A once-in-a-generation chance to own a revitalised heritage icon in the CBD’s retail core, with Sydney’s third oldest pub up for sale
One of Sydney’s oldest and most iconic pubs has hit the market, with the Forbes Hotel at 30 York Street set to go under the hammer next month.
JLL’s Willem Watson, Harry Borger and Kate MacDonald have been appointed to manage the sale in conjunction with Cabmon Property’s Peter Seeto.
Constructed in 1901, the heritage-listed four-level plus basement pub is a rare example of Edwardian-era red brick architecture in Sydney’s CBD. The asset spans nearly 1000sqm of prime freehold corner space at York and King Streets, one of Sydney’s busiest pedestrian and traffic intersections.
It sits at the gateway to the luxury retail precinct, surrounded by flagship stores including Chanel, Hermès, Louis Vuitton, and Cartier.
The 930sqm gross lettable area is supported by SP5 Metropolitan Centre zoning, allowing for a range of repositioning options including luxury retail, boutique office, or a reimagined hospitality venue. The sale also includes a hotelier’s licence with 11 gaming machine entitlements and approval for 24-hour trade.
Mr Watson described the Forbes Hotel as a unique opportunity to secure a timeless heritage asset in a location where foot traffic and visibility are virtually unmatched.
“This is a chance to own a corner allotment in the liveliest part of the Sydney CBD,” he said.
“Freehold corners of this size and calibre in the heart of Sydney rarely come to market, let alone with the flexibility this building offers and all base building upgrades already completed.”
Having recently undergone a major refurbishment, the property has been structurally upgraded with a modern lift, a new roof featuring a rooftop skylight, updated amenities, and refreshed flooring. It is now presented as a blank canvas with vacant possession.
Mr Seeto said the building’s combination of historic charm and modern amenity would appeal to a broad buyer pool.
“It’s not every day you find a beautifully restored 1901 building with both the character of Sydney’s past and the convenience of a modern fit-out,” he said.
“This asset provides enormous potential for a savvy operator or investor to reimagine the space.”
Mr Borger said the hotel’s location positions it to benefit from major infrastructure and urban renewal projects.
“This part of the city is set to thrive off the back of the $25 billion Sydney Metro and Merivale’s Kings Green precinct, which will dramatically increase foot traffic and reinvigorate the surrounding hospitality scene,” he said.
“Whether you’re an investor or an owner-occupier, this is an unparalleled opportunity to own a significant piece of Sydney’s history and shape its future.”
The property will be offered via public auction at the Cooley Auction Centre, Level 5, 1 Margaret Street, Sydney on Thursday June 26, 2025, at 10:30am (AEST).
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