Brace yourselves Sydney. The CBD is about to receive some more Merivale magic.

In a bid to revitalise Sydney’s CBD, the ever-growing Merivale empire has now announced exciting plans to evolve ivy’s laneway precinct. Coinciding with the opening of George Street’s multi-million-dollar pedestrianisation, together with a push for the City of Sydney’s 24-hour CBD, we can expect not one but four new bars and restaurants inside the ivy complex. Think intimate French bistro, casual Mexican eatery, Middle Eastern bar and restaurant and a new Italian concept.

With the project slated to commence this July, Merivale’s CEO Justin Hemmes is on a mission to reclaim Sydney’s status as a world-class metropolis.

The first new offering set to open as quickly as next month Little Felix. Dubbed the ‘baby sister’ of the hatted French bistro on Ash Street, the intimate 60-seater bar will be headed by Head Chef Nathan Johnson. Diners can expect a simple French-inspired menu centred around charcuterie and cheese, paired with French wine served by the glass and classic cocktails.

A stones throw from Little Felix will be a new casual Middle Eastern eatery and bar. Positioned opposite Wynyard Station on George Street, the new concept will be spilt into two offerings, a takeaway spot with a lively bar and diner out the front, and shared plates out the back. Led by Head Chef Simon Zalloua, the concept will be vegetarian-heavy with a big emphasis on legumes, vegetables and dishes coming off the charcoal grill.

Lovers of Bondi’s buzzing Italian eatery Totti’s can expect a 2.0 Italian eatery and bar on Palings Lane. Launching over the next year, the incarnation will be built around what Hemmes describes as “the concept of sharing, eating, drinking, celebrating life and connections with people”.

To complete the evolution of ivy’s precinct, a new Mexican eatery and bar is set to open on George Street.

While the redevelopment is still in the planning phase, the vision is to activate and energise that part of the CBD after 6.00pm, “encouraging a diverse night-time economy that echoes the 24-hour sophistication and fun of the best places around the world”, says Hemmes