MILESTONE: 25 Years of Stadium Australia (1999)

This year marks 25 years since Stadium Australia (currently known as Accor Stadium) was completed and hosted its first events ahead of the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games.

In 1999, it was in its Olympic configuration, with a capacity of 110,000 and two temporary stands erected at the northern and southern ends of the stadium. Both stands were demolished after the Olympic Games in 2000 when the stadium was reconfigured into its current configuration of 83 500, and stadium roofing was extended over the northern and southern stands.  

Some of the highlights from its first year included:

NRL Double Header - March 6 1999

To mark the start of the 1999 Rugby League season, the National Rugby League (NRL) decided to host a doubleheader at the stadium in round one, which attracted a world record attendance of 104 583. 

In the first match, Newcastle defeated Manly 41-18, while Parramatta defeated St George-Illawarra 20-10. The night was also historic because it was the first match featuring the joint venture team St George Illawarra, formed after a merger of the St George Dragons and Illawarra Steelers at the end of the 1998 NRL season.  

Bee Gees concert - March 27 1999

The Bee Gees claimed bragging rights for the first concert at the stadium, held just three weeks after the NRL Double Header. Over 60,000 attended the concert, the only Australian concert in its six-concert world tour.

Source: Scatena, D. 1999. "Bee Gees a sure thing in the poll that counts". The Daily Telegraph, March 27: 15. 

However, the concert was overshadowed by the lack of train services to transport those travelling home to the Western Suburbs after the concert. As for the concert itself, there were issues with food and drink, but the sound was "great". Barry Gibb (Bee Gees) was "very impressed" with the stadium and the sound.

Source: McMillan, A. 1999. "So, where were the trains". The Daily Telegraph, March 29: 7.

Official Opening

Stadium Australia. 1999. "The Official Opening of Stadium Australia" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, June 11: 17.

I was fortunate to attend this event with my family on a cold june evening, sitting in the temporary southern grandstand. 88 000 people were treated to an entertainment spectacular before the feature event - an international football (soccer) match between the Socceroos and the Fifa All Stars. Australia prevailed 3-2. 

NFL

Held on August 7, the American Bowl was hosted in Australia for the first time, featuring the Denver Broncos and San Diego Chargers. Watched by a crowd of just under 74,000 people, Denver won 20-17.

Bledisloe Cup

On August 28, Stadium Australia hosted its first rugby union international test. Australia faced New Zealand in the Bledisloe Cup.  It set a world record for the most attended rugby union game - 107 042, only to be broken the following year when the same nations played before a crowd of 109 874. Australia won 28-7 to retain the Bledisloe Cup.

Also, John Williamson led the crowd in singing Waltzing Matilda after the All Blacks performed the pre-game haka. 

NRL Grand Final

Held on September 26, 1999, St George Illawarra returned to the ground where they began their season and faced up to the Melbourne Storm, who were playing in their first grand final. Melbourne Storm defeated St George 20-18 after a penalty try was awarded to Craig Smith (Melbourne) late in the game and was converted by Matt Geyer. 

The 1999 NRL Grand Final also had the highest attendance of a rugby league game in the world, beating the record set six months earlier in the same venue, with 107,999 in attendance.  

Source: Stephens, T. 1999. "Lazarus and the miracle of the Melbourne stealers". The Sydney Morning Herald, September 27: 1.

The Sydney Morning Herald published a photospread in its Sporting Life section on September 27 1999.

 

Property Advert of the Week: Landcom Ad (1994)

Below is a 1994 newspaper advertisement from Landcom. Homesites were on offer at St Helens Park, Currans Hill, Mount Annan, Ambarvale, Eagle Vale, Narellan Vale, Cecil Park, Casula, Cabramatta, Menai, Bangor, Parklea, Hassall Grove, Cranebrook, Castle Hill, Glenhaven, Beacon Hill and Oatlands.

 

Source: Landcom. 1994. " "First choice for homebuyers" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph Mirror, June 4: 65.

1997: Rydalmere as Sydney's Geographic Centre

The question will arise from time to time - Where is the geographic centre of Sydney?

The geographic centre of a city does not refer to the Central Business District (CBD) but refers to the centre point of a city based on its urban sprawl - Where can one be where the midpoint between two locations is consistently the longest based on the perimeter of the metropolitan area.

In 1997, the Geographic centre of Sydney was identified as Rydalmere. The Sunday Telegraph identified the residence where the centre was located (in the backyard). The home was located at the corner of Fallon and John Streets.

