Showing posts with label Never Built Sydney. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Never Built Sydney. Show all posts

Monday, 11 May 2026

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Milsons Point "Chirpy" Tower (2004)

Luna Park Tower January 30 2004 daily telegraph 13 enlargement 1A

Luna Park Tower January 30 2004 daily telegraph 13 enlargement 1
Full Citation Below

The Metro Edgely Consortium (Multiplex and Edgely Family) were the owner of Luna Park in 2004. In January 2004, just over two months prior to reopening the amusement park, the park proposed a plan to renew the site. This included a 14-storey office tower on the hill adjoining the park, designed by architects Denton Corker Marshall.

The argument for the tower, to be built alongside a cinema complex within the amusement park, would ensure the park's financial future.

Luna Park Tower January 30 2004 daily telegraph 13

Source: Richards, S. 2004. "Dim view of latest Luna Park fun and games". The Daily Telegraph, January 30: 13. 

Residents opposed the project on the grounds that it would block views. There was also support towards the site acting as a park and a restaurant to be built alongside the park

Plans for the tower were rejected in 2005 by NSW Planning Minister Frank Sartor, who approved a seven-storey building on the site instead. 

No building was ever built on the site. It became Northcliff Park, which was opened in 2019.

Above: Northcliff Park. Photo taken by the Author (2021)






Monday, 16 June 2025

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Cronulla Hotel & Heliport Proposal (1960)

Rejected Cronulla Hotel plan June 28 1961 the leader 13 enlarged 2
Full Citation Below

In 1960, plans were unveiled for an 18-storey hotel, topped with a heliport, at Cronulla in Gerrale Street, opposite Cronulla Park and Cronulla Beach. From the information that I have, an exact location is not known, but based on maps, this development would have to be located in or around the intersection with Surf Road, which intersects with the park.

The estimated cost was around £3 million ($6 million).

Concerns were raised about the overshadowing of Cronulla Park and Cronulla Beach (also known as South Cronulla to locals), the loss of views, and noise concerns associated with the placement of a heliport atop the hotel, as well as parking issues. 

Sutherland Council rejected the proposal in June 1961, ensuring "no future for this hotel plan". 

Rejected Cronulla Hotel plan June 28 1961 the leader 13 enlarged

Source: Anonymous. 1961. "No future for this hotel plan". The St George and Sutherland Shire Leader, June 28: 13. 


 

Monday, 2 June 2025

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Reschs Brewery Redevelopment Scheme (1983)

The former site of the Reschs Brewery at East Redfern is home to the Moore Park Gardens estate, a residential development comprising 575 apartments in 11 buildings. the brewery was closed in 1983 and the residential development was completed in 1996. 

reschs moore park august 20 1983 daily telegraph 7

Source: Johnston, M. 1983.  "Homes for 600 at old Resch's brewery". The Daily Telegraph, August 20: 7. 

Below is the original 1983 proposal to redevelop the former brewery. This coincided with Tooths being taken over by Carlton & United Breweries (CUB). Production of Reschs then shifted to the CUB Brewery at Broadway (now home to Central Park, Sydney). CUB no longer brews beer in New South Wales, either brewed in Melbourne or at Yatala in Queensland. 

Six office buildings (up to 18 storeys tall) were proposed as part of the redevelopment along with town houses and apartments to house around 600 people. Nine of the former brewery buildings would be incorporated into the redevelopment, and a public park would also be provided.

Reschs Brewery Redevelopment August 20 1983 SMH 4

Source: Coultan, M. 1983. "$250m plan for brewery site". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 20: 4.

The development was planned in a way that the office buildings would create a buffer zone that separated the residential component from the nearby industrial area. 

Reschs Brewery Redevelopment August 27 1983 daily telegraph page unknown

Source: Anonymous. 1983. "Draughting a new village". The Daily Telegraph, August 27:  page unknown.

It was anticipated that construction would be completed in stages over seven years, meaning full completion by 1990. By 1990, the site was empty and still undeveloped. 

