On the corner of Victoria and Surrey Streets, Darlinghurst, sits a one-time laundrette.

Months ago, we noticed a development application plastered on the wall outside with plans for a new pharmacy.

The DA was approved, according to the City of Sydney Council’s records, on 22 January this year.

Inside it is still the shell of a laundry.

Outside it is a partly boarded up wall of graffiti, chicken wire, stickers and posters for upcoming gigs.

With the cost of the development estimated at $65,000, is the continuing state of disarray a sign of the GFC?