Source: Stuart, S. 1997. "Heart of the city". The Sunday Telegraph, October 5: 5. 

Sydney's Geographic Centre was most recently identified in 2018. Between 1997 and 2018, it had shifted north in a northwesterly direction, remaining within Rydalmere. At one point, it crossed to the northern side of Victoria Road as urban sprawl gravitated towards the Hills and Blacktown LGAs before it started to shift southwards in 2005. By 2018, it had settled in Dorothy Street.

Given that urban sprawl in Sydney shifted towards the southwest after 2000, the Geographic Centre of Sydney is projected to move to the southern shores of the Parramatta River. 

Additional Reading

Pike, B. 2018. "Dorothy St, Rydalmere now the heart of Sydney’s population shift" The Daily Telegraph, December 13, https://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/news/nsw/dorothy-st-rydalmere-now-the-heart-of-sydneys-population-shift/news-story/8718dc8b4f9349dcaea1c89b460d80ac.

Property Advert of the Week: Hitter Homes Advertisement (1966)

Below is a 1966 newspaper advertisement promoting new estates at Panania, Fairfield West, Merrylands, and Cabramatta. Three-bedroom homes were on offer from £4300 ($8600). According to the RBA Inflation Calculator, that would be equivalent to spending $134,000 in 2024.

Source: Hitter Homes. 1966. Untitled (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, October 15: 27.

Note: Advertising goods and services in pounds, shillings and pence was permitted for a two-year period following the introduction of decimal currency on 14 February 1966.

East Circular Quay Redevelopment: Opera Residences (2021)

Above: Opera Residences as viewed from the Royal Botanic Gardens. Photo by the Author (2024).

This is the final entry in the series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay. Last week's entry focused on the completion of the development of the four building Bennelong Apartments complex (Colonial Mutual Limited) and Quay Grand (Mirvac) in 1999.

With both developments complete, the southernmost building on the block, Coca-Cola Amatil Building (71 Macquarie Street), became the sole office building.

Coca Coca vacates 71 Macquarie Street

In 2010, Coca-Cola vacated the building at 71 Macquarie Street to relocate to North Sydney. They were the original tenants in the 15-level building, which was completed in 1966.

Following its departure, property owner AMP sought to redevelop the site into luxury apartments and partnered with Mirvac to redevelop the site. 

A concept plan was placed on exhibition in 2012.

In 2014, a Development Application was lodged with the Central Sydney Planning Committee for a 19-level apartment building containing 109 apartments (later revised to 104 apartments). 

Crone Architects, Tzannes and Make were the architects. 

The building was demolished in 2017. Construction commenced in 2019 and was completed in 2021. The final construction costs were approximately $140 million. 

Below are a few photos that I took of its demolition and construction

This was a photo of demolition in July 2017 taken from Circular Quay near Wharf 4. At this stage, the entire building was draped in scaffolding.

January 2020 - Construction at street level

November 2020

Nearing completion in March 2021

Final Remarks

I have reached the end of this series showcasing the redevelopment of East Circular Quay. It has encompassed more four decades, focusing on various plans to redevelop the site, whether on one site or the entire precinct, the role of planning authorities, Local, State, and even the Federal Government, the public backlash over its redevelopment in the 1990s, and its construction and completion.

I will leave it up to you to decide whether the redevelopment of East Circular Quay has been positive or negative.

Some positives of redeveloping East Circular Quay include:

• Removal of the roadway
• More space for pedestrians
• Development of a retail and dining precinct
• Provision of entertainment space - Cinema Complex
• Development of a residential precinct in Central Sydney

Negatives include:

• Views of Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay are obscured
• High cost of apartments - Unaffordable to most Sydneysiders
• Views to the Royal Botanic Gardens are blocked - lost opportunity to open the views.
• Height, bulk and design of the buildings
• Disrespects the location - close to the Sydney Opera House

The end

Entries in this series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)
18. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)
19. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): NSW Government Response (1997)
20. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion of Bennelong Apartments (1998)
21. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Jorn Utzon's perspective (1998)
22. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests continue (1998) 
23. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion (1999)

Property Advert of the Week: Kingsberry Homes Exhibition Village, Baulkham Hills (1969)

Below is a 1969 newspaper advertisement by Kingsberry Homes to promote their new exhibition village at Baulkham Hills.

