Yirranma Place
A restored former church reimagined as a social-purpose precinct
10am–4pm
About the building
Developed by the Paul Ramsay Foundation (PRF) and opened in 2022, Yirranma Place was created as a precinct for social purpose, bringing together like-minded organisations, social enterprises and people working for social change. It invites the wider for-purpose community to share space and ambition, becoming a place of promise and purpose. ‘Yirranma’ is broadly translated to mean ‘many-create’, which indicates the purpose of the precinct – a place where people come together to create and connect in the neighbourhood.
Yirranma Place is the former First Church of Christ, Scientist building, designed in the interwar Beaux Arts style by architect Samuel George Thorp, of Peddle Thorp & Walker, and completed in 1927. In 2021, SJB Architects and Cornerstone Group restored and adapted the historical building to create contemporary and flexible work and event spaces, a rooftop terrace and a cafe. Original features of the building remain, such as signage, plaques, panels and the almost century-old organ in the auditorium. The organ has been restored for use, including the cleaning of all 2,180 pipes. Artworks from PRF’s core art collection are displayed in Blue Gum Hall, a welcoming arrival and meeting space. The collection focuses on contemporary First Nations women artists working in any medium. A public art commission by artist, activist and Barkandji Elder Uncle Badger Bates is at the south-eastern portico. Bates designed and created the iron gate entry and painted ceiling artwork.
Built
1927
Architect
Peddle, Thorp & Walker
Alterations
SJB Architects and Cornerstone Group, 2021
Awards
INSIDE World Festival of Interiors Awards – Winner, Large Workplace, 2022
AGDA Design Awards – Distinction Award, Brand Identity and Signage, 2022; Merit Award, Environmental Graphics, 2022
MBA Excellence in Construction Awards – Best Heritage Adaptive Reuse Building, 2022
Acknowledgements
AEGN, Burraga Foundation, Community Refugee Sponsorship Australia, Community Resources, Equality Australia, For Purpose Investment Partners, Foyer Foundation, Global Sisters, Justice Reform Initiative, NSW Council of Social Service, Philanthropy Australia, ReLove, Sefa, Shelter NSW, SMART Recovery, Talent Beyond Boundaries, Two Good Co, Youth Action.
Find out more about this building here
Yirranma Place
262 Liverpool Street, Darlinghurst
Entry details
South-eastern portico, Blue Gum Hall, PRF offices (former auditorium), not-for-profit co-working space (former Sunday School), and the new level 2 multipurpose space
10am–4pm
3.30pm
Need to know
Accessible featuresYirranma Place has been built with accessibility in mind. Only the level 2 ‘horseshoe’ is not accessible due to heritage restrictions. Accessible toilets are available
Toilets availableBaby changing facilities
Photography allowedNo photography in workspaces or of art
Food and drink availableCafe: Two Good Co
