Hospitality group The Grounds, which is behind The Grounds of Alexandria – dubbed the most Instagrammable venue in the world – as well as The Grounds of the City and The Grounds Coffee Factory in Eveleigh, will be opening a new venue at the entry to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney.
The new hospitality space, called The Grounds in The Domain, will open at the 190-year-old Domain Gateway – part of the heritage-listed precinct near the Art Gallery of NSW, St Mary’s Cathedral, the Registrar General’s Building and Hyde Park Barracks. The area includes several historic buildings, including The Domain Lodge, a sandstone cottage dating back to 1835. Excitingly, parts of The Domain will be opened to the public for the very first time.
The 25-year agreement follows a change in legislation and a rigorous two-stage procurement process, which saw The Grounds beat other hospitality groups to respectfully revitalise the Domain Gateway, with works set to begin this year.
As well as transforming this pocket of Sydney into a vibrant cultural and hospitality destination at the gateway to Australia’s oldest botanic garden, revenue from The Grounds in The Domain will go towards supporting the horticultural, scientific and educational work of Botanic Gardens of Sydney.
Simon Duffy AM, Chief Executive of Botanic Gardens of Sydney, said:“Botanic Gardens of Sydney is thrilled to announce these plans for the redevelopment of the Domain Gateway. The plans for the site will highlight the role of plants and our rich botanical history and will enrich the experience of locals and visitors to the Royal Botanic Garden Sydney and The Domain.
We are delighted to open this precinct to the public for the first time in its 190-year history, enhancing our role in Sydney as a place to inspire enjoyment, learning, and conservation of nature.”
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Ramzey Choker, Founder and Director of The Grounds Group, added: “At The Grounds, we’re truly excited to bring a touch of our magic to the Domain Gateway precinct, opening a space that has been largely inaccessible for nearly two centuries. This is a rare opportunity to welcome the public back into one of Sydney’s most historically significant locations, creating a hospitality experience that both respects its heritage and adds new life to the surroundings.
Through this collaboration with Botanic Gardens of Sydney, we hope to craft a space where people can explore, learn and enjoy the precinct in ways that haven’t been possible before.”
Artist images of The Grounds in The Domain show greenhouse-style spaces, outdoor dining areas, abundant greenery and a setting anchored in history and nature. And because this is The Grounds, a sprinkling of whimsy is pretty much guaranteed.
We’ll keep you posted on the opening date!