It was located at the intersection of Baulkham Hills Road and Mulheron Avenue, Baulkham Hills. Click here to view the location as it is today.

Source: Kingsberry Homes. 1969. "$10,000 is the absolute limit". The Daily Telegraph, August 9: 23. 

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion (1999)

From: Blok, M. 2000. "Ferry nice". The Sydney Morning Herald, September 7: 22 (Domain Liftout).

The end is in sight for this series on East Circular Quay as the focus shifts to the completion of the redevelopment.

1999 saw the completion of the main residential development, comprising Bennelong Apartments, 3,5 and 7 Macquarie Street, and Mirvac's Quay Grand project. Two decades later, the separate redevelopment of the Coca-Cola Amatil building would complete the transformation of the area.

Either love it or hate it

The original twin towers of the World Trade Centre in New York were never architecturally impressive. When they officially opened in 1973, they struggled to attract tenants. What ultimately made the Twin Towers successful was what they offered inside the building, such as open floor plans without columns, which catered to the needs of corporate firms. In the 1990s, it became one of the most prestigious addresses to base a company in New York City. 

This development may not have been architecturally attractive, but it succeeded based on what was inside the building. As residential buildings, they are amongst the best located in Sydney. It was as close to the Sydney Opera House as one could get and had spectacular views of the city, harbour, and its icons and luxurious living. Shops, restaurants and a cinema were available at ground level and a short walk to buses, trains and ferries. Had a city office? You could walk to it.

Those with big wallets were prepared to pay for a slice of the action. 

Source: Mitchell, A. 1999. "$14m for slice of Toaster". The Sun Herald, April 18:25. 

Retail & dining restrictions

For retail and dining tenants at the base of the buildings, restrictions were placed on their operations, such as trading hours, the type of furniture and fit-outs. Nightclubs were not permitted, and a 2am curfew. This would be enforced by the Strata Corporations in the buildings. 

Source: Skelsey, M. 1999. "Toaster's pub with no cheers". The Daily Telegraph, April 15: 15. 

Rules for residents

Residents were expected to be on their "best behaviour." Swearing, walking around naked, and hanging laundry to dry on balconies were not permitted.

 

Source: Skelsey, M. 1999. "How to behave in a toaster". The Daily Telegraph, April 9: 15.

Upgrades to the footpath outside the buildings were undertaken to create the colonnade that we see today.

Next week, I will post the final entry in the series, focusing on the Opera Residences development, which involved converting the former Coca-Cola Amatil Building from an office complex into a residential tower.

Entries in this series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)
18. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)
19. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): NSW Government Response (1997)
20. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion of Bennelong Apartments (1998)
21. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Jorn Utzon's perspective (1998)
22. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests continue (1998) 

Property Advert of the Week: Huxley Homes (1984)

Below is a newspaper advertisement from 1984 by Huxley Homes. Five model homes were on display, which could be built on one's own block of land or combined with a house and land package. The display village was located on Epson Road, Chipping Norton.

 

Source: Huxley Homes. 1984. Untitled (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph,  May 12: 10.

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests continue (1998)

In my series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay, I continue to focus on 1998. So far, I have looked at the completion of the Bennelong Apartments and last week shared clippings in which Sydney Opera House architect Jorn Utzon expressed his concerns over the redevelopment. 

While one building was completed and others were still under construction, critics continued to lobby to halt the redevelopment and demolish the buildings.

Last week, I posted this clipping (below) and focused on Jorn Utzon delivering his message to opponents of the project that had gathered at a meeting in June 1998. Utzon did not attend in person but had sent a written message that was presented to the one thousand that gathered inside Sydney Town Hall. 

Source: Totaro, P. "Utzon tells Opera House protestors: I'm a with you".  The Sydney Morning Herald,  May 21:2. 

A month earlier, Utzon had told The Daily Telegraph that the land should be purchased and the redevelopment stopped.

While Lord Mayor Frank Sartor could not attend, he was happy to provide the town hall for free. The protest wanted one outcome - that the site be purchased by either the State or Federal Government and the buildings demolished. 

Three months earlier, the Save East Circular Quay Committee resumed its fight to lobby the State Government to stop the redevelopment. In addition, it was seeking intervention at the Commonwealth level. 

 

Source: Susskind, A. & Riley, M. 1998. "Quay building opponents ready to resume the fight". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 11: 5.

