[category]
[title]
A total of five times over the past few days, I’ve had a friend turn to me mid- dinner/ drink/ ocean swim and ask: so what do you think about the QVB windows? I’m personally a fan of all things antique, and I think the old-world pops of colour add something beautiful to our CBD, so I guess I’m in support of keeping those pretty pieces of glass in their place. That being said, in the face of everything happening in the world right now, I also… don’t really care. If, like me, you’re not sure what the fuss is about surrounding our city’s most talked-about panes of glass, read on.
Why are the Sydney QVB windows in the news?
Sydney’s beloved arcade is making headlines because the retail group behind it (Vicinity Centres) has lodged a proposal to replace the multicoloured stained-glass panels which look out onto Market Street with clear glass. The retail group is arguing the change would improve visibility for retailers and boost the economic value of the space, and a whole lot of Sydneysiders are speaking out to stop the plan in its tracks.
Why are people worried about Sydney’s QVB windows?
Critics say swapping out the coloured glass would strip the heritage-listed building of its unique character and charm. Heritage enthusiasts have flooded the council with submissions urging the proposal be rejected, and it looks as though they’re making good headway.
Are Sydney’s QVB windows heritage-listed?
The QVB itself is heritage-listed. It's one of Sydney's most historic Victorian-era landmarks – a pretty stunning sandstone and copper relic in the beating heart of our city's commercial centre. Unfortunately for colour fans, since the coloured glass panels were reconstructed in the 1980s (not original parts of the 1898 structure) they are considered of lower heritage significance, meaning alterations are allowed as long as they don’t harm the building’s overall historical value.
Are Sydney’s QVB windows changing?
Not yet. If approved, the plan would replace the 1980s reconstructed coloured glass with clear glass, leaving the original 19th-century architecture untouched. The proposal is currently under assessment by the City of Sydney and the Heritage Council, with public submissions open until February 6, 2026.
How to submit feedback about the Sydney QVB windows
You can learn more and submit your comments here.
Stay in the loop: sign up for our free Time Out Sydney newsletter for more news, travel inspo and activity ideas, straight to your inbox.