Long’s Lane presents opportunity to own rare slice of Sydney history as heritage-listed terraces launch

Colliers’ Oliver Stillman said Long’s Lane’s greatest attraction is that you know the building’s stories remain etched in every brick and beam
Long’s Lane presents opportunity to own rare slice of Sydney history as heritage-listed terraces launch
Joel Robinson February 3, 2025PROJECT SPOTLIGHT

Sydney-based real estate investment firm, Wentworth Capital, is spearheading a rare and historic new chapter in the story of Sydney’s iconic The Rocks district, with the first stage sales launch of Long’s Lane Heritage Terraces (Long’s Lane).

Long’s Lane consists of 17 residences and one commercial property ranging in age from as early as the 1800s, with the buildings offering the only privately-held Torrens title houses in The Rocks. Of the 18 properties, 14 are listed on the State Heritage Register. 

The precinct is also home to one of the earliest laneways in Sydney and some of the first European architecture in Australia, including Jobbins Terrace - the earliest example of the country’s first Australian-born practicing architect in NSW, Oswald Hoddle Lewis. The collection of buildings range from the early Victorian and Edwardian architectural periods.

 


First recorded on town plans in 1807, Long’s Lane is one of the earliest laneways in Sydney.

Wentworth Capital has embarked on a sympathetic staged renovation program to update the buildings for modern family living, in keeping with the protection and preservation of their distinctive heritage. The project will return Long’s Lane to its original intended use as a thriving residential community.

The sales launch marks a turning point in the site’s tumultuous modern history, which included plans to demolish the buildings in favour of high-rise commercial structures during the 1960s, which the government rejected following community backlash. The 1980s saw another scheme for a 800-bed hotel, which despite not proceeding, resulted in the 18 properties being merged under one title. Following the plan’s rejection, Long’s Lane became underutilised and fell into disrepair.

Wentworth Capital’s Executive Director, Paul Apostoles, expressed his excitement about this significant milestone for the precinct.

“This is a rare opportunity to own a piece of Australia’s history," Apostoles said.

"We’re thrilled to bring these historic homes to market, championing the next chapter of Long’s Lane’s unique history by enabling a new generation to experience the incredible lifestyle and cultural legacy of The Rocks.

 

“The heritage features of each home are being meticulously preserved, recognising their importance as some of the earliest and most well-preserved examples of European architecture from Sydney’s settlement period,” added Paul.

 

McGrath Millers Point’s Richard Shalhoub said Long’s Lane’s unparalleled location and proximity is the best Sydney has to offer.

“Long’s Lane encapsulates the very essence of life in The Rocks, where cobblestoned laneways, heritage architecture, and vibrant community life converge," Shalhoub said.

"Residents will enjoy the convenience of living steps away from Sydney’s iconic Harbour, Circular Quay, and the buzzing arts and cultural hub of Barangaroo.  From bustling weekend markets to world-class restaurants and hidden laneway bars, The Rocks offers a lifestyle quite unlike anywhere else."

Shalhoub says the houses will suit city workers given they are on the doorstep of Australia’s largest economic hub.

Colliers’ Associate Director - Residential, Oliver Stillman, said Long’s Lane’s greatest attraction is that you know the building’s stories remain etched in every brick and beam.

"It’s not often you have the opportunity to buy one of Australia’s first butchers shops, constructed in 1881, a former Chinese boarding house from 1868, or one of Sydney’s earliest lolly shops, for instance. 

“Long’s Lane stands as a testament to Sydney’s enduring spirit, blending its past and present. From whalers and dockworkers in its early days, to modern families more recently drawn to its heritage allure, the precinct continues to tell the story of Sydney’s evolution."

 

Joel Robinson

Joel Robinson is the Editor in Chief at Urban.com.au, managing Urban's editorial team and creating the largest news cycle for the off the plan property market in the country. Joel has been writing about residential real estate for nearly a decade, following a degree in Business Management with a major in Journalism at Leeds Beckett University in England. He specializes in off the plan apartments, and has a particular interest in the development application process for new projects.

Editor's Picks

ANGLE secures new Camberwell apartment project
First look: Hall St, Bondi Beach transformation to continue with new shoptop housing pitched
City Beat January 2025: Sydney property market cooldown slows as new apartment pipeline ramps up
26 Vista Street, Surfers Paradise apartment development, hits 70 per cent sold
Latent Defects Insurance 101: What is the Technical Inspection Service (TIS) Program