In the same month, another protest took place in the vicinity of the redevelopment, though it did not receive the coverage that protests in the previous year did.

Source: Anon. 1998. "Plea for $1bn to teardown Quay project". The Daily Telegraph, March 28: 18.

Over 100,000 signatures were collected for a petition in opposition to the redevelopment. The campaign also involved over 400 prominent Australians and international personalities. 

Source: Totaro, P. 1998. "Thousands join fight to save East Circular Quay". The Sydney Morning Herald, May 16: 8. 

The Royal Australian Institute of Architects, which represented Architects, called for the Federal and State Governments, along with Sydney City Council, to meet to discuss the demolition of the buildings. 

Source: Skelsey, M. 1998. "Pull the plug: Architects demand toaster showdown". The Daily Telegraph, May 23: 7. 

Protestors and critics' quest to seek Federal Government intervention failed, and the State Government indicated that it would not allocate any funding to purchase the site. The buildings would be finished and allowed to remain.

 

Source:  Skelsey, M. & E. Symons. 1998. "No bread for the Toaster". The Daily Telegraph, June 11: page unknown. 

Next week, I will look at completion of the redevelopment and in the following week, the conversion of the Coca Cola Amatil Building into a luxury apartment complex which would complete the redevelopment of East Circular Quay.

Entries in this Series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)
18. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)
19. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): NSW Government Response (1997)
20. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion of Bennelong Apartments (1998)
21. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Jorn Utzon's perspective (1998)

Real Estate Advert of the Week: Narellan Gardens Estate, Narellan Vale (1993)

Below is a 1993 newspaper advertisement promoting the Narellan Gardens Estate at Narellan Vale. Blocks of land were available from $57,500.

Source: Monarch Investments Group of Companies. 1993. "New Land Release" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph Mirror, May 1: 53. 

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Jorn Utzon's perspective (1998)

I have returned from my August break from posting entries. Before the break, I continued a series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay. I had begun to focus on 1998 and the completion of Bennelong Apartments, which had become known as "The Toaster." 

This entry will also focus on 1998. 

During the year, the Sydney Opera House celebrated its silver jubilee, opening 25 years earlier in 1973.

Jorn Utzon, the architect of the Opera House, had been made aware of the redevelopment. In June, he expressed his support for those opposing it. A message prepared by Utzon was presented at a rally of 1200 people in the Sydney Town Hall. Like the protestors, he wanted the buildings demolished.

 

Source: Totaro, P. "Utzon tells Opera House protestors: I'm a with you".  The Sydney Morning Herald,  May 21:2. 

A month earlier, Utzon had told The Daily Telegraph that the land should be purchased and the redevelopment stopped.

Source: Anon. 1998. "Utzon wants Circular Quay building stopped". The Daily Telegraph, April 20: 7. 

A month later, Utzon elaborated on those concerns—he wanted a better connection between the Royal Botanic Gardens and Circular Quay and to avoid blocking views of the Opera House.

Source: Totaro, P. 1998. "Utzon: flats ruin Opera House site". The Sydney Morning Herald, May 22: 2. 

Source: O'Rourke, J. 1998. "Utzon's plan for Toaster pops up". The Sun Herald, July 19: 31.

The Sun Herald (July 19, 1998) published an artist's impression drawn by Utzon in 1962, which was available in the Mitchell Library at the State Library of NSW. At the time, he advocated a "wall of buildings" at East Circular Quay.

Next week, I will focus on the protests from 1998.

Entries in this Series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)
18. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)
19. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): NSW Government Response (1997)
20. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion of Bennelong Apartments (1998)

Taking a temporary break

I have had a few commitments lately, which have impacted my ability to prepare the weekly postings. Therefore, I will be taking a short break from posting entries until the end of September. This will allow me to attend to them and not be pressed to meet "deadlines." 

In the meantime, enjoy what is already been featured here. It is not going to disappear any day soon.  

Property Advert of the Week: Forge Real Estate (1984)

Below is a newspaper advertisement from 1984 from Forge Real Estate. In addition to helping homebuyers obtain a home without a deposit, they provided support with financing and access to government grants. The main office was at Baulkham Hills, but Home Advice Centres were located in St Clair and Oxley Park.

Source: Forge Real Estate. 1984. "New Home Buyers...No Deposit". The Daily Telegraph, January 14: 27. 

