A sophisticated new Japanese-inspired rooftop restaurant and a high-end Swiss timepiece retailer will complete the line-up of retail offerings at 388 George Street’s retail precinct – Sydney CBD’s newest hub for luxury.
388 George Street sits on one of Sydney’s busiest intersections on what is fast becoming the George Street Boulevard. The award-winning precinct comprises a 28-level commercial tower and five-level retail podium and is jointly owned by Brookfield Properties and Investa Gateway Office Fund (IGO).
Hospitality group ESCA will open its striking new rooftop restaurant and bar experience, JOJI, in Q3 2024. Luxury watch retailer Swiss Concept is also set to open mid-2024, joining luxury brand Cartier on George Street. JOJI will occupy 310m2 of rooftop dining space, while Swiss Concept will occupy a 460m2 store.
388 George Street sits on one of Sydney’s busiest intersections
In further endorsement of the luxury retail precinct, the Cartier flagship at 388 George Street was recently designated as one of the 18 new World’s Most Beautiful Shops and Stores in 2023 by the Selection Committee for the Prix Versailles – The World Architecture and Design Award at UNESCO.
“JOJI and Swiss Concept solidify 388 George Street’s prime position at the heart of Sydney’s luxury precinct on George and King Streets,” said Danny Poljak, President of Brookfield Properties in Australia.
ESCA is the hospitality group behind several iconic Sydney venues including AALIA, Nour, Lilymu, The Lobbyist, and the newly opened Itō. JOJI at 388 George Street will be located on the rooftop of the retail podium, modelling its namesake and interior after 1960’s ‘Googie’ architecture – a futurist design style popularised by mid-century architect John Lautner. JOJI will be serving up fresh raw dishes and Japanese yakitori along with an extensive drinks menu, all delivered with city skyline views and a smooth vinyl soundtrack to match.
388 George Street was completely refurbished and reimagined in 2020
“We’re excited to join the existing line-up of distinguished brands already operating within the 388 George Street building, and to offer an unparalleled bar and dining experience,” said Jorge Farah, Co-Founder and Executive Director at ESCA Group.
“388 George Street has fast become one of the city’s premier precincts. Nestled at the intersection of design, commerce, and cuisine, JOJI will take residence on the top floor of this iconic building, surrounded by the diverse architectural landscape that defines the Sydney city centre,” said Farah.
Meanwhile, Swiss Concept will join the roster of luxe retailers on George Street mid-year. Specialising in Swiss timepieces, including limited-edition and exclusive models, Swiss Concept is custodian to notable brands including Rolex, Breguet, Blancpain, Glashutte-Original and TUDOR.
388 George Street Sydney
“We are excited to open our doors in 2024, with 388 George Street presenting an active and highly-connected location for our newest store,” said Kellee Hau, Operations Manager of Swiss Concept.
“The luxury retail landscape in the Sydney CBD has truly evolved, with iconic global brands now flocking to George Street and nearby King Street. We wanted to be part of this new revolution in luxury retail and saw 388 George Street as the perfect opportunity for us to do so,” said Hau.
Clifford Leeson, Investment Manager for IGO, said: “We are pleased to welcome JOJI and Swiss Concept, with the revitalisation of 388 George Street creating a vibrant new destination for tenants, Sydneysiders and visitors alike to enjoy.”
388 George Street has been awarded a WELL Core Gold Rating and 5 Star NABERS Energy rating, and is now targeting a 5 Star NABERS Indoor Environment Quality rating – representing 388 George Street’s innovative approach to sustainability and tenant wellbeing.
388 George Street’s commercial tenants are well-serviced by hospitality and retail amenity, with Locali by Romeo’s operating its signature European food hall concept on the tower’s lower ground floor.
The building was completely refurbished and reimagined in 2020, and the office space in the main tower now includes activated atriums to enhance connectivity, new ceilings, carpets, bathrooms, lift floor lobbies, new chillers, and on-floor amenities to enable highly productive 1:10 workspace densities. It is already home to Aware Super and QBE.
The ground plane and new pavilion building were designed by architects FJMT with the pavilion providing five levels of commercial and retail space, a rooftop bar and flagship retail stores. It was designed to complement the rich history of the site, incorporating a custom-designed curved sandstone and glass façade inspired by the topography of the surrounding CBD landscape.
