THE GROUNDS TO TRANSFORM HISTORIC DOMAIN PRECINCT

Surrounded by some of Sydney’s most significant cultural and heritage landmarks, the Domain Gateway is a hidden heritage treasure. Once home to a gatekeeper’s cottage and horticultural workshop supporting the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the site will be sensitively transformed into The Grounds in The Domain, with works scheduled to begin early this year. An artist’s impression of the site shows manicured lawns, neat rows of trees, greenhouses and restored sandstone arches and structures.

The adaptive reuse of the site has been made possible through recent reforms to the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Act 1980, enabling long-term private investment to support Australia’s oldest scientific institution.

The Grounds Group is a boutique, Sydney-based hospitality operator known for creating experience-led venues in distinctive locations across the city, including The Grounds of Alexandria, The Grounds of the City and The Grounds Coffee Factory in Eveleigh.

Located at the gateway to The Domain and Royal Botanic Garden Sydney, the precinct sits among landmark institutions such as the Art Gallery of NSW, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Registrar General’s Building and Hyde Park Barracks. The site comprises several buildings of varying heritage significance, including The Domain Lodge, a sandstone cottage dating back to 1835.

Following a change in the legislation, the 25-year agreement will unlock significant capital investment in this previously unused precinct, bringing it back into public use as a vibrant cultural and hospitality destination, while generating ongoing revenue to support the horticultural, scientific and educational work of Botanic Gardens of Sydney.

Acting Minister for Planning and Public Spaces Yasmin Catley said, "The passing of the Royal Botanic Gardens and Domain Trust Amendment Bill 2024 allowed for more sustainable investment in capital and infrastructure for Botanic Gardens of Sydney, which will lead to better facilities and services for the people of New South Wales to enjoy this 200-year-old public institution."

In January 2025, hospitality groups were invited to reimagine the site as a unique visitor attraction within one of Sydney’s most loved public spaces. A rigorous two-stage procurement process was conducted throughout 2025, recognising the Domain Gateway as a once-in-a-generation opportunity to revitalise a mothballed heritage site and return it to the community.

Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney Simon Duffy AM shared his excitement for the development. “We are delighted to open this precinct to the public for the first time in its 190-year history to enhance our role in Sydney as a place to inspire enjoyment, learning and conservation of nature."