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Completion of Bennelong Apartments (1998)

This week's entry in the series focusing on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay is on the completion of Bennelong Apartments in 1998.

The building itself at 1 Macquarie Street was the first building in both developments to be completed. The remaining buildings, including Mirvac's Quay Grand Development, would be completed the following year.

Completion revealed one change to the design: purple windows, which needed to be approved by Sydney City Council as part of the Development Application.

Source: Skelsey, M. & McDougall, B. 1998. "Final Insult: Colour purple renews calls for building's demolition". The Daily Telegraph, March 25: 4.

The Daily Telegraph shared two photos of the views from the 13th floor, which gave its readers what the residents would expect from their apartments. Apart from the spectacular views of Sydney Harbour, the Harbour Bridge, and the Opera House, one aspect of the view made it better (in the newspaper's view)—you couldn't see "the toaster." 

 

Source: Skelsey, M. 1998. "The best way to see the Toaster...from the inside looking out". The Daily Telegraph, June 20: page unknown.

By the end of 1998, the scaffolding was coming off Quay Grand. 

Source: Skelsey, M. 1998. "Look what's popped up beside the Toaster". The Daily Telegraph, November 26: 22.

There were also changes to its design, which were approved.

Source: Totaro, P. 1998. "Facelift for second of Quay buildings". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 28: 5.

While not mentioned in previous entries from 1997, the remaining three buildings (3,5 & 7 Macquarie Street) during that year were approved for residential use, reverting to their original plans. Hong Kong & Shanghai Hotels Group decided to scrap the hotel scheme on economic grounds. Only 22 apartments had been sold across the four buildings by May 1998. The campaign against the development had allegedly scared off buyers. 

  

Source: Totaro, P. 1998. "East Circular Quay units a sales flop". The Sydney Morning Herald, May 20: 1. 

Three months later (August 1998), all unsold apartments went on the market.

Source: Chancellor, J. 1998. "Finding bread for the Quay's 'toaster'". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 15:13.

Bob Bohlen, who was involved in marketing the units for sale, felt that the apartments may have struggled to sell because they were "overpriced" but were confident they would sell.

Source: Hill, K. 1998. "Quay image problem fails to faze $4m man". The Sydney Morning Herald, May 26: 7. 

By the end of the year, The Australian reported that approximately 70 apartments had been sold, less than one-third of the development's apartments. The highest sale price for a single apartment was $7 million.

Additional Sources Used

Sexton, J. 1998. "Locals butter Toaster's bread". The Australian, December 30: 7.

Entries in this Series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)
18. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)
19. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): NSW Government Response (1997)

Property Advert of the Week: Century Green by Clarendon, Lidcombe (2000)

Below is a newspaper advertisement from 2000 to promote the Century Green estate by Clarendon Homes. The estate is located on the site of the former Lidcombe Hospital and the Media Centre used for the 2000 Olympic Games. Four bedroom townhouses were on sale from $290 000 and 2 Storey Homes from $440 000.  

Source: Clarendon Homes. 2000. "Century Green by Clarendon" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, April 8: 11. 

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): NSW Government Response (1997)

Looking back at recent entries in the series, 1997 was a major year in the redevelopment of East Circular Quay with the construction of the new buildings, criticism of the redevelopment, public opposition and from its opponents, alternative schemes to redevelop the area. 

This week, we will focus on the State Government's response to the redevelopment and its response to criticism from opponents of the redevelopment. 

East Circular Quay was under the jurisdiction of Sydney City Council, which regulated planning guidelines. As the redevelopment of both development sites at East Circular Quay was over $50 million each, the Central Sydney Planning Committee had the authority to either approve or reject a proposed development. The committee was not comprised entirely of those sitting or working for the council. Four members of the committee are appointed by the Planning Minister. 

Opponents felt that the State Government needed to take action to halt redevelopment. As mentioned in Part #18 (June 24 2024), the NSW Government had ruled out the acquisition of the site due to the cost - $700 million at the start of 1997.

David Brice Scheme

Last week, I provided an overview of David Brice's scheme to consolidate the sites of Quay Apartments and the Royal Automobile Club onto one site, build one tall tower, and scale back the development at East Circular Quay.

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. 1997. "Quay question: will Sydney accept this trade-off?" The Sydney Morning Herald, June 4.1.

He was unable to persuade the State Government to consider his scheme. The State Government felt that the proposed park at East Circular Quay was not a suitable tradeoff in exchange for building the 55-storey tower south of the Cahill Expressway, citing the size of the park and the proposed height of the tower. 

