Cadigal People of the Eora Nation
NSW
Gleebooks has long been a place of curiosity, conversation, and inclusivity. AN+A’s refurbishment enables this beloved literary institution to evolve while remaining true to its values. The thoughtful redesign prioritises people, history, and sustainability, transforming the bookstore into a dynamic hub for gathering, learning, and cultural exchange. Enhanced accessibility, a new café, an expanded event space, and significantly increased storage and display capacity reinforce its role as a cornerstone of Sydney’s literary community.
A restoration-first approach uncovers and celebrates the building’s layered history. Original details were carefully restored, while new architectural interventions, joinery and signage introduce a sophisticated yet playful dialogue between heritage and contemporary design, inviting visitors to explore, discover, and connect.
Balancing durability, adaptability and storytelling, the renewed space reimagines the role of bookshops in the digital age. Honouring the past while embracing the future, Gleebooks remains a vital literary and cultural gathering place for generations to come.
Gleebooks has always been a place for curiosity, conversation and inclusivity, and the refurbishment has enabled us to grow alongside these core principles. The design improves accessibility, enhances our events program, and drastically increases storage and display capacity, inviting visitors to stay, wonder, and learn. The café welcomes community connections, while the carefully restored heritage details honour the space’s history. Thoughtful design choices balance playfulness and functionality, ensuring the space remains as inspiring as the stories it holds. This transformation not only supports the way we operate but further strengthens our role as a gathering place for Sydney’s literary community.
Patrick Nicholas, Design Architect
Vanessa Edema, Associate Director
Vaishnavi Bopiah, Associate
Dustin Cashmore, Design Architect
GBA Heritage, Heritage Consultant
Studio MAAT, Wayfinding + Signage
GNFP, Structural Engineer
JK Geotechnical, Geotechnical Engineer
ENDEPTH, Hydraulic Engineer
Urban Arbor, Arborist
MBC Group, PCA
Andrew Martin Planning, Town Planner
Vallabh Bailey Consulting, Accessibility Consultant
Sarah George Consulting, Social Planning Consultant
SURVCORP, Building Surveyor
Keytone Communications, Electrical Consultant
Dallas Air Conditioning, Mechanical Consultant
Thermal Certificates, ESD Consultant
MCD Fire Engineering, Fire Engineer
RIC-QS, Quantity Surveyor
Pulse White Noise Acoustics, Acoustic Consultant
Varga Traffic Planning, Traffic and Parking Consultant
Kleemann, Lift Consultant
MGP Building & Infrastructure Services, Water Services Coordinator
DA Fire Services, Wet and Electric Fire Consultant
ACC Audio Visual, AV Consultant