107 reasons to get creative in Green Square

One of Sydney’s best loved arts organisations is set to take on its biggest project yet at the helm of Green Square’s new creative hub.

107 Projects, a not-for-profit cultural enterprise based in Redfern, has been chosen to manage the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre, which is expected to open later this year. As the ‘head tenant’, 107 Projects will be responsible for overseeing the centre’s daily operations, including engaging creative tenants for each space and developing programs and activities that engage with the local community and creative sector.

The centre will be part of the City of Sydney’s new community and cultural precinct, located on the grounds of the former South Sydney Hospital site in the heart of Green Square. It will occupy the former nurses’ quarters in the refurbished three-storey Esme Cahill Building and feature artist studios, creative offices, exhibition spaces, workshop spaces and indoor and outdoor areas for community hire.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said she was delighted to see 107 Projects expand their activities to one of Sydney’s fastest growing and most exciting new areas. “Over the last 15 years, 107 Projects has grown from a small artist-run space in Surry Hills to one of the city’s most successful creative arts centres,” said the Lord Mayor.

“Their experience working with creative practitioners and artists of all disciplines and their passion for engaging the community in diverse projects makes them perfect for this new opportunity at the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre. The centre will provide spaces where the local creative community can come together, develop their talents and share ideas. I’m looking forward to seeing what they bring to their new home in Green Square.”

107 Projects will continue to operate their popular creative space at 107 Redfern Street – a decommissioned car garage that now hosts exhibitions, performances, artist studios, creative offices and more.

“We are so excited to partner with the City of Sydney to create a safe, inclusive and inspiring space,” said 107 Projects Managing Director, Jess Cook. “Allowing a space for creativity and human exchange will reap great rewards for the community, and I can’t wait to see what comes out of the Joynton Avenue Creative Centre.”

Alongside the creative centre, the Green Square community and cultural precinct will house a community shed for workshops and other community activities, a 74-place early education and childcare centre, and a park featuring a community garden and children’s playground.

The community and cultural precinct sits within the 278-hectare Green Square development area, which includes the suburbs of Beaconsfield and Zetland, and parts of Rosebery, Alexandria and Waterloo.

The City is spending $540 million over the next 10 years on extensive infrastructure and streetscaping works for Green Square, as well as new community facilities that also include an aquatic centre, library and plaza, and more than 15 parks and open spaces.

When fully developed, Green Square will accommodate close to 61,000 people living in 30,500 new homes, and provide around 21,000 permanent jobs. For more information, visit www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au for details.

Image: Managing Director Jess Cook with Artist Josh Gilchrist – photo by Katherine Griffiths