Land Swap proposals were suggested such as redeveloping part of Observatory Hill Park, but were not supported by the government.

Source: Anon. 1997. "Architects want Bridge park swap". The Daily Telegraph, April 16: 15. 

Bob Carr's view

It was reported that Bob Carr (Premier) was privately supportive of demolishing the Bennelong Apartments building, though it was the cost of demolition that it would impose on the State Government that was holding him back

Source: Allen, L. 1997. "Demolition a tall order". The Australian, March 29: page unknown. 

Some cited articles mentioned in this post were sourced from the Factiva Database.

Entries in this Series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)
18. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)

Property Advert of the Week: Ingleburn Town Estate (1974)

Below is a 1974 newspaper advertisement promoting a land release in Ingleburn located to the east of the town centre. Blocks were on sale from $10 750, equivalent to approximately $104 500 today (RBA Inflation Calculator)

 

Source: Bill Hall Real Estate. 1974. "Beat This: Ingleburn Town Centre" (Advertisment). The Daily Telegraph, June 29: 41.

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Redevelopment Visions (1997)

Before pausing the series five weeks ago, two entries had been posted just on events in 1997 alone. The first entry focused on progress with the construction of the buildings, while the second entry focused on the protests and demonstrations that had occurred during the year.

This week, the focus is on the alternative schemes proposed by critics and opponents of the redevelopment as a solution to the concerns raised. 

Architect Visions

Source: Susskind, A. & Totaro, P. 1997. " Two high minds take a long, tall, sally forth into Quay controversy. The Sydney Morning Herald, April 4: 3. 

In April 1997, The Sydney Morning Herald, published two schemes proposed by architects as solutions to concerns associated with the redevelopment of East Circular Quay by concentrating development towards the Cahill Expressway end of the block and converting the remaining space into public space.

From Source: Susskind, A. & Totaro, P. 1997. " Two high minds take a long, tall, sally forth into Quay controversy. The Sydney Morning Herald, April 4: 3. 

Tony Rodi and Paul Johnson proposed two forty-storey twin towers, placed at each end of Circular Quay, shaped like a pyramid, with landscaped space to occupy the former buildings at East Circular Quay. The objective was to create a "majestic gateway" to Sydney. 

From Source: Susskind, A. & Totaro, P. 1997. " Two high minds take a long, tall, sally forth into Quay controversy. The Sydney Morning Herald, April 4: 3. 

Harry Seidler adopted a simpler approach, focusing on one tower that would be the tallest in Australia.

The return of David Brice

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. 1997.  "Controversial building may go, but at a high price". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 20: 1.

David Brice has been mentioned in previous entries as part of the series as he sought his own development proposals for the precinct. His solution was to merge the sites of the Royal Automobile Club and Quay Apartments and build a "needle like" highrise tower on the consolidated site of around fifty stories. A low-rise hotel would be built on the site of the Coca Amatil building, with the building height stepping down to lowrise at its northern end, opening up the views of the Royal Botanic Gardens. His scheme was reported to have cost an estimated $800 million. 

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. 1997. "East-west land swap proposed to solve Quay crisis". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 5: 6.

 

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. 1997. "Quay question: will Sydney accept this trade-off?" The Sydney Morning Herald, June 4.1.

The NSW State Government rejected Mr Brice's proposal.

   

Source: Jlmenez, C. 1997. "State rejects new Circular Quay plan". The Australian Financial Review, June 4: 46. 

  Source: Harley, R. 1997. "RACA meeting to consider Quay development proposal". The Australian Financial Review,  June 16: page unknown  

The disadvantage of Brice's scheme was that the Royal Botanic Gardens would be overshadowed by a taller building on the Royal Automobile Club & Quay Apartments site.

    Source: Totaro, P . & Wainwright, R. 1997. "Casting a long shadow over Quay development". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 11: 7.

Members of the Royal Automobile Club were asked to vote and ultimately voted down the proposal

 

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. 1997. "Anger at error over Quay deal". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 27: 5.

Entries in this Series

1. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The first apartment block proposal (1979)
2. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme (1984)
3. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)
4. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)
5. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)
6. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme
7. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)
8. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)
9. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)
10. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)
11. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): New Planning Guidelines unveiled (1993)
12. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)
13. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)
14. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)
15. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)
16. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)
17. East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)