Monday, 26 May 2025

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: AML & F Redevelopment Proposal (1989)

AML Woolstore Redevelopment March 29 1989 SMH 2 enlarged
Full Citation Below

In 2023, I posted an entry on the fire that destroyed the Australian Mercantile Land & Finance Co. Building at Ultimo in 1992. 

At the time of the fire, the site was facing redevelopment. In 1989, Essington Developments Lrd. (owned by Kerry Packer) proposed a plan to convert the building into a hotel and apartment building. There would be 150 apartments along with a four star hotel. A small office building along with retail would also be provided. The redevelopment was projected to cost $200 million.

AML Woolstore Redevelopment March 29 1989 SMH 2

Source: Dixon, A. 1989. "New life for a grand old building" . The Sydney Morning Herald, March 29: 2. 

The restoration of the former woolstore would have been similar to the Goldsborough Mort Woolstore located further up Harris Street. However had this had gone ahead and there was no fire to the woolstore itself, it have meant that those in Ultimo would not have the Ian Thorpe Aquatic Centre which occupies part of the present site. The Harry Seidler-designed building is a local landmark in itself.

Related Entry

1992: Ultimo's Australian Mercantile Land and Finance Co. Building destroyed by fire


Monday, 12 May 2025

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Governor Phillip Tower 1982 Scheme (1982)

GPT Tower Proposal November 24 1982 daily telegraph 9 enlarged
Full Citation Below

Developing the site of the First Government House in Sydney was a saga in itself. It was an empty site in central Sydney surrounded by sandstone buildings and modern high-rise buildings. By the early 1980s, the NSW Government decided to build an office tower on the site.

In 1982, plans were approved for a 38-storey office tower to be built on the site. The tower was to be located directly fronting Bridge Street, where the Museum of Sydney now stands.

GPT Tower Proposal November 24 1982 daily telegraph 9
Source: Ringrose, R. 1982. "Tower to rise on city site". The Daily Telegraph, November 24:9. 

The following year (1983), an archeological dig unearthed the foundations of the First Government House (1789-1846), sealing its fate. The Foundations would be preserved, and the public could view their remains. With a skyscraper boom occurring in the 1980s, Planning and Environment Minister Bob Carr sought to preserve the historical buildings and streetscape along Bridge Street, which also had implications for future development. 

Comreality (owned by Sid Londish) bought the site in 1986. Over two years, it purchased neighbouring sites, including the Legal and General Buildings, to create a super site covering an entire block bounded by Bridge, Loftus, Bent and Young Streets. It would lead to what we see today, a public square facing Bridge Street with the Museum of Sydney behind it. Governor Phillip Tower (1993 - 37 stories/227 metres - Note that there is a 40 metre high foyer, with fewer floors in the tower) and Governor Macquarie Tower (1994 - 36 levels/145 metres) would rise towards the middle of the block. Terrace houses in Young and Phillip Streets were preserved.



 

Monday, 6 May 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Mirvac Hotel Scheme - 61 Macquarie Street (1992)

East Circular Quay Mirvac Project February 11 1992 SMH HD 26 enlarged

East Circular Quay Mirvac Project February 11 1992 SMH HD 26

Source: Chancellor, J. & Cook, D. 1992. "Mirvac keen to go alone on Quay site". The Sydney Morning Herald, February 11: 26. 

After a two-week recess, I present the tenth entry on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay. A fortnight ago, I posted an entry on the 'Ideas Quest' held by Sydney City Council to determine future planning guidelines for Circular Quay. This followed the rejection of Colonial Mutual Limited's (CML) $700 million proposal to redevelop five blocks and consolidate them into a single commercial development.

Mirvac owned 61 Macquarie Street and had been encouraged to unite with AMP (Owners of the Coca-Cola Amatil Building) and CML to redevelop the entire block in a joint project.

Instead, Mirvac proposed their own development for their site in late 1991, but it was not made public until the following year. This would be their first scheme to redevelop the site, which would eventually become a hotel and apartment complex, home to the Pullman Quay Grand Sydney Harbour Hotel.  

