NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: International Trade City, Milsons Point (1969)

Architect Harry Seidler was keen to transform Sydney in the 1960's. A decade earlier, he had come up with his housing scheme for McMahons Point. Blues Point Tower was the only tower that saw the light of day in that scheme. By the end of the decade, he had turned his eyes to the other side of Lavender Bay at Milsons Point.

He was asked to be involved in a proposed redevelopment of Luna Park and the adjoining railyards into a major commercial centre for Luna Park (Holdings) Limited.

Source: Anonymous. 1969. "$50 million dollar plan for the Luna Park site: No official proposals made yet." The Daily Telegraph, May 8: page unknown.

Under the scheme, five buildings of 20 levels were to be built and "suspended" on the 12 acres the development would encompass.

It also included a major exhibition centre of about 100 000 square feet, 350 room hotel, apartments, retail space, pedestrian plazas, a public park and parking for 4500 cars.

Harry Seidler had to defend claims that it would desecrate the harbour foreshore. Try doing that 45 years later and there would be massive outrage.

Obviously building the International Trade City would have meant the loss of Luna Park, a notable attraction on Sydney Harbour even in the 21st century as it allows us to experience the delights of Sydney as they have done for decades before.