Merivale announces plans to evolve ivy’s laneway precinct

Merivale has announced plans to evolve ivy’s laneway precinct and “George Street presence” with four new bars and eateries set to open this year.

According to Merivale, the expansion “signals a new phase in the evolution of the iconic precinct”, as CEO Justin Hemmes turns his attention towards “reinvigorating Sydney’s status as a world-class metropolis.”

First to launch (in July) will be Little Felix, a sister bar to the hatted French bistro Felix on Ash Street, followed by a Middle Eastern concept and a Mexican eatery and bar on George Street, and an Italian eatery and bar on Palings Lane.

The launch of the new venues coincides with the opening of George Street’s multi-million-dollar pedestrianisation, as well as City of Sydney’s push for a 24-hour CBD.

It’s also the first phase of Merivale’s ‘ivy 2.0’ project to ultimate redevelop the site. While the ultimate redevelopment is in the lengthy planning phase, Merivale’s interim focus is on the ivy of today and creating a neighbourhood of around-the-clock hospitality that will flow from the Merivale properties in George Street, through the historic walkways of Paling Lane and Ash Street.

The openings will take the total number of ivy laneway offerings to twelve. Hemmes says the idea is to energise this area of the CBD after 6pm, “encouraging a diverse night-time economy that echoes the 24-hour sophistication and fun of the best places around the world”.

“Somewhere that ebbs and flows as life does, where 70-year-old best friends can be enjoying espresso martinis alongside 20-somethings exploring a wine list,” he adds. “Warm, inclusive, organic interaction and enjoyment, which is something all world-class cities excel at.”