1970: Sydney Construction Feature

For around the past decade, the sight of construction in central Sydney has become part of the city's routine.

In the late 1960's and early 1970's, the sight of construction was also routine in central Sydney as old buildings were demolished for modern skyscrapers.

The Daily Telegraph published a pictorial feature on September 12, 1970 focusing on three sites:

1. AMP Centre (Bridge Street)
2. Hilton Hotel - Former site of Adams Hotel
3. 175-183 Castlereagh Street - 14 storey office tower

Two sites featured are currently undergoing redevelopment. The AMP Centre which was completed in 1976 has been gutted and being redeveloped into a modern office tower. Floorplates are being enlarged to provide modern workspaces for its employees. 

Photo taken by the Author (2021). 

175-183 Castlereagh Street has been demolished as part of the Pitt Street Metro Station development with a modern office tower planned for the site. 

The Hilton Hotel completed in 1973 was renovated in 2004 with a refurbished facade and additional office space. 

1969: Plans for the AMP Centre are released

The AMP Centre at Circular Quay is square in terms of its shape, but did you know it was meant originally to be rectangular according to its original proposal that was unveiled by the AMP back in 1969? They were aiming for completion by 1974.

The height of 612ft when converted measures to 187 metres, which was the final height. Peddle Thorp and Walker were the architects.

Source: Anon. 1969. "Landmark: Tallest building to rise 612ft". The Daily Telegraph, March 28 1969: 12. 

 

At this stage, I have not yet located an article that confirms the changes that resulted in the tower that did rise. What we do know was that tower was not finished until 1976.

Photo taken by the author.