Shading the Streetscape

In the heart of Newtown, a major heritage refurbishment has breathed new life into one of the area’s most vibrant streetscapes. The H. May Precinct project — a multi-venue hospitality and accommodation redevelopment led by award-winning builder Green Anvil Co. — has transformed original 1911 terraces into a cluster of modern dining venues and boutique suites while celebrating their historic charm. Outdoor Blinds & Awnings (OBA) was engaged to design and install a comprehensive exterior shading solution that complements both the architectural intent and the precinct’s new outdoor dining culture. The Challenge The ground-level spaces of the H. May Precinct are now home to several street-facing hospitality venues, including Joe’s Taverna, Mister Grotto, Continental Deli Bar Bistro and Osteria Mucca. These venues share an extended outdoor frontage exposed to Sydney’s sun and weather, creating a need for a large, cohesive shading solution that tied the facade together visually while enhancing comfort for patrons. The OBA Solution – Aria Folding Arm Awning with Hood OBA custom designed and built a single Aria Folding Arm Awning with hood to span the full 20-metre frontage of the building, providing consistent shade coverage for all four venues. Project details: • Product: Aria Folding Arm Awning with hood • Span: 19,730mm (Width) × 2,000mm (Projection) • Height: Installed ~4,000mm above ground at the right side for optimal clearance • Fabric: Dickson – Orchestra Noir • Valance: 180mm scallop with Cotton White binding • Powder coating: Black to match architectural finishes • Motorisation: High-quality Somfy motors (France) • Installation: On-site build over 2–3 days The result is a unified shading system that provides generous coverage and a clean architectural aesthetic that respects the precinct’s design. Its motorised operation offers hospitality operators effortless control, enhancing both daily use and service flexibility. Performance and Presence The choice of premium Dickson fabric in bold Noir ensures durability for this high-use environment while reinforcing the visual identity of the strip. The integrated hood protects the fabric when retracted, preserving its condition over time. The awning not only delivers practical sun and weather protection but also unifies the various storefronts into a cohesive streetscape element, improving comfort for outdoor diners and contributing to the social life of Newtown’s vibrant urban precinct. Part of a Larger Transformation The H. May Precinct itself is a landmark project, involving the sensitive refurbishment of heritage terrace buildings into a contemporary mixed-use destination. This complex redevelopment earned recognition at the 2025 Master Builders Association of NSW Excellence in Construction Awards for Refurbishment, Renovation and Extension - testament to the quality and collaborative effort behind the project. OBA is proud to have contributed to this revitalised urban environment, delivering a bespoke shading solution that enhances the precinct’s outdoor hospitality experience without compromising the visual integrity of the architecture. Experience the Difference Commercial shading is more than sun protection - it’s about creating comfortable, inviting spaces that support business activity and patron satisfaction. From design through installation, OBA delivers customised shading systems that elevate both function and form. undefined