Fab Sydney Flashbacks: Mirvac

Showing posts with label Mirvac. Show all posts

Monday, 28 October 2024

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

East Circular Quay September 7 2000 SMH Domain 22 enlarged

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.

East Circular Quay April 18 1999 Sun Herald 25

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.

East Circular Quay April 15 1999 daily telegraph 15

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.

East Circular Quay April 9 1999 daily telegraph 15

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

Monday, 12 August 2024

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.

East Circular Quay June 4 1997 SMH 1 enlarged

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

Monday, 5 August 2024

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.

East Circular Quay April 4 1997 SMH 3 enlarged

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.

East Circular Quay April 4 1997 SMH 3 enlarged 2

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

East Circular Quay March 20 1997 SMH 1 enlarged

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.

East Circular Quay July 5 1997 SMH 6 enlarged

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

East Circular Quay June 4 1997 SMH 1 enlarged 2

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.

East Circular Quay June 16 1997 AFR page unknown

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

Monday, 24 June 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The protests (1997)

East Circular Quay NIMBY ad May 28 1997 daily telegraph 17

Source: Anon. 1997. "Protest Rally" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph, May 28: 17.

The redevelopment of East Circular Quay was controversial. The posts in this series have highlighted the controversy surrounding how to redevelop the precinct. Concerns were associated with the building's proximity to the Opera House and the Royal Botanical Gardens.

By the summer of 1996/1997, Bennelong Apartments had topped out as part of its construction, giving one an idea of its height and bulk. After years of viewing artists' impressions, architectural drawings and plans, Sydneysiders could now judge with their eyes whether or not the redevelopment was suitable for its location.

Up until this point, criticism was confined to the media—calls to radio stations, letters to newspapers, newspaper commentaries, and interviews.

This continued through the first weeks of 1997. The NSW Government ruled out halting construction as the cost to NSW taxpayers of halting the development would be $700 million, spending that was not justified in light of other spending priorities such as health and education. The State Government response in 1997 will be looked at in an upcoming entry, given the content now warrants a separate entry.

East Circular Quay January 22 1997 SMH 7

Source: Vass, N. 1997. "Halt to quay development ruled out". The Sydney Morning Herald, January 22: 7.

Opponents saw an opportunity and began a campaign of demonstrations to persuade the NSW Government to halt the development and purchase the site to stop any further development. This would have included the deconstruction of the buildings being built.

East Circular Quay February 15 1997 SMH 1 enlarged

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. 1997. "Our towering eyesore...how Carr set the ball rolling in 1988". The Sydney Morning Herald, February 15: 35.

On February 14, 1997, 3,000 people gathered at the Sydney Opera House forecourt, calling for construction to stop. NSW Premier Bob Carr sought Federal Government intervention.

East Circular Quay February 16 1997 Sun Herald 3

Source: Anon. 1997. "Federal funds can save Quay". The Sun Herald, February 16: 3.

Another demonstration was held on April 6, attracting 3,500 people. This also included a concert.

East Circular Quay Protest Ad March 31 1997 SMH 3

Source: Save East Circular Quay. 1997. "Public Rally & Jazz Concert (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, March 31: 3.

East Circular Quay protests April 7 1997 SMH 1 enlarged

Source: Susskind, A. & Riley, M. 1997. "'Tiny crack' in the wall buoys Quay protestors". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 7: 1 & 4.

One demonstration was organized outside Parliament House on May 28. Clover Moore (MLA, Ind. Bligh) presented a petition with 40,000 signatures against the development.

East Circular Quay May 28 1997 SMH 3 (2)

Source: Totaro, P. & Wainwright, R. "City Council was told it could block Quay building". 1997. The Sydney Morning Herald, May 28: 3.

As the protests and opposition against the development continued, the developer wanted Sydneysiders to "give us a chance".

Source: Hilferty, T. & Skelsey, M. 1997. "Give us a chance: Quay developer's plea to the people of Sydney". The Daily Telegraph, September 11: 8.

On September 21 1997, a group of protestors decided to try and pelt the unfinished building with tomatoes and rotten eggs.

East Circular Quay September 22 1997 SMH 2

Source: Anon. 1997. 'Protestors take aim against the quay's rotten egg". The Sydney Morning Herald, September 22: 2.

