‘Dead zone’: Is this iconic Aussie establishment at risk of closure?

Aussies have seen several revered establishments close over the past year.

From community hubs to restaurants with decades of service under its belts, these closures marked the end of an era for their respective communities.

A historic area nestled in one of the country’s bustling districts is facing an uncertain future.

This development sparked major concerns among local business owners, who fear that the district is on the brink of becoming a 'dead zone'.


Sydney’s the Rocks face uncertainty as one of its most iconic tenants, the Argyle nightclub, announced its closure after 17 years of operations.

The Rocks has been a bustling hub of nightlife, culture, and history.

However, the nightclub's departure could indicate broader issues affecting the area.


compressed-the Rocks.jpeg
The Rocks had charming heritage buildings, which attracted both visitors and locals. Image Credit: Google Maps


These issues include the rising costs of living and increasing rent prices, which drive businesses and customers away.

Crystal Gallery owner Maria Hair has been in the Rocks for 37 years.

Yet, she expressed her worries about the area and its future.

‘If I got paid a dollar for everyone who said, “Oh where is this shop? Where is that shop?’ I would probably be wealthy by now, because there is a lot that has gone,’ Ms Hair shared in an interview.

‘It’s lonely. It’s sad not having a lot around now.’


Artist and gallery owner Shazia Imran echoed her fellow tenant’s sentiment.

Ms Imran also pointed out that the Rocks have struggled with its upkeep since the COVID-19 pandemic, along with lack of support for local commerce during the said period.

‘I’m really sad to see businesses going. The government needs to do something to give us support. I am definitely worried about the future,’ Ms Imran said.

The Argyle’s closure and the Mercantile Hotel’s renovations added to the people’s concerns.

Local and the Rocks employee Kat Pech felt that the area isn't being used to its full potential.

'It does seem like there is a lot of work that needs to be done to make it more exciting and happening, which I don’t know is getting done,' Ms Pech shared.


The Rocks' situation has been complex, with its rich history and prime location juxtaposed against the challenges of modern urban development and economic pressures.

The area has attracted both Sydney locals and tourists to its cobblestone streets and heritage buildings.

The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure already responded to the concerns regarding the Rocks’ situation.

According to the spokesperson, the government already has the Rocks Revitalisation Strategy, which could change the area.

‘A range of heritage and capital projects have been delivered, including a new roof on the western wing of the Argyle Stores building and an expansion of public amenities on Nurses Walk,’ the spokesperson shared.

‘Work is underway on design development for George Street North, which will deliver significant precinct uplift to one of Sydney’s most important public spaces.’

Despite these efforts, the question remains: will these initiatives be enough to reinvigorate the Rocks and preserve its status as a Sydney icon?

The community's response to the Argyle's closure suggested that more needs to be done to support local businesses and maintain the area's vibrancy.
Key Takeaways

  • Business owners in the Rocks shared their concerns about the area becoming a 'dead zone' following the closure of a famous nightclub.
  • The rising cost of living and increasing rent prices drove several businesses and customers out of the Rocks.
  • Local businesses feared losing the Rocks and its unique character due to constant closures and reduced trade.
  • The Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure presented the Rocks Revitalisation Strategy, which saw heritage and capital projects being implemented to uplift the precinct.
Do you have any memories with the Rocks during your travels? What do you think about these developments? Share your thoughts with us in the comments section below.
 
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Firstly parking is near impossible and it's not that close to the city.

I used to go there alot on Sundays when they held markets. Not sure if they are still on.

Last time we ate at the restaurant there we waited for over an hour after ordering and it was very expensive and very over packed even though we had a booking.

Great area to walk around to get a feel of old Sydney
 
Another drawback to the Rocks is the extension going down into the Darling Harbour precinct.
With the new construction not due to be completed until, maybe sometime during 2027, I feel that is also having a detrimental affect on the area as well.

Only time will tell of the whole areas financial future.

I think that it will all survive down the line.

Just on another note, all along George street from Wynyard to Town Hall, with the light rail system taking up the whole street, all along both sides, it's lost just about all of the busy hustle & bustle. It's like a city split down the middle. I'd hate to own a business along that stretch as it has a real DEAD feeling about it now. Very uninteresting to how it all was yesteryears ago.

I think that it all maybe called "Progress".

NOVEZAR.
 
