NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Angel Arcade (1988)

Welcome to Part 8 in our series of "Never Builts".

In 1988, AMP unveiled plans to build Sydney's tallest office tower - a 43 level, 244 metre office tower at 123 Pitt Street designed by architects Dino Burattini and Peddle Thorp Walker. Burattini was also the architect behind 52 Martin Place. 

It was envisaged that the tower would commence construction in 1989, but Sydney City Council did not give approval until 1990.

Source: Chancellor, J. 1988. "AMP plans $530 million office development for Sydney." The Sydney Morning Herald, August 13: 37. 

At the time it was the tallest skyscraper to be approved for construction in the Sydney CBD. 

The development also included a 13 level office building to be built on George Street, which is the present site of Justin Hemmes Ivy complex. 

Construction commenced the same year with excavations completed. The development was deferred by AMP as office vacancy rates increased in central Sydney during the recession of 1990-1991. The site was not completely vacant with a temporary golf driving range operating on the site.

Source: Anon. 1996. "City driving range is music to their ears". The Daily Telegraph, December 19: 20. 

The Pitt Street site remained idle until 1996, when a new development application (DA) was lodged due to the expiration of the DA. Changes to planning guidelines during the mid 1990's reduced the height of any tower built on the site to protect the sun access plane into Martin Place. That is why the tower has a sloped roof.

AMP were granted approval for the current tower - Angel Place which rose to a maximum of 152 metres or 35 levels. The tower including the new City Recital Hall was completed in 2000.

The George Street site remained vacant and was the last of the infamous "holes in the ground" from the 1990-91 recession to be filled. Proposals to build an office building were explored, but did not proceed. Justin Hemmes developed the site into the Ivy nightclub in 2007 which also included bars, restaurants and retail at street level. 

Finally, I was lucky in 2013 to photograph a "block model" of the tower which was inserted into the model of the Sydney CBD at Town Hall House. This provides an idea of how it may have looked when viewed from different parts of central Sydney. Thanks to Richard Braddish for his support.

1966: Goldfields House is open for business

The photo was taken by the Author.

In 1966, Goldfields House in Alfred Street accepted its first tenants when it was completed. For its 50th birthday last year, it was given the worst present one could receive - death.

Currently, it is in the process of being demolished, but I did find an article from The Sydney Morning Herald in 1966 which provides an insight into the building. The report mentions the tower is 27 stories tall, but the skyscraper centre lists the tower as being 25 stories tall but the height of 110 metres is correct. 

Source: Anon. 1966. "Tenants moving into balancing block