The office building occupying the site was to be demolished, and a 22-level, 254-room hotel would be built. The building would have been similar in height to existing buildings on the block, but there were concerns about increased shadowing at Circular Quay in the early morning. 

So why did this plan not proceed? The answer shall be revealed next week

Entries in this series

Monday, 15 April 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest' (1992)

East Circular Quay visions Ad January 6 1992 daily telegraph 12
Source: Sydney City Council. 1992. "East Circular Quay 'Ideas Quest'" (Advertisement). The Daily Telegraph Mirror, January 6: 12.   

A fortnight ago, I posted Colonial Mutual Limited's (CML) proposal to build a $700 million commercial development at East Circular Quay in 1991. Sydney City Council rejected the proposal because it did not comply with the site's planning guidelines.

This led to Sydney City Council reviewing the site's planning guidelines. In January 1992, it invited the public to submit ideas on how the site should be developed. Architect Ken Woolley assessed the submissions. 

In March 1992, the submissions were placed on public exhibition. 

East Circular Quay Vision Ad February 29 1992 daily telegraph 23
Source: Sydney City Council. 1992. "Exhibition of the East Circular Quay Ideas Quest". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, February 29: 23. 

Below is a feature article from The Daily Telegraph Mirror featuring some of the submissions.

East Circular Quay March 4 1992 daily telegraph
Source: Bye, C. 1992. "Quay shapes up for the future". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, March 4: page unknown.

Following the exhibition, new guidelines were drawn by the panel led by Ken Woolley. For the site owned by Colonial Mutual Limited (CML), a maximum height limit of 42.5 metres was set, which was lower than four of the buildings that either occupied the site or had been demolished. South of Moore Steps, future development would be capped at a maximum of 65 metres. 

East Circular Quay June 10 1992 SMH 4 enlarged 2
East Circular Quay June 10 1992 SMH 4 enlarged
Source: O'Brien, G. 1992. "No great heights at Quay site". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 10: 4. 

The guidelines also recommended:
  • Provision of a cultural facility
  • Utilise part of the existing roadway for pedestrian use
  • Ground and lower floors to accommodate restaurants, retail, entertainment and tourist facilites.
  • Possible use of land under Macquarie Street for public use. 
The National Institute of Architects objected to the new guidelines.

East Circular Quay June 11 1992 SMH 8

Source: Anon. 1992. "Architects call for new Quay design". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 11: 8. 

As I will be away during the school holiday period, I will have two Remember This? entries for the next two Mondays and will resume this series on May 6.

Monday, 8 April 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): The Revolving Office Tower Scheme (1991)

East Circular Quay November 30 1991 Weekend Australian
Source: Cameron, F. 1991. "Revolving idea attracts foreign interest". The Weekend Australian, November 30: page unknown.

Last week, I posted Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) 's 1991 proposal for the Bennelong Centre at East Circular Quay, which Sydney City Council rejected.

Towards the end of 1991, Hassell Architects unveiled a proposal to construct the first revolving office tower in the world on the site. While the proposal attracted global interest, CML was not interested. Three years earlier, CML had secretly rejected the scheme. 

East Circular Quay November 26 1991 daily telegraph 1-2 (1)

East Circular Quay November 26 1991 daily telegraph 1-2 (2)

Source: McDougall, B. 1991. "A new tower to turn heads". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, November 26: 1-2.

Hassell Architects was no longer bound by the agreement and could make it public. They wanted Australia to have the first tower of its type built in the world.

The rotating tower would rise thirty-six stories and turn 180 degrees each day, tracking the sun. Tenants would have harbour views every second day. It was designed in the shape of a leaf, and the circular core of the building would remain stationary. 

Given CML's lack of interest, this proposal didn't go far. 

It also attracted criticism from planning experts and environmentalists.

East Circular Quay Tower November 27 1991 daily telegraph 9
Source: Scott, S. & Bisset, K. 1991. "Turning tower in trouble". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, November 27: 9.  

Entries in this series

Monday, 1 April 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's Bennelong Centre (1991)

East Circular Quay July 26 1991 SMH 1 enlarged 3
From: O'Brien, G & Chancellor, J. 1991. "Too high, too wide, too big: Quay tower rejected". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 26: 1. 

