirvac worked with heritage consultants and horologists to repair the clock tower, which is due to return to working order next month.
Little is known about the clock’s history. But research during the works turned up a Sydney Morning Herald article from July 14, 1903, which described a “striking feature” made up of a loggia with projecting balconies, a clock with 2.1m dials and a glass and steel globe 4.3m in diameter.
The building opened in 1904 and became known as the “House of the People Store”. It was formerly a Grace Bros department store.
The works also covered the façade and the building’s tenancies. Rebel’s House of Sport spans three levels in the building, and JB Hi-Fi has been expanded to more than 1400sq m. The project also delivered level three office space.
Rebel opened the 2900sq m store in July 2025. Rebel managing director Gary Williams said at the time that reopening in the building “honours its rich heritage”.
Broadway Sydney regional centre manager Justine Saunders said the project balanced heritage conservation with the changing needs of customers and retailers.
“The completion of these works marks an exciting new chapter for Broadway Sydney. While the centre continues to evolve, preserving the heritage character that makes this destination so distinctive has remained at the heart of the project,” Saunders said.
“We know this building holds a special connection for many people across Sydney, and we’re proud to have delivered an outcome that honours its past while creating a welcoming destination for future generations.”
Saunders said the refurbishment reinforced the centre’s place as a retail and community destination.
“We’re incredibly grateful to our customers, retailers and the local community for their patience and support throughout the refurbishment.
“Seeing this landmark restored and thriving once again is something our team is immensely proud of, and we look forward to continuing to welcome visitors to experience it for many years to come.”
Mirvac’s website lists 149 retailers at the centre, 12.4 million annual customer visits and $691 million in moving annual turnover across 48,790sq m of lettable area.
