Having sat unoccupied in busy Dixon Street for several decades, the City of Sydney thought it prudent to have a heritage assessment undertaken of the Kwong War Chong building and shop fronts in Dixon Street before any development proposals were suggested.

The importance of the building to the Chinese story within Australia was initially suggested by primary research undertaken on behalf of the Chinese community. Once HAA was granted access to the interior of the building, it became clear that the cultural value of both the building and its contents were significant at more than a local level. The logical conclusion we offered to council was that this remarkable place should not only be heritage listed but earmarked to become a museum.

When City of Sydney Council exhibited the Kwong War Chong building for heritage listing, the Chinese community threw their support behind it. Following its heritage listing by the City of Sydney, the subsequent development application to secure the building’s future as a cultural facility received an enormous response from across Australia and beyond. The importance of the Kwong War Chong building was further recognized in June 2024 when the NSW Heritage Minister agreed to have it added to the NSW State Heritage Register.

Through careful analysis and advocacy, HAA laid the groundwork for an exciting addition to the history of Australian multi-culturalism.

Significance Assessment, Strategic Advice, Advocacy.

Australian fashion icons, Jenny Kee and Linda Jackson, held a fashion parade in the Kwong War Chong building on 10th December 1974. The parade was followed by a Chinese banquet, and the $10 tickets could be purchased at Kees’s shop, the Flamingo Park Frock Salon in the Strand Arcade.

An HAA heritage assessment of 82-84 Dixon Street, Haymarket found that the place, historically known as the Kwong War Chong building, is historically significant for its strong social value and association with the Chinese diaspora communities of Sydney and NSW. It was recommended for local and state heritage listing.

Click here to view the report.