With Easter now over, I resume our series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay.

Three weeks ago, I mentioned how Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) had spent $250 million in 1988 and 1989 to purchase four adjoining properties or sites to add to their existing ownership of Bennelong House. This opened up opportunities to redevelop the block. In 1990, plans for an office complex known as the Bennelong Centre were leaked to the public, sparking opposition.

East Circular Quay June 27 1991 daily telegraph 1 and 4 (1) enlarged 2

East Circular Quay June 27 1991 daily telegraph 1 and 4 (1) enlarged
East Circular Quay June 27 1991 daily telegraph 1 and 4 (2)

Source: Hawes, R. 1991."'Ugly' Quay gets new look". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, June 27: 1 & 4. 

In June 1991, a more conservative scheme known as the Bennelong Centre was unveiled. It complied with Sydney City Council's planning guidelines, restricting the height to seventeen storeys. The estimated cost of redevelopment was $700 million. However, it would exceed the height limits and width dimensions by three metres. Council also recommended a maximum of 46 000 sq/m of floorspace, but CML proposed 56 000 sq/m of floorspace.

Apart from office space, three levels of retail space were provided, with an open colonnade and a concealed bus interchange underneath Macquarie Street to replace the existing street-level terminus. The creation of the Colonnade and building onto the Macquarie Street footpath enabled the extra 10,000 sq/m of space, which was needed to make the development economically viable. 

Graham Rogers, Director and General Manager of CML, presented their case for the development based on the argument that it complied with guidelines. 

east circular quay july 23 1991 SMH 25
Source: Rogers, G. 1991. "Quay proposal 'follows guidelines'". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 23: 25.

And opinion was stacked against it.

East Circular Quay June 29 1991 Weekend Australian 45
Source: Briggs, L. 1991. "Cool response to $300m Quay plan". The Weekend Australian, June 29: 1 (Property Review Section).

NSW Opposition Leader Bob Carr called for a public inquiry into the site's development and considered a possible land swap for other government-owned land west of the Sydney CBD.

East Circular Quay July 24 1991 daily telegraph 8
Source: Romei, S. 1991. "Carr calls for Quay inquiry". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, July 24: 10.

The majority of Aldermen at Sydney City Council also expressed their opposition. 

East Circular Quay July 21 1991 sun herald 15
Source: Catalano, A. 1991. "Helen leads Quay fight". The Sun Herald, July 21:15. 

The Sydney Morning Herald approached nine architects to share their insights. 

East Circular Quay July 16 1991 SMH 26
Source: Chancellor, J. & Nixon, A. 1991. "Opinion is stacked against the Bennelong Centre". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 15: 26. 

The Central Sydney Planning Committee rejected the proposal on July 25 1991, as it did not comply with planning guidelines, given it had exceeded its height, width and bulk. This would lead to CML withdrawing their development application within a fortnight of its rejection.

   East Circular Quay July 26 1991 SMH 1
Source: O'Brien, G. & Chancellor, J. 1991. "Too high, too wide, too big: Quay tower rejected". The Sydney Morning Herald, July 26: 1.

The series continues next week. 

Monday, 11 March 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): CML's 1990 Scheme

In part six of our series, focusing on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay, I am going to focus on 1989 and 1990 as Colonial Mutual Life (CML) undertook further acquisitions of buildings and sites on the block and proposed their plans to redevelop the site.

Last week, I posted this article from The Sydney Morning Herald from 1988 because it focused on why Unilever House was demolished. The article focused on CML acquiring Lend Lease House for $57 million, which adjoined Bennelong House, which it already owned.

East Circular Quay June 7 1988 SMH HD 34 

Source: Sing, T. & Chancellor, J. 1988. "Space bonus for Quay block". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 7: 34.

In February 1989, it was reported in The Sydney Morning Herald that CML had purchased another three sites - Hope House, 35-37 Macquarie Street and Unilever Hotel Site. All purchases were undertaken separately and had cost CML $250 million.

