City of Sydney seeks input on future vision for Victoria Barracks

19 Aug 2025 By architectureau

The City of Sydney is inviting public feedback on a future vision for Victoria Barracks in Paddington, noting that the 15-hectare site could provide opportunities for housing, cultural activities or other community use.

Located on Oxford Street, Victoria Barracks remains an active military site, with many of its original buildings still in use. The barracks were designed by lieutenant colonel George Barney to replace the original military facilities in George Street, which had become unsuitable due to Sydney's growing population and increasing commercial activity. Barney's original design combined British military architecture with local materials, such as sandstone. Construction began on the South Head Road (now Oxford Street) site in 1841; however, more buildings were added over time in response to changing operational needs.

In 2023, the council stated that the federal government conducted an audit of Australian Defence Force (ADF) land - including the Victoria Barracks - to assess whether military-owned sites still met defence needs. However, according to the council, the audit's recommendations were not made public.

"We're developing guiding principles for how the Victoria Barracks site could be used if divested by the ADF," said the council. "If adopted by council, these principles will guide our efforts to ensure any future redevelopment of Victoria Barracks meets community needs and aligns with City of Sydney goals.

"We invite you to tell us what you'd like to see and do at Victoria Barracks," they said.

The council has confirmed that the vision and principles will reflect the site's significant heritage value and will be shaped by community priorities. They noted that a key consideration in feedback should be how to fund the ongoing maintenance of the site's historic buildings and landscape, whether through government investment or compatible commercial uses.

According to the council, the site "could offer new opportunities for housing, improved access to green space, cultural activities, and other uses."

To have your say, visit the City of Sydney website. The draft vision and principles will be reported to the City of Sydney in late 2025.