Staged remediation works are set to be carried out on the Commercial Palazzo-style building at 343 George Street, Sydney, to preserve the landmark heritage structure.
The building features 11 office floors, ground floor retail and basement storage and is home to companies including Atlassian and Burberry.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore said 343 George Street forms an important group of buildings overlooking George Street and visually closing off the western end of Martin Place, one of Sydney’s most important and accessible civic spaces.
“It’s where people gather, where we host major cultural events, display our largest Christmas tree, and the backdrop for some of the nation’s most enduring traditions, including the Anzac Day dawn service. Ensuring the longevity of heritage-listed buildings framing this space, and lining our newly pedestrianised George Street boulevard, is vital,” she said.
“343 George Street’s imposing façade and elegant interiors are wonderful examples of exceptional craftsmanship. They showcase the artistic talents of Sydney’s past architects, builders, artisans and decorators.
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“We’re ensuring this building remains a significant commercial space for retail and office use and preserving it for future generations to enjoy.”
The site at 343 George Street was the headquarters of the Commercial Banking Company of Sydney from the 1850s until its merger with the National Bank in the 1980s. The building was constructed in two stages between 1921 and 1925 and was known as Barrack House.
City of Sydney historian, Lisa Murray, described the landmark building, as a significant example of the city’s interwar architecture that was worth preserving.
“Along with its twin the Bank of NSW, these prominent bank buildings helped cement Martin Place as Sydney’s financial hub in the 1930s,” Murray said.
“Martin Place was widened and extended by the city council between 1923 and 1925. Lined with imposing banks and insurance buildings, Martin Place became a destination that aimed to impress. The grand designs and lavish materials conveyed prestige as well as wealth, strength and security.”
The building was refurbished in 1986 and the façade was refurbished in 1991. Internal refurbishments were also completed in 2006. The City of Sydney commissioned building reports by heritage architects, Lucas Stapleton Johnson & Partners, and Design 5 – Architects between 2018 and 2020.
The first stage of work will get underway in June with remediation works to cement render, concrete, steel and bronze windows and copper weatherings on the Barrack Lane façade. This stage is expected to be completed by December 2023.
Façade remediation of the stonework, steel and bronze window repairs and façade lighting for the George and Barrack streets frontages will follow.