A little history of Chippendale

70 Abercrombie Street, Chippendale, NSW 2008

Chippendale is a suburb in inner Sydney, Australia, located approximately 2 kilometres south of the central business district. Historically, it was part of the City of Sydney, incorporated in 1842. In the 1830s and 1840s, Chippendale developed as a working-class area, with narrow streets and substandard housing, particularly near Parramatta Street and the Blackwattle swamp. By mid-century, the area hosted several medium-sized industries, including a flour mill on Abercrombie Street.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Chippendale underwent significant industrial growth, notably with the establishment of the Kent Brewery in 1835 by John Tooth and Charles Newnham. This brewery became a prominent feature of the suburb, contributing to its industrial character. The area also saw the development of educational institutions, such as St Benedict's Chapel and its schoolhouse in 1838, and the Chippendale Academy on Abercrombie Street, which provided secular education to local children.

In recent decades, Chippendale has experienced significant urban renewal. The closure of the Kent Brewery in 2004 paved the way for the Central Park development, a large mixed-use residential and commercial project that transformed the suburb's landscape. This redevelopment has introduced new housing, commercial spaces, and cultural venues, reshaping Chippendale into a vibrant urban community.