SANCTUARY | REGENT ST. REDEFERN | SYDNEY
Sanctuary
A sophisticated evolution of The Dock, blending heritage while preserving the spirit and quirkiness of its older sibling.
Sanctuary, the newest project from the owners of the iconic dive bar The Dock, elevates the vibrant energy of its predecessor with a more refined, upscale vibe. Located in Redfern, this venue celebrates live music, great food, and a strong sense of community, offering a larger space ideal for bands and social gatherings. With a focus on thoughtful architectural preservation, Sanctuary honors its historic origins by restoring the original ceiling, walls, and floors, while carefully integrating the bar and back-of-house areas between the ornate structural ceiling beams.
Client Brief:
The owners of The Dock wanted to create a more upmarket venue that still held onto their love of music, food, and the lively ambiance of a dive bar. They envisioned a space that could accommodate larger live performances while offering an intimate, warm setting for patrons. Sanctuary needed to capture the heritage of the building while introducing functional, modern design elements, including a bar that serves both as a centerpiece and a functional hub for service. The design balances heritage preservation with new functionality, including private snug (complete with hatch to the bar) and snug booths influenced by the Irish snug tradition. The snug also doubles up as a “now and then” office space for the owners.
The unique shape of Sanctuary is influenced by the historical curve of a once-active tram line. By mapping the bar’s layout on-site with the owners and bar manager, we ensured an optimized design that blends form with functionality.
Following a suggestion from Drink n Dine founder Jamie Wirth, pulling the bar outward makes it instantly visible upon entry, creating a welcoming focal point for guests. This smart design choice also freed up space to introduce a snug—a cozy, private booth area that enhances the venue's sense of intimacy.
A nod to the owners' love for trams, a model tram runs along the bar’s edge, adding a playful, historical reference to the space. This unique feature ties the venue’s heritage into its present-day identity.