Cleland Bond Store, Heritage warehouse in The Rocks, Sydney, Australia

Cleland Bond Store is a four-story brick warehouse at 33 Playfair Street that forms part of the larger Argyle Stores complex in this historic district. The building now contains retail spaces across multiple levels, with restored brick facades and period details integrated into contemporary commercial use.

The building was constructed between 1913 and 1914 as a bonded warehouse for Dingle & Co during Sydney's maritime trade expansion. It later changed hands when Thomas McMahon took over operations in 1933, continuing its role in the district's commercial activity.

The name recalls the Cleland family firm, which held the lease until 1965, when it passed to Brambles after a merger. In November 1946 thieves took 400 torch globes from the store in what was called the biggest bond store robbery in years. Since the 1970s conversion the building has housed specialty shops and, later, a department store.

The warehouse sits within a walkable commercial area, and you can easily move through the interconnected spaces across its floors to explore nearby shops and galleries. The restored historic structure is accessible and clearly organized for visitors and shoppers.

In November 1946 the Cleland Bond Store and the adjoining Argyle Stores were hit in what was reported as the biggest bond store robbery for years: thieves took 400 torch globes from Cleland while goods were stolen from Argyle. Clelands kept the lease until 1965, when it passed to Brambles Bonded and Free Stores.