East Circular Quay February 10 1989 SMH 1

Source: Chancellor, J. 1989. "The best block of land in the country cost only $250m". The Sydney Morning Herald, February 10: 1. 

Therefore, the purchases would extinguish the hotel that was to replace Unilever House and the Jedobo development next door. 

CML presented their plans to redevelop the now combined site that same year to Sydney City Council, though it would be the following year before the first plans were made public.

East Circular Quay Redevelopment October 24 1990 SMH 8

Source: Chancellor, J. 1990. "Controversial plan for Circular Quay East like a 'wingless 747'". The Sydney Morning Herald, October 24: 8. 

The plans were leaked to the public and were "likened to a wingless 747 about to hit the Opera House". The architect was Dino Burattini, the architect behind Melbourne's Rialto Towers and the State Bank Building (52 Martin Place) in Martin Place. The building would rise up to 30 storeys tall.

While that plan didn't get off the ground, CML Would unveil a more realistic scheme the following year, which will be the focus of the next entry in the series. However, next week, with the Royal Easter Show due to commence, I will spend two weeks looking at the 1999 Royal Easter Show as I turn back the clock a quarter of a century. 

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)

Monday, 4 March 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1987)

Welcome to Part 5 of our series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay. This week, we return to the redevelopment of Unilever House into a hotel. 

A fortnight ago, I shared clippings relating to the 1986 proposal by Molena Holdings Pty. Ltd. to convert the 16-level Unilever House (current site of 1 Bennelong) from an office building into a hotel with 223 rooms. The estimated cost was $75 million.

In 1986, conditional approval was given, with final approval granted in 1987.

  East Circular Quay April 30 1987 SMH 2

Source: Howell, A. 1987. "Go-ahead for $100 million hotel at Quay". The Sydney Morning Herald, April 30: 2. 

The hotel was to be known as The Grand Luxe Hotel, managed by the Beaufort International Group. Hotel rates were to range from $500 per night to $2000 per night. It was anticipated that the development would be completed by December 1988. Demolition began later that year.

Demolition work came to an abrupt halt in 1988. Civil and Civic were tasked with demolition works but had to vacate the site. The company was unable to respond to a report in The Sydney Morning Herald on February 23 1988. Speculation about the development arose - Was it going ahead? Were there plans to buy 35-37 Macquarie Street and propose an even bigger development? Would it still remain a hotel development, or would an office building be built?

East Circular Quay February 23 1988 SMH 32

Source: Boson, N. 1988. "Questions remain about Quay hotel project". The Sydney Morning Herald, February 23:32. 

However, in March 1988, the demolition of the concrete shell of the building was approved. It was reported that concrete cancer was discovered but was rejected by the developers, citing that the "internal structure did not suit the hotel development". 

East Circular Quay March26-27 1988 Weekend Australian 43 

Source: Reader, R. 1988. "Concrete cancer, bureaucracy cause delays to quay project". The Weekend Australian, March 26-27: 2 (Property Section).

East Circular Quay June 7 1988 SMH HD 34

Source: Sing, T. & Chancellor, J. 1988. "Space bonus for Quay block". The Sydney Morning Herald, June 7: 34. 

The article above makes a reference to plans by Colonial Mutual Limited (CML) to demolish two buildings it owned further down the strip (Bennelong House and Lend Lease House) and build one office building spanning both sites. CML's plans for East Circular Quay will be the focus of upcoming entries as they become the main player on the block for the first half of the 1990s. 

There was criticism of the proposed hotel. Firstly, the concrete shell of Unilever House remained, gaining eyesore status. Simply, demolition of what was left had to occur. Secondly, it was an intrusion, like the other buildings at East Circular Quay, blocking the view of the Sydney Opera House from Circular Quay. The demolition of Unilever House had started to open up the view. Thirdly, the hotel would not cater to tourists who travel on a budget.   

The Daily Telegraph explored this in depth on May 20 1988.

East Circular Quay May 20 1988 daily telegraph 10 

Meanwhile, at 35-37 Macquarie Street, Jedobo Pty. Ltd. were still planning to proceed with the development of their site but had shifted to a mostly commercial development with two floors to comprise part residential and part office space. The building was to be 20 storeys tall. 

