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Three new restaurants, three boutique apartment suites and one revitalised street.

The H. May Precinct project involved the renovation and refurbishment of three of the four adjoining 2-storey terraces comprising the H. May Building Building, originally constructed in 1911. The ground floor works involved the build of three new restaurants Joe’s Tavern (previously Flora), Mister Grotto and Osteria Mucca surrounding the pre-existing Continental Deli which remained trading throughout. In addition to the new hospitality properties we built three, boutique, hotel-room style apartments, now known as the Australia Street Suites.
2025
Newtown
$5-10m
550 sqm
Winner NSW Master Builders Excellence in Construction Awards 2025
Refurbishment | Renovation | Extension up to $10m
The project transformed the H. May Precinct through partial demolition, major reconfiguration, and adaptive reuse, delivering three licensed restaurants and boutique accommodation above. Complex structural, waterproofing, termite, damp, and access challenges were resolved through engineered solutions and meticulous planning in a constrained urban site. Extensive service upgrades and staged approvals kept the project moving despite design changes. Each venue features distinct architectural elements celebrating heritage fabric. Sustainability was prioritised through material reuse, low-VOC finishes, FSC timber, and local craftsmanship, reinforcing the precinct’s cultural, environmental, and community legacy.

From the outset of the H. May Precinct project, Green Anvil’s early contractor involvement played a significant role in the project’s success. Their early engagement allowed for open and productive workshops around buildability, staging and construction methodology, which was essential given the complexity of delivering the project within a live hospitality and heritage environment. Their practical and considered input helped identify and address risks early, giving us confidence that the project could be delivered with clarity, control and minimal disruption.

The team demonstrated strong leadership in coordinating between the architect, engineers and specialist consultants. They proactively managed technical challenges, approvals and unforeseen conditions through clear communication and a solutions-focused approach. This level of coordination minimised disruption on site and ensured the project continued to progress smoothly despite its inherent complexity. The completed H. May Precinct reflects an exceptional level of care and attention to detail across finishes, joinery and overall coordination, resulting in three distinct hospitality venues of genuine quality. We were proud to see the project recognised with an Excellence in Construction Award for Refurbishment / Renovation / Extension Projects Up to $10 Million, which reinforced our satisfaction with both the outcome and our experience working with Green Anvil.

Joseph Valore – Paisano and Daughters

Let’s build something exceptional.