You’ve probably driven down Hughes Street many times, but have you ever stopped to consider its unique history and architecture?
Join me on a walk down this short but fascinating street to discover more about its past…
The name: Hughes
Hughes Street runs one way from Macleay Street to Victoria Street and is intersected by Tusculum Street, and Tusculum, Hughes and Orwell Lanes.
According to the City of Sydney’s History of Sydney Streets, Hughes Street was actually known as Albert Street until 1905 (presumably after Prince Albert, Queen Victoria’s consort).
It was renamed in honour of Sir Thomas Hughes. Hughes was a solicitor and businessman who was born in NSW in 1863 and died in 1930. He became Sydney’s Lord Mayor in 1902. In 1908, he was then elected to the New South Wales Legislative Council.
Hughes supported the push for Federation, advocated for municipal reforms, and helped organise the Citizens’ Vigilante Committee to assist in controlling the first plague outbreak in 1900.
Hughes’ descendants have also made their mark. Art critic Robert Hughes AO (1938-2012) was Sir Thomas Hughes’ grandson. Lucy Hughes-Turnbull, AO, Sir Thomas’s great-granddaughter, followed in Sir Thomas’s footsteps and served as a Lord Mayor over a century later, from 2003-2004.
The making of Hughes Street
The lots on the northern side of what was then called Albert Street were offered as part of the Tusculum Mansions subdivision in 1901 and again in 1904. Shortly after that, in 1905 the street’s name changed to Hughes Street.
The lots on the south side of Hughes Street were created as part of a 1921 subdivision of the “Orwell House Estate” (you can read more about Orwell House in our article on nearby Orwell Street).
In 1928, more lots were created along Hughes Street as part of the Tusculum House and Grounds Estate.
Here are some of the landmarks you’ll see on Hughes Street in 2024.
Number 1 Hughes Street: Art Deco apartments
Number 1 is a classic block of art deco apartments with a garden atmosphere.
Number 2 & 4 Hughes Street: terraces
Number 2 and 4 Hughes Street are some of the few smaller terraces scattered throughout the Potts Point area, sitting on just 121 square metres each.
Number 3-11 Hughes Street: apartment style terraces
On the other side of Hughes Street is a unique row of apartment-style stuccoed terraces, dating from the late 1920s or 1930s. Each terrace has one flat downstairs and one upstairs, with their own individual front door to the street.
Number 6-8 Hughes Street: The Grosvenor
With its period brick facade, this four-level apartment building with its name over the front door in Art Deco writing offers compact apartments and a surprising rooftop terrace in a fabulous location.
Number 10-12 Hughes Street: Reigate
Reigate is an unassuming three-storey Art Deco apartment block – but it may not be for much longer. In 2019, the owners of 10-12 Hughes Street collaborated with 91-93 Macleay Street and listed their properties for sale as a combined development site spanning 1,242 square metres. By 2020, other adjoining landholdings had been added making it the area’s largest development opportunity in the last decade. Concept plans for 91 apartments were drawn up, and estimates were that the site was worth $100 million. In February 2024, an amended DA was submitted to council.
Number 23 Hughes Street: Engleburn Flats
In 2021, we sold 23 Hughes Street, a 100 year old freestanding three-level house on 284 sqm with a coveted north rear aspect for $3.9 million. It needed some work but had a fascinating history, reflective of the area.
23 Hughes Street began life as “Engleburn Flats” in the mid-1920s, before being used as short term lets in the 1930s, and becoming the “The Gala Hotel” in the 1960s, when it was home to post-war European immigrants. More recently, it was reborn as a backpackers hostel, before being sold.
Its sale (and subsequent resales in 2022) show the popularity of houses in the area with both developers and owner-occupiers.
Number 25: The Jensen
Another four-storey Art Deco apartment building with a very unique brick facade (check out the pointed arches at the top – they don’t make them like that anymore).
29 Hughes Street: The Wayside Chapel
From humble beginnings in 1964, the Wayside Chapel Potts Point has become a haven for the underprivileged and downfallen who have found shelter and compassion within its close community. Anyone is welcomed through the doors to have a chat and a cuppa, a shower and a meal and get help finding services or housing.
Now, with more than 100 staff members and 700 active volunteers who share the vision of “love over hate” and mission to “break down the barriers of judgement,” the effect of the Wayside Chapel is immeasurable. It truly is the heart of Potts Point – don’t forget to visit the amazing Op Shop.
Byron Hall
While its address may be 97-99 MacLeay Street, the exceptional Byron Hall sits on the corner of Hughes Street. When it was constructed in 1928, the 10-storey building was Australia’s second tallest apartment block.
Want more?
Contact us if you’re buying or selling in Potts Point and Elizabeth Bay.
