The transformation of Alexandria

The Sydney suburb of Alexandria – located five kilometres south of the CBD – has been quietly undergoing a transformation. Originally known for heavy industry, it now buzzes with visitors and residents who flock to the latest cafes to meet friends for brunch or to visit the many outlet stores to find that something special for the home.

In the 1940s, Alexandria was the largest industrial district in Australia and it was known as the “Birmingham of Australia”. Its 550 factories – located on just 405 hectares – manufactured a range of products from bricks to aeroplanes.

Nicola Jephcott has lived in Alexandria for 18 years – in the same house on Henderson Road – and has seen first-hand how the suburb has changed. “It was nowhere near as populated when we first moved in,” she says. “There were a lot more factories and we’ve since seen the warehouses sold off and turned into apartments.”

She says the transformation has created more of a community feel. “There is a real sense of community and it’s so relaxed. People living here have shared values and are very friendly. When we first moved here we rarely saw any kids but now there are many young families – there’s a real mix of ages.”

But while it is changing, a key attraction of Alexandria is how its history is being incorporated into the transformation. The popular Grounds of Alexandria is one example. This former Four ‘N Twenty pie factory now offers homestyle food and specialty coffee in the surrounds of an organic garden and does a thriving trade every day of the week.

You will also find the remains of the former Austral brick works within Sydney Park, which borders Alexandria, Newtown and Erskineville.

“The developers are trying to create more of a village feel for Alexandria, especially around Fountain Street,” Jephcott says. “It now has great shops such as the organic wholefoods canteen Bread & Circus and Salt Meats Cheese.”

The proximity to so many places is another key attraction for living in the area. “I live close to Erskineville and can hop on a train there to get down south or into the city,” she says. “We’re close to the M5 or it’s easy to hop in a car to get over the Harbour Bridge.”

The type of housing also adds to the vibrant atmosphere of the suburb. Large Victorian-style family residences are tucked away off the main street, home to retirees and young families, while new apartment developments are attracting investors, young singles and professionals.

One new development that is proposed to begin construction next year is Amara Alexandria, located at 620 Botany Road by Amara Living. Sam Kandil, head of project marketing NSW residential for Knight Frank, says the development will feature 191 apartments over two buildings.

“The project capitalises on and contributes to the changing face of Alexandria and the Sydney inner-south from an area of industry and manufacturing to a place for green space and desirable inner-city living,” Kandil says. “With Amara Alexandria, location is key. Alexandria has easy connectivity to the airport, eastern suburbs and the Sydney CBD as well as having easy access to public transport networks.”

He says the transformation of this area from an industrial location has attracted interest from people all across Sydney – whether they are investors or homeowners.

“It doesn’t make sense for an industrial area to be five kilometres from the city, so the transformation into a residential area makes much better use of what is a highly desirable suburb,” he says. “Alexandria is a great destination, especially for dining out and Amara reflects the values and lifestyle of the people living there.”