The Dymocks Building – A Sydney Icon Since 1932

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Discover levels 1-10

There’s much more to The Dymocks Building than the iconic bookstore at street level. Venture upstairs and discover 10 floors filled with more than 120 specialty stores, independent businesses, designers, makers and professionals.

Bridal boutiques and bespoke jewellers sit alongside tailors, hair and beauty salons, health and wellness practitioners, collectors and professional services. Hidden in plain sight at 428 George Street, it’s one of Sydney CBD’s most distinctive destinations. Explore more of what’s inside with our guide to shopping in The Dymocks Building.

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The Dymocks Building is home to over 130 specialty stores

Your one stop Shopping Destination in Sydney

Introduction

The Dymocks Story

Located on the ground floor of The iconic Dymocks Building, the Dymocks Main George Street bookstore is Sydney's greatest, and quite probably the largest in the Southern Hemisphere. But there is so much more to The Dymocks Building than the book and stationery store on the ground floor. Our story begins in 1879 when William Dymock commenced business as a bookseller in a rented room on Market Street. As his business grew, he moved to larger and grander premises until, in the 1890's he could claim to have a million books in stock.

William Dymock died in his thirty-ninth year, unmarried and childless, and left the business to his sister Marjory, who was married to John Forsyth. From that time onwards, the Forsyth family has managed Dymocks. 1922 was a "landmark" year for Dymocks, when the family purchased the old Royal Hotel in George Street – and on that site was built the present Dymocks Building, completed in 1932.

About the Dymocks Building Sydney Shopping

Get to know

Our Building

The Dymocks Building (or "The Block") as it was known, was conceived by architect F.H.B. Wilton in the "Interwar Commercial Palazzo Style". It was to house the "less elite" or "bazaar" style of retailing, with specialty businesses offering a wide range of more unusual goods and services. At street-level it was of course the home for the bookshop which has developed into the store you see today.

Throughout World War II and for many years after, the building provided office space for government departments, and it was not until the 1980's that The Dymocks Building was restored, again to specialise in the unusual businesses for which it had been designed decades earlier.

Today it is home to over 120 specialty stores and businesses specialising in fashion, weddings, jewellery, health and well being and personal & professional services. Commenting on the design, the magazine "Building" in 1929 stated, "…the facilities would appeal to those who object to the noise and bustle of the traffic in the crowded city streets". This is still true today, more than 80 years later.

Visit us today to enjoy a quality shopping experience while seeking that unique gift, item or service. Discover our many specialty businesses located in a one of Sydney's most iconic buildings. The Dymocks Building - George Street Sydney.

Upgrade of The Goods Lift

The Dymocks Building, built between 1928 and 1930, is the headquarters of Australia's foremost book store and vertical shopping arcade. Generations of shoppers have passed by the modest Goods Lift in the Dymocks Building, possibly unaware of its role and regularly resupplying stock to the upper floors. Goods Lifts 5 and 6 symbolise the enormous commercial activity the building facilitates.

The Dymocks’ Goods Lifts were designed to carry heavy loads and had a rugged, timber-panelled interior finish to prevent damage while loading and unloading. Metal scissor opening doors provided additional protection. Located on each arcade level of the Dymocks Building, the Good Lifts are the back-of-house, concealed behind a showcase and adjoining the WCs.

In 2016, Goods Lift 5 and 6 were replaced to comply with current building standards. Original Otis plant room lift equipment, now decommissioned, has been retained on the roof level. Some lift elements, including lift call buttons and level indicators, have been retained and displayed near the Goods Lifts.

For further information regarding the upgrade to the Goods Lift 5 and 6 please review the PDF: Goods Lifts Goods Lifts

FAQs - Shopping Centre Sydney CBD

Where can I shop like a local in and around Sydney CBD?

If you like to get off the beaten track and shop in an experiential setting, therefore, there are many surprises to be found at The Dymocks Building — your new favourite Sydney CBD shopping centre. Moreover, nestled in the heart of the city in a heritage building that has been lovingly restored to its former grandeur, you can step into a votive space that has become a beloved piece of the city’s history.

Firstly, step into our foyer, then visit any of our floors to envelop yourself in luxurious touches that hark back to yesteryear. From marbled floors to art deco embellishments, you can surround yourself with Sydney’s artisans and professionals offering bespoke treatments and services.

Additionally, there are plenty of reasons to explore the centre

From fashion designers, jewellers and beauty services outfitting those in the know to health services, consultants, educators and professional services. We are the premier destination for people wanting expert advice and finely crafted pieces.