Harry Seidler regarded the redevelopment as an "insult", though he had proposed a low-rise scheme a decade earlier but had shifted in that time to the one tall building at the Cahill Expressway with the remainder of the precinct, opened up.

Source: Susskind, A. 1997. "An insult to Opera House, Seidler says of Quay Plan". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 7: 4.

Even the suburban mayors joined in.

East Circular Quay February 21 1997 SMH 3

Source: Wainright, R. 1997. "Mayors speak out over Quay 'eyesore'". The Sydney Morning Herald, February 21: 3.

Finally, this was published in The Sydney Morning Herald on April 15 1997, summarising architects' views on the development and their concerns.

East Circular Quay February 15 1997 SMH 35 Architects

Source: Susskind, A. 1997. "The architects: A 'monument to compromise'". The Sydney Morning Herald, February 15: 35.

For the next four weeks, I will do a mid year Remember This? Series, before resuming this series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay.

Entries in this Series

Monday, 17 June 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unveiling "The Toaster" (1997)

The series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay has now reached Part 15. Last week, I focused on 1996. That year saw apartments in both developments by Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) and Mirvac go on sale along with construction, though the media thought that it was progressing slowly if anything at all.

The next three entries focus on 1997, which was marked by drama. Construction gained pace, but while that was happening, Sydneysiders rallied against the redevelopment. Even though its future had been set a few years earlier, critics of the redevelopment continued to push forward visions for the precinct.

This week's entry focuses on construction, while next week's entry focuses on the public protests. The third entry looks at the visions for redevelopment of East Circular Quay that were presented during that year as solutions to address public opposition and concerns raised by its critics.

Construction continued and gained pace during the year. It was clear that the buildings were going to be built to completion.

Source: Anon. 1997. "Quay project can't be stopped". The Daily Telegraph, April 4: 9.

In 1997, The Hong Kong and Shanghai Hotel Group were still proceeding with their plans to consolidate 3,5 and 7 Macquarie Street into one building with 220 hotel rooms.

East Circular Quay May 2 1997 daily telegraph 9

Source: Skelsey, M. 1997. "Quay site turns into hotel on the harbour". The Daily Telegraph, May 2: 9.

For the majority of the year, Bennelong Apartments was draped in scaffolding. The building had topped out early in the new year.

East Circular Quay january 15 1997 daily telegraph 11 enlarged

Source: Darmann, J. 1997. Untitled. Photograph. The Daily Telegraph, January 15: 11.

The Daily Telegraph even posted construction updates to update readers on progress. Some of the updates are featured below.

Source: Anon. 1997. "Quay's finish in site". The Daily Telegraph, March 24: 14.

Source: Anon. 1997. "A guarded response". The Daily Telegraph, April 7: 16.

Below is an image taken from The Rocks taken around June 1997.

Sourced from: Wainwright, R. 1997. "Plan hatched in luxury suite". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 2: 8.

Bennelong Apartments gets labelled "The Toaster"

In September 1997, the hoardings came off the Bennelong Apartments, and for the first time, Sydneysiders got to see the building. Martin Alexander Middleton of Portsmouth, England, told The Daily Telegraph that it looked like a "toaster". The general sentiment by tourists was that of disapproval, and that would support locals who voiced their concerns about the development.

Source: Skelsey, M. 1997. "Covers off new Quay building". The Daily Telegraph, September 9: 2.

By the end of 1997, construction had shifted to the interior of Bennelong Apartments, while the other buildings were in their early stages of ascension.

Entries in this Series

Monday, 10 June 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction continues (1996)

Last week, in the East Circular Quay Redevelopment series, I looked at 1995 and the commencement of construction, including the demolition of the buildings that remained on the site owned by Colonial Mutual Limited (CML).

This year will focus on 1996.

Changes to the design

Further changes were proposed. Simply, 3 and 5 Macquarie Street would have been merged into one building, with 7 Macquarie Street remaining separate, except that it would become a hotel (as mentioned last week). The heights of the buildings were to be increased by five metres. An observation lounge proposed for the sky bridge connecting Bennelong Apartments (1 Macquarie) with the other buildings was scrapped.

East Circular Quay September 27 1996 SMH 3

Source: Totaro, P. "Back to the drawing board for controversial $350m Quay development". The Sydney Morning Herald, September 27: 3.

