NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Capitol Theatre Redevelopment Plans (1989)

The Capitol Theatre is one of four major theatres located within the Sydney CBD and its immediate surrounds. It's main competitors include the State Theatre, Theatre Royal and the Lyric Theatre at The Star.

The theatre is nearly a century old, completed in 1928 with a capacity for around 2000 people. It was closed in 1983 and reopened in 1995 after a redevelopment of the site which included a retail complex and a hotel facing Pitt Street.

In 1989, tenders were called for the redevelopment of the site. 

Winner

Ipoh Constructions

This is what the eventual redevelopment was based on with the redeveloped theatre, hotel and retail complex. The retail complex includes the atrium that is found there today. The hotel building was eventually redesigned. Architect was Andrew Andersons of Peddle Thorp Walker.

Alternative Schemes

Bond Corporation

Redevelopment of the theatre also included a 30 Storey office tower facing George Street and a 13 level hotel facing Pitt Street. 

Capital Land Corporation

Along with a restored theatre, redevelopment plans included a 42 level office tower facing George Street and a 300 room, four star hotel facing Pitt Street.

Essington

In addition to the existing theatre, a second theatre with a capacity for 1 200 patrons was planned for the Pitt Street side of the site along with a thirty level office tower facing George Street.

 The artists impressions were sourced from the following articles:

Evans, B. 1989. "Capitol Ideas". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 22: 76.

Harley, R. 1989. "Sydney Council weights options for Capitol". The Australian Financial Review, May 17: 54. 

Nance, J. 1989. "Capitol rivals put on a real variety show". The Weekend Australian, May 20: page unknown.