In 2016, the Tramsheds at Forest Lodge emerged as a beacon of culinary excellence in Sydney’s inner west, boasting a European-style food destination that drew in top-tier restaurant talent. However, eight years down the line, the once-vibrant hub has undergone a transformation, with a significant portion of its renowned dining establishments shuttered and concealed behind a daunting barricade of hoardings.
Gone are the days when names like Porteno and Belles graced the Tramsheds precinct, as prominent figures like Chef Eugenio Maiale have bid farewell to their ventures within its confines. Maiale, whose artisan pasta spin-off Flour Eggs Water and Palle restaurant closed late last year amidst his restaurant group’s liquidation, attributes part of the downfall to Tramsheds’ inability to attract sufficient foot traffic.
Seagrass Boutique Hospitality Group, another major player, also cited fluctuating visitor numbers as a contributing factor to its decision to part ways with The Butcher and The Farmer, which remains operational under new ownership.
Critics point to a mismatch in tenancies, with an overabundance of dining options and a scarcity of service-oriented retailers, as a key issue plaguing Tramsheds’ appeal to locals. Nadia Bush, Tramsheds’ center manager, acknowledges a decline in dwell time, a crucial metric for sustaining restaurant activity in shopping centers, and emphasizes the need for a strategic shift in the precinct’s offerings.
Property group Revelop, having acquired Tramsheds from Mirvac in 2022, is spearheading efforts to revitalize the space by diversifying its tenant mix. Plans are underway to introduce new amenities such as a bakery, pharmacy, and a women’s hairdresser, alongside food operators focusing on a “grab and go” concept rather than traditional sit-down dining.
The closure of China Diner earlier this year underscored the challenges facing hospitality operators in an increasingly saturated market. Yet, co-owner Kingsley Smith expresses optimism in Tramsheds’ evolving identity as a community hub, reaffirming his commitment to the precinct’s revival.
As Tramsheds navigates its journey towards rejuvenation, the promise of a transformed landscape looms on the horizon. With the looming departure of the imposing hoardings within the next six months, the precinct anticipates a resurgence, echoing the sentiment of hope and renewal for its future.
