Chippendale Suburb Profile

An inner-city neighbourhood on the cusp of something big, living in Chippendale means being part of a community rapidly evolving from its working-class roots into one of Sydney’s top creative arts precincts, with no signs of slowing down. Once the stomping ground of brewery and factory workers, living in Chippendale today brings creatives who are transforming warehouses, terraces, and workmen’s cottages into art spaces, funky tea houses, and cafés. Surrounded by bold street art and tag-ridden laneways, Chippendale is a living canvas. 

As a result of its jaw-dropping refurbishment, Kensington Street has become one of the hottest addresses on the arts scene. The old Clare Hotel’s heritage-listed buildings have been transformed into an edgy boutique hotel surrounded by fine restaurants and galleries. A few blocks over on Abercrombie Street, brunch takes on a new meaning with a line-up of unique cafés. The major renewal project, Central Park, has added much-needed green space at Chippendale Green. 

The University of Technology Sydney, the University of Sydney, and the Broadway campus of the University of Notre Dame are all within walking distance, as are Central Train Station, the light rail, and major bus routes. Locals often ditch the car and walk or cycle their way around. 

Although small in size, Chippendale has striking contrasts – beautiful terraces line neighbourly streets, while high-rise apartments sprout up on Chippendale’s eastern boundary. It’s an eclectic and vibrant neighbourhood that caters to students, professionals, and a burgeoning artistic community. 

Area Feature

Creative Scene

With a burgeoning arts scene, Chippendale is on the way to being one of Sydney’s top creative hubs – the fashion industry has an especially strong foothold. There is a profusion of art galleries with Kensington Street, White Rabbit Gallery, MOP Projects and Pine Street Creative Arts Centre leading the way.

Street Art

A defining feature of Chippendale, satirical street art plays an important role in the local landscape, from large, commissioned murals to tag-ridden alleyways.

Architecture

Chippendale has it all, from basic workmen’s cottages to high-rise apartments to warehouse conversions – the juxtaposition of different styles of architecture is one of the neighbourhood’s most endearing features. Drawing the most attention is Central Park Mall on Broadway with its living wall – a vertical green space in an urban setting.

Location

Ditch the car because everything is a stroll or a short bike ride from home. Bordering the University of Sydney, University of Technology Sydney, Central Train Station, Sydney CBD, Newtown, Surry Hills and Ultimo. Chippendale is inner-city living at its finest.