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Another drawback to the Rocks is the extension going down into the Darling Harbour precinct.
With the new construction not due to be completed until, maybe sometime during 2027, I feel that is also having a detrimental affect on the area as well.

Only time will tell of the whole areas financial future.

I think that it will all survive down the line.

Just on another note, all along George street from Wynyard to Town Hall, with the light rail system taking up the whole street, all along both sides, it's lost just about all of the busy hustle & bustle. It's like a city split down the middle. I'd hate to own a business along that stretch as it has a real DEAD feeling about it now. Very uninteresting to how it all was yesteryears ago.

I think that it all maybe called "Progress".

NOVEZAR.
I worked in George Street upto 2021 in The Dymocks Building and we loss so many customers during the building of the light rail as did many other businesses.
The mess around there was bad but the noise was unbearable

People really stayed away from there. Even Myers struggled.

Then Covid happened and that put the nail in the coffin.
I worked in a well known Bridal store which had been there for 30 years.

When I first started there in 2008 we had 11 bridal consultants working on a Saturday and saw on average 105 brides every Saturday.
When the light rail started being built our Saturday brides dropped to an average 40. Then in 2020 we were lucky to have 20 brides on a Saturday and our staff dropped to 3

Then October 2021 the doors closed forever.

My boss the owner had also owned the Sugar House in Sydney which he closed down in the early 90s to open the Bridal House
 
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I remember, as a kid, often eating at the old spaghetti factory. No lighting other than candles on the tables, no choices for food, spaghetti or go hungry. It was great evening out for family and friends but my memories may not be too accurate, this was more than 50 years ago (I think).
 
Most every area needs to go through a renovation and reconstruction period, before it is reborn in the future. Unfortunately, the times also dictate the RBA action their one draconic tool against inflation, closures and unemployment.
 
I remember, as a kid, often eating at the old spaghetti factory. No lighting other than candles on the tables, no choices for food, spaghetti or go hungry. It was great evening out for family and friends but my memories may not be too accurate, this was more than 50 years ago (I think).
Yep it was the early seventies I remember the spaghetti factory and I used to love the Rocks as well back then
 
I remember, as a kid, often eating at the old spaghetti factory. No lighting other than candles on the tables, no choices for food, spaghetti or go hungry. It was great evening out for family and friends but my memories may not be too accurate, this was more than 50 years ago (I think).
The old spaghetti factory is still there just not a spaghetti factory anymore
 
That falls into my category...don't care. It's one of my pet peeves.
In my opinion, Sydney is not the end of the rainbow. Thing is, Sydney gets prioritised for pretty much anything, such as sporting facility, road, bridge, and a whole heap of other useless projects.
Heaven forbid a restaurant closes down. Sydney council will get right onto this and fast track the next tourist luring enterprise.
I say, look in your own back yard and you might find Gods country.
We never travel to Sydney and are not devastated by the omission.
There us so much out there worthy of government support.
 
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We’ve had quite a few great times out in the Rocks. we probably won’t have too many more as my son and his family are returning to Melbourne. The tourist area of Sydney is wonderful but I know I could never live there, too many people - and cars for me.
 
That falls into my category...don't care. It's one of my pet peeves.
In my opinion, Sydney is not the end of the rainbow. Thing is, Sydney gets prioritised for pretty much anything, such as sporting facility, road, bridge, and a whole heap of other useless projects.
Heaven forbid a restaurant closes down. Sydney council will get right onto this and fast track the next tourist luring enterprise.
I say, look in your own back yard and you might find Gods country.
We never travel to Sydney and are not devastated by the omission.
There us so much out there worthy of government support.
Agree. If Sydney is so flaming wonderful, why did more than 95,000 move to the Shoalhaven during Covid? Unfortunately they didn't bring infrastructure with them.
 
We’ve had quite a few great times out in the Rocks. we probably won’t have too many more as my son and his family are returning to Melbourne. The tourist area of Sydney is wonderful but I know I could never live there, too many people - and cars for me.
Most of us who have wonderful memories of the rocks district can no longer afford to enjoy the area and its facilities. The "Baby Boomer" richness is a myth. We grew up when you spent what you could afford and still paid off your mortgage whilst only earning a hundred bucks a week and the bloody interest rate was a damned site higher. The later generation thinks we benefited from the "bank of Mum and Dad'. A lot of us were left paying off the debts/loans of the bank of Mum and Dad.
 

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