Paul Ramsay Foundation - Proposed Operational Changes for Yirranma Place - Community Drop-in Session

Dear Neighbour,

Since opening in 2022, Yirranma Place has been a dedicated precinct for purpose—bringing together social enterprises, philanthropic initiatives, and community-focused organisations under one roof to drive meaningful change. It was created to be more than a workplace; it is a space designed to connect, collaborate, and support those working to make a difference in Australia.

To expand this impact, the Paul Ramsay Foundation (the landlord) is proposing some operational changes that will, among other things, allow more organisations with a social and community purpose to access and benefit from the space. These changes will be submitted via a development application (DA), and we invite you to learn more, ask questions, and share your thoughts at our upcoming Community Drop-in Session on Wednesday, 30 April 2025, from 4:00 – 7:00pm at Yirranma Place, 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst.

We’ve made some updates to our original proposal, incorporating the valuable feedback from many of our neighbours. We’re committed to listening to everyone and ensuring all voices are heard. We look forward to hearing more from you during our upcoming drop-in sessions.

What changes are being proposed?

The proposed operational changes will directly benefit Two Good Co., creating more opportunities for training and employment while enabling the organisation to serve more people in need. These changes will also allow a wider group of social-purpose organisations to access Yirranma Place, fostering greater community impact.

Two Good Co., our hospitality and building management partner, is a social enterprise dedicated to supporting women who have experienced domestic violence and homelessness. Two Good Co. helps women regain their confidence and independence through employment, training, and support services.

The key challenges and proposed changes to Yirranma Place

1. Expanding access to the Blue Gum Hall

Proposed DA submission: Enable the use of the exhibition/breakout space by any third-party not-for-profit or for-purpose organisation and group with a focus on social and community purpose (not for private or commercial client events or parties).
Current DA condition: Only Yirranma Place tenants can host events in the ground-floor exhibition space. 

Impact: This significantly limits revenue-generating opportunities for social enterprise Two Good Co. and excludes worthy for-purpose and community organisations that could benefit from the high-spec, low-cost space.

How we’ll remain considerate of our neighbours: There will be no changes to existing capacity (maximum 70 attendees), operating hours (events will conclude by 10 PM), or the types of events held. A strict two-step screening process will ensure all events align with the precinct’s mission and have minimal to no impact on the local area.

Most events take place midweek, and guests will be encouraged to use alternative transport to reduce parking pressure, given the 1-hour local parking restrictions. We have established a dedicated resident feedback email and are exploring the formation of a Community Reference Group to provide ongoing input on operations.


2. Increasing the number of after-hours catered events

Proposed DA submission: The proposed number of events is up to 12 after-hours events per calendar month where food and beverages are served.
Current DA condition: up to 2 after-hours events per month where food and beverages are served.

Impact: we are currently turning down many worthy, social impact-focused after-hours events. This means these organisations must find alternative, more expensive venues. It also significantly affects Two Good Co.’s ability to maximise revenue opportunities and therefore limits how far they can scale their Work Work program and, inevitably, the number of families whose lives can be improved through sustainable employment, secure housing, etc.

How we’ll remain considerate of our neighbours: There will be no changes to existing capacity (maximum 70 attendees), operating hours (events will conclude by 10 PM), or the types of events held. A strict two-step screening process will ensure all events align with the precinct’s mission and have minimal to no impact on the local area.

Most events take place midweek, and guests will be encouraged to use alternative transport to reduce parking pressure, given the 1-hour local parking restrictions. We have established a dedicated resident feedback email and are exploring the formation of a Community Reference Group to provide ongoing input on operations.


3. Introducing outdoor seating for Two Good Co. café

Proposed DA submission: Provide outdoor seating for usage for café staff and patrons throughout café opening hours. 

Current DA condition: At present, no outdoor seating is technically permitted for the café.
Impact: the current outdoor seating is for building overflow and for café patrons to enjoy takeaway food.  This limits the café’s ability to provide table service to patrons. We propose usage of the seating in the entrance portico be extended to café patrons during standard café hours (7:00am – 4:00pm, Monday – Friday).