Our series continues next week.

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)

Monday, 26 February 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Opera Garden Centre Scheme Revisited (1986)

Welcome to Part 4 of our series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay.

The Story so far...

Redevelopment plans for East Circular Quay date back to 1979, with plans unveiled to build an apartment block at 35-37 Macquarie Street. Construction commenced and was reported as "under construction" throughout the first half of the 1980s.

Plans for the Opera Garden Centre scheme were unveiled in 1984 by Lend Lease to redevelop the entire block and build two major towers at the southern end while constructing a lowrise development on the remainder of the block with the Royal Botanic Gardens extended to Circular Quay through burying Macquarie Street.

In 1983, Molena Holdings bought Unilever House (Current site of 1 Bennelong) for $22.8 million in 1983 and in 1986 unveiled plans to convert the office building into a hotel.

This week, the focus continues on 1986, and the Opera Garden Centre scheme was still in planning mode. 

The 1986 Scheme

The first mention of the 1986 scheme was in The Sun Herald on March 16 1986. 

 East Circular Quay March 16 1986 Sun Herald 17

Source: O'Hara, J. 1986 "Circular Quay plan draws fire". The Sun Herald, March 16: 17.

The Sydney Morning Herald, on March 17 1986, reported on it as if it were something new altogether.

East Circular Quay March 17 1986 SMH 3

Source: Grealy, M. 1986. "Businessmen have $1 billion plan for Opera House Precinct". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 17: 

The next day, The Sydney Morning Herald published a feature including a photo of Mr Forgan with a model of his proposed development. The 1986 scheme proposed one tall tower of 56 levels (down from two smaller towers in the 30-40 storey range), a six-star hotel, along with a "huge" shopping complex. The Botanic Gardens would be extended over Macquarie Street as originally proposed. 

East Circular Quay March 18 1986 SMH 2 enlarged 2 East Circular Quay March 18 1986 SMH 2 enlarged 

Source: Grealy, M. 1986. "The Forgan vision of Circular Quay". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 18: 2. 

As for the landholders on Macquarie Street, they felt that it would not happen, which time would eventually prove right to them.

 East Circular Quay March 19 1986 SMH 3

Source: Grealy, M. 1986. "Owners doubt chances on Circular Quay project". The Sydney Morning Herald, March 19: 3. 

Next Week, I will revisit Unilever House and its proposed conversion into a hotel and the demolition of the building. 

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)

Monday, 19 February 2024

East Circular Quay Redevelopment (Series): Unilever House Hotel Conversion (1986)

Unilever house redevelopment april 2 1988 (3)

Source: Anon. 1988. Untitled (illustration). The Weekend Australian, April 2: 1 (Property Liftout).

In part three of our series on the redevelopment of East Circular Quay, I look at the proposal to redevelop Unilever House through the conversion of the office building into a hotel.

Unilever House was completed in 1958 and was 16 storeys tall. It was located far northern end of East Circular Quay (Location of 1 Bennelong), predating the Sydney Opera House by 15 years.

Unilever House February 22 1986 SMH Good Weekend 5

Source: Kent, S. 1986. "Lang Hancock Plans Hotel for Choice Quay Site". Good Weekend Magazine (The Sydney Morning Herald), February 22: 5.

Last week, I mentioned that Unilever House was bought by Molena Holdings for $22.8 million in 1983. In 1986, plans were lodged with Sydney City Council to redvelop the office building into a 223 room hotel. The structure was to remain, with the top two floors demolished and rebuilt to contain hotel suites.

Unilever House February 19 1986 SMH 5

The estimated cost of redevelopment was placed at $75 million. Conditional pproval was given in 1986. 

East Circular Quay April 6 1986 Sun Herald 23

Source: Childs, P. 1986. "Opera House hotel plans get the nod". The Sun Herald, April 6: 23. 

Next week, I will revisit the Opera Gardens Scheme which was also in the planning mode in 1986.

Other Entries in this series