Mirvac Vs CML

East Circular Quay November 24 1996 daily telegraph 31

Source: Gosman, K. 1996. "Millionaires row over penthouses with a view". The Sunday Telegraph, November 24: 31.

Mirvac's Quay Grand Project had pulled off very strong sales for their apartments, many fetching $2 million. When apartments were released for sale in May, they were all sold by the end of the day that sales were launched.

Tycoon Bob Ell paid $3.5 million for his penthouse. He objected to plans to increase the height of the CML Buildings (3,5,7 Macquarie Street) by five metres.

Apartment Sales

East Circular Quay April 11 1996 daily telegraph

Source: Edwards, G. 1996. "Unit fetches $5m before a brick is laid". The Daily Telegraph, April 11: Page Unknown.

Even with the opposition building against it, there were plenty who were eager to call the area home and had the wallets to do so. Apartments were sold without any formal market.

One penthouse had been sold by April 1996 for $5.5 million.

Construction

I had nothing on file with actual construction photos from 1996 to share, but it was reported that the entire development (both CML and Mirvac) would be completed by 1998. The newspapers questioned the pace of construction and whether there was any progress at all.

The next three entries will focus on 1997, which was significant as the construction of the buildings fuelled further opposition, and the question of how to redevelop the precinct rose again.

Entries in this Series

Monday, 3 June 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Construction commences (1995)

Sourced from: Skelsey, M. 1995. "Gilding the Quay". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, November 3: 11.

This is Part 14 in the series of entries on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay. Last week's entry focused on the unveiling of the redevelopment scheme that would lead to what we see there today. In 1994, Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) and Mirvac won approval to redevelop their respective sites with a focus on residential development, along with space for a hotel, retail, dining, cinema, rehearsal space, and offices for the Australian Chamber Orchestra. The new buildings would range from 12 to 15 levels.

Work commenced in 1995, with the demolition of buildings still on the site. Multiplex won the contract to demolish and construct the buildings on the land owned by CML.

In November 1995, CML announced that the project had been split into two. The northernmost building (1 Macquarie Street) would be developed separately, while 3, 5, and 7 Macquarie Street would be built jointly. During 1995, 1996, and 1997, CML had proposed altering the usage of 3,5 and 7 Macquarie Street from all residential to a mix of hotel and residential but ultimately settled for residential.

Sourced from: Anon. 1995. "Sydney's Growing Pains". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 21: 11.

While apartments were yet to go on sale, prices were unveiled in November 1995. Seven penthouses in Bennelong Apartments (northernmost tower) were on offer for more than $4 million. This would have made it one of the most expensive apartments in Australia. At the time, the most expensive apartment in Australia was at Darling Point, valued at $4.2 million and was owned by Nicole Kidman and Tom Cruise.

Smaller penthouses (10) were on offer for less than $4 million, while remaining apartments were on offer from $750,000.

East Circular Quay November 3 1995 daily telegraph 11

Source: Skelsey, M. 1995. "Gilding the Quay". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, November 3: 11.

The series continues next week.

Additional Sources

Condon, T. 1995. "Multiplex poised to win controversial Quay job". The Australian Financial Review, May 4: 34

Smith, F. Jimenez, K. 1995. "Australia's most expensive view will cost upwards of $4m". The Australian Financial Review, November 2: 40.

Entries in this series

Monday, 27 May 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Residential Scheme unveiled (1994)

East Circular Quay June 1 1994 daily telegraph 11 enlarged

Sourced from: Gruzman, N. 1994. "Folly at the quay". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, June 1: 11.

This entry focuses on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay in 1994. This year (2024) marks thirty years since the plans for the eventual buildings for the sites owned by Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) and Mirvac were unveiled.

This does not include 71 Macquarie Street (the former Coca-Cola Amatil building), which would not be subject to redevelopment for another twenty-five years. There will be a separate entry towards the end of the series on its conversion into a luxury apartment complex as it completes the redevelopment of the block from a commercial block into a residential, tourism, and dining precinct.

Last week, I focused on the shift towards potential residential redevelopment of the sites, but the "why" as to the change from commercial to residential was not covered, and as the clippings below will show, there is still no explanation. It can only be speculated as to why the changes occurred, which was reflective of current economic conditions, the property market and Sydney City Council advocating for residential development in central Sydney.