How we’ll remain considerate of our neighbours: Café operations will continue to be responsibly managed to ensure a high-quality experience for both patrons and neighbours. We have established a dedicated resident feedback email and are exploring the formation of a Community Reference Group to provide ongoing input on operations.


4. Allowing low-level background music in outdoor spaces

Proposed DA submission: low-level music to be permitted in dedicated external spaces, including the portico, rooftop, and Level 2 terrace. Music will be limited to low-level background music only during daylight hours.

Current DA condition: amplified music is not allowed in outdoor spaces

Impact: Music is an integral part of fostering a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere for visitors. 

How we’ll remain considerate of our neighbours: Music will only play during daylight hours when an event is taking place or during café opening hours. Café patrons will enjoy low-level background music during café hours, while the rooftop and Level 2 terrace will have music only when booked and specifically requested. We have established a resident feedback email and are exploring the formation of a Community Reference Group to provide further input on operations.


5. Extending early morning deliveries for Two Good Co

Proposed DA submission: Deliveries related to café operation will be permitted from 5 a.m., prior to the café opening at 7 a.m. Deliveries will occur on Liverpool Street only.

Current DA condition: The café cannot currently receive deliveries before 7:00 a.m.
 

Impact: The restriction creates logistical challenges, requiring café staff to collect supplies from Two Good Co’s head office in Eveleigh. Allowing earlier deliveries would enable staff to focus on training Work Work trainees and preparing the café for customers.

How we’ll remain considerate of our neighbours: Deliveries will be limited to Liverpool Street to minimise noise from reversing alerts and roller doors. Suppliers will be closely managed to prevent disruptions. A resident feedback email has been established, and we are exploring the formation of a Community Reference Group for ongoing input.

Commitment to the Community

These changes aim to strengthen Yirranma Place as a Precinct for Purpose—a place that enables collaboration, removes barriers, and amplifies impact for social-purpose organisations, both within the building and in the broader community.

We value our relationship with the local community and are committed to keeping you informed.

We welcome your thoughts and questions, and invite you to join us at our Community Drop-in Session.

Date: Wednesday, 30 April 2025

Time: 4:00 – 7:00pm

Location: Blue Gum Hall, Yirranma Place, 262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst🔗

Register now via Humanitix

For questions, registration assistance, or to receive regular updates, please contact our community engagement team at Ethos Urban:

Email: consultation@ethosurban.com

Call: 1800 870 549 (business hours)  

Next Steps

Your feedback will be considered as we finalise the development application. Once submitted, the City of Sydney will display it publicly for community input before making a determination.

We look forward to your participation and thank you for being a part of our community.

This web page will be updated as and when new information becomes available.

A little bit about the precinct

Yirranma Place – a Precinct for Purpose
  • is a hub for diverse for-purpose organisations, social enterprises, and philanthropic initiatives, fostering collaboration and innovation.
  • offers affordable space, shared resources, and a supportive changemaker community;
  • embeds purpose into our operations through strong social and sustainable procurement partnerships – including Two Good Co. (supporting women impacted by violence and homelessness) and ARA Indigenous Services (creating economic opportunities for First Nations people); and
  • is a space for the local community to connect, engage, and learn.
Two Good Co. – our hospitality and building management partner
  • Two Good Co. is a social enterprise based in Australia, dedicated to supporting women who have experienced domestic violence.
  • They provide a range of services, including delivering meals to women in refuges and offering work opportunities for women to gain skills and employment. 
  • As PRF’s hospitality and building management partner, Two Good Co. is the main beneficiary of these proposed changes to the operations of the building.
The Paul Ramsay Foundation 
  • Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) is a philanthropic foundation established by the late Paul Ramsay AO in 2006. After his death in 2014, he left most of his estate to continue his philanthropy for generations to come.
  • PRF works for a future where people and places have what they need to thrive.
  • With organisations and communities, we invest in, build, and influence the conditions needed to stop disadvantage in Australia.