The Commons York St

The Commons’ newest Sydney location breathes fresh purpose into a richly layered heritage building on York Street. With origins in the 1830s, the site has passed through many lives, from private residence and boarding house to hotel, warehouse and office; each reflecting a chapter in the evolution of the city. Original timber beams, columns and floors remain in place, offering a tangible connection to the past while setting the stage for workplace futures.

This project marks the third collaboration between Foolscap and The Commons; building on the momentum of QV and South Yarra locations which have redefined members’ experience of work and connection. The York Street location continues this trajectory, offering a purpose-built hybrid space which balances flexibility with function and community with culture.

At the heart of the design is the concept of the Public House. Historically a gathering place, this idea is reimagined through a contemporary lens where collaboration and exchange are supported through spatial design. The layout encourages fluid movement between focused work and social interaction, echoing the building’s long history of adaptive and communal use.

The design responds to the ongoing decentralisation of the corporate office, offering what remote work cannot: genuine opportunities for professional presence and meaningful engagement.

The Commons York Street is the first location to feature a dedicated music room, offering members space for creative release within the workday. This unique addition sits alongside a full kitchen, sensory room and event space, supporting a more holistic and human approach to work.

Across its levels, the space also includes a central staircase, open and dedicated desks, private offices, meeting rooms, agile zones, and breakout areas.