The Oxford and Foley Development is Almost Here
The scaffolding is down for one of the blocks in the Oxford and Foley development, meaning we’re close to an opening.
Anyone familiar with the gaybourhood knows about the Oxford and Foley development plan- and how we’ve had half of our iconic Oxford Street out of action since mid-2022.
We’re now at the end of that much-needed facelift, with the first block (closest to Hyde Park) set to open in July, just a few months away.
Yes, the facelift has taken time, but we’re now approaching the moment we get to see what’s behind the scaffolding — and how this reinvention will reshape the future of our LGBTQIA+ cultural heartland.
The Oxford and Foley development is a $200 million project “reimagining [the street] to include architecturally designed retail”, while restoring and activating heritage-listed buildings between Hyde Park and Taylor Square. Spearheaded by TOGA Group and AsheMorgan, the plan transforms three heritage blocks into a modern mixed-use precinct combining commercial offices, boutique retail, creative tenancies, dining, and cultural spaces — all woven through laneways and open-air arcades.
The architectural firm fjcstudio has led the design, with a strong emphasis on restoring Oxford Street’s historic facades while adding layers of contemporary flair. The vision is a space that honours the past but isn’t afraid to evolve- bringing together the old bricks of Oxford’s golden years with new corridors of opportunity.
Oxford and Foley Development Features
The Oxford & Foley project includes:
- 9,200 square metres of commercial office space, including 1,600 square metres allocated for cultural and creative industries;
2,300 square meters of retail- including cafes, laneway dining, and bespoke shopfronts tailored to independent and small businesses
- Plus, the promise of public art installations, community activations, and a space for nightlife and performance offerings which is what of course makes Oxford St iconic
How is Oxford and Foley Conserving our Spaces?
Our community has been through the ringer over the last few years. A brutal combination of COVID-19 lockdowns and rent hikes has seen too many queer-owned businesses- including beloved bars, cafes, and venues- close their doors
In 2025, many are saying we’re at the backend of what has been a gruelling cost-of-living crisis. Many queer businesses have been struggling in recent years, and sadly, this has resulted in the closure of some of our most loved gay bars and LGBQTIA+ owned businesses in the Darlinghurst/Surry Hills gaybourhood.
What’s exciting about the Oxford and Foley development is the deliberate conservation and celebration of the area’s vibrancy.
Many were concerned that “commercialising” the strip would result in the exact opposite of this. To address these concerns, developers have engaged with LGBTQIA+ artists for public artworks and encouraged tenants to join the City of Sydney’s Pride Business Charter, promoting inclusivity and support for the community. The development blends the need of urban renewal on Oxford St with cultural preservation, allowing both to exist and thrive simultaneously.
Who’s Actually Leading this Project?
We know that there’s some confusion around who is actually behind this project, so for the sake of convenience, we’ve taken these briefs direct from the Oxford and Foley precint website.
FJCSTUDIO
- A multi-disciplinary design studio with a commitment to design excellence and the enhancement of the public domain
- The studio has been involved with many iconic projects in Sydney, including EY Centre 200 George Street, 185 Clarence Street, Darling Quarter and The Mint.
- The studio also “possesses extensive experience in developing innovative design solutions that heighten the social and historical value of a specific site, and create a transformative place for future generations.”
TOGA
- Est. 1963, TOGA group has “created residences, hotels and mixed use precincts in Australia and has grown to become one of the largest privately owned diversified property businesses in Australia.”
- Their previous and current projects include Boheme Bondi, A by Adina at Australia Square and Surry Hills Village.
ASHEMORGAN
- Ashemorgan is a specialist in commercial real estate finance.
- In 2010, it “shifted its focus to direct investment in a concentrated range of real estate asset classes in metropolitan Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane in deep strategic locations with specific value add catalysts.”
What Comes Next?
Oxford & Foley is a litmus test for how Sydney can balance commercial growth with cultural responsibility. Oxford Street is not just real estate- it’s history. And as the community steps into this next chapter, there’s hope that the new Oxford Street won’t erase the past, but amplify it- brighter, bolder, and more fabulous than ever.
To read more about the Oxford and Foley development, please see their website.
To read more from Gay Sydney Australia, please click here.