What is so unique about The Dymocks Building as a shopping centre in Sydney city?

The Dymocks Building stands out as a one-of-a-kind shopping destination in Sydney's bustling CBD.

Firstly, what sets us apart is our rich heritage combined with a diverse mix of over 120 premium and boutique retailers and services spread across 10 unique floors. Moreover, anchored by the renowned Dymocks bookstore on the ground floor, our building houses a vibrant community of artisans and professionals, including dressmakers, designers, jewellers, collectors, tailors, and more.

Additionally, our building is a historic landmark, lovingly restored to its former grandeur, offering visitors an immersive experience steeped in history and art deco elegance. Consequently, whether you're seeking bespoke treatments, unique fashion finds, or specialized services, The Dymocks Building provides a curated shopping experience that celebrates Sydney's rich culture and creativity. In conclusion, come and discover why we are considered the best shopping centre in Sydney, offering a shopping journey that is both memorable and rewarding.

What is the best way to visit The Dymocks Building?

If you want to experience the bespoke retail stores of sydney city shopping; then the easiest way to visit the best shopping centre in Sydney CBD is via public transport.

Firstly, we are regularly serviced by the QVB light rail station as well as Town Hall and Martin Place train stations. Secondly, if you prefer to drive, there are secured parking stations nearby on Market St and King St.

Via Car

If travelling to The Dymocks Building Sydney CBD Shopping Centre by car, park at one of the many parking stations near by George Street. For instance, some include:

Secure – Landmark Car Park. Entry and exit is via 22 York Street.
Wilson Parking – Victoria Building Car Park.
Wilson Parking – Market Street.

Via Foot

If walking to The Dymocks Building Sydney CBD Shopping Centre, head to 428 George Street. Once there, enter the foyer located on the right-hand side of the Dymocks bookstore and proceed to levels 1-10 for a unique Sydney CBD shopping experience.

Via Bus

Sydney Buses service the city regularly from across greater metropolitan Sydney, making your trip to The Dymocks Building straightforward. To illustrate, to get there by bus, visit Sydney Buses to view up-to-date timetables. If you're unsure of the best route from your location, you can go to Sydney Buses and use the 'Plan your trip' tool by entering your location and The Dymocks Building at 428 George Street as your final destination.

Via Light Rail

The CBD and South East Light Rail is a new light rail network for Sydney, with passenger services now operating on both the L2 Randwick Line and L3 Kingsford Line. This service plays a key role in enabling Sydney’s transport future by transporting thousands of customers. For example, for the best timetables, look for:

Randwick to Circular Quay via The Dymocks Building
Kingsford to Circular Quay via The Dymocks Building

Via Train

To visit The Dymocks Building Sydney CBD Shopping Centre by train, simply take a train operating on the City Circle network. For the quickest route and train times, visit Sydney Trains. Upon arriving into the City, exit at one of the nearby train stations:

Town Hall (5-minute walk to The Dymocks Building)
St James (7-minute walk to The Dymocks Building)
Martin Place (8-minute walk to The Dymocks Building)

Via Taxi/UBER

Various taxi companies can bring you to The Dymocks Building Sydney CBD Shopping Centre, including:

Taxis Combined: 133 300
Legion Cabs: 131 451
Premier Cabs: 131 017
Silver Service: 133 100

Furthermore, for a reliable ride, use Uber Sydney. You can find dedicated taxi ranks on:

King Street (south side between George and Pitt Streets)
York Street (west side between King and Market Streets)
Market Street (South side between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets)

Does The Dymocks Building offer health services and beauty salons?

Absolutely, notably, whether you're interested in a transformational experience or specific services, you can find them at any of our flagship health and beauty stores. Additionally, in addition to physiotherapy, psychology offices, and nutritionists, we offer hair and beauty services, eye care, massage therapy, hair replacement and removal, vitamins and natural supplements, pilates studios, as well as 2 of the largest stockists of hair and beauty supplies in Sydney. Consequently, The Dymocks Building has become known as the best shopping centre in Sydney, providing comprehensive services to care for your body and mind inside and out.

Spoil yourself with 30+ Hair, Health & Beauty Salon in our building. Therefore, you could say we are the sydney city shopping destination to relax, indulge, rejuvenate and pamper yourself.

How many stores and levels are in The Dymocks Building in Sydney?

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Is Dymocks Books part of The Dymocks Building?

Can the public access the upper floors?

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