In May 1994, CML unveiled their plans to redevelop their site. While not explicitly mentioned, Mirvac's proposed (and eventual) building for their site was also unveiled.

What was proposed?

East Circular Quay May 28 1994 daily telegraph 8

Source: Skelsey, M. 1994. "Luxury units in plan for Quay". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, May 28: 8.

CML proposed two residential buildings for their site with Mirvac also proposing their own residential and hotel building for their site. Buildings ranged from 12-15 levels. By having two buildings on the CML site, the gap allowed for people to be able to view into the Royal Botanical Gardens and Government House from Circular Quay.

As many as 320 apartments and a 57-room hotel were proposed. Retail space would be provided at street level (both East Circular Quay and Macquarie Street), along with a three-screen cinema, rehearsal space, and an office for the Australian Chamber Orchestra. A colonnade along East Circular Quay would allow people to walk undercover to the Sydney Opera House.

It was estimated that apartments would cost an average of $750,000 for a one-bedroom unit to $3.5 million for penthouse-style units.

The architect was Andrew Andersons of Peddle Thorp.

Approval

East Circular Quay September 1 1994 SMH 3

Source: Cook, D. "All clear tipped for Quay proposal". The Sydney Morning Herald, September 1: 3.

The Central Sydney Planning Committee approved both developments on September 1, 1994, by a majority vote (8-1).

East Circular Quay September 2 1994 SMH 5

Source: O'Brien, G. 1994. "Circular Quay plans get go-ahead". The Sydney Morning Herald, September 2: 5.

The critics had their say...

It would not receive a universal welcome. Architect Neville Gruzman, in a radio interview on 2BL (702 Sydney), attacked the scheme stating that he was "terribly disappointed that CML - a mutual life company supposed to care for people - should (propose) a great wall, walling off the Quay from the Botanic Gardens" and that "The architects ought to be ashamed of themselves ... I'm disgusted with what they're trying." (The Australian Financial Review, June 1 1994).

He also wrote a feature for The Daily Telegraph Mirror.

East Circular Quay June 1 1994 daily telegraph 11

Source: Gruzman, N. 1994. "Folly at the quay". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, June 1: 11.

The series continues next week.

Additional Source:

Tabakoff, N. 1994. "Gruzman attacks gardens 'wall'". The Australian Financial Review, June 1: 41.

Entries in this series

Monday, 20 May 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The shift towards residential development (1993)

In the 12th entry of my series, I will focus on the shift towards redeveloping East Circular Quay as a residential precinct.

Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) proposed and advocated for a commercial development of their site, while Mirvac wanted to build a hotel on it.

Economic factors also influenced the type of redevelopment that would result. Office vacancy rates in central Sydney were around 20% in 1993, stemming from the recession of 1990-1991 and recently completed commercial developments that were planned and had commenced construction prior to the recession.

Sydney City Council were also advocating residential development in central Sydney to encourage more people to live in the city and increase street activity outside of working hours.

In November 1993, Mirvac decided to axe its plan to build a hotel on its site (61 Macquarie Street) and proceed with an apartment tower. CML was "exploring" the option of focusing on residential development.

East Circular Quay November 11 1993 AFR 43

Source: Harley, R. 1993. "Apartments the key for Quay projects". The Australian Financial Review, November 11: 43.

In December 1993, it was reported that both CML and Mirvac would lodge plans the following year (1994) for redeveloping the sites, but CML had not ruled out a "tower" or "revolving building" based on previous schemes.

East Circular Quay December 3 1993 daily telegraph 27

Source: McDougall, B. 1993. "Back to drawing board on Quay". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, December 3: 27.

Meanwhile, Mirvac's development application for 61 Macquarie Street (as covered a fortnight ago) had lapsed. The planning guidelines restricted the height limit to that of ICI House, which was currently occupying the site. CML purchased the airspace above ICI House for $12 million in compensation, as any redevelopment of East Circular Quay would limit Mirvac's redevelopment potential on its site.

East Circular Quay October 28 1993 AFR page unknown

Source: Harley, R. 1993. "Quay $12m for Mirvac". The Australian Financial Review, October 28: page unknown.

Next week, I will focus on the unveiling of the scheme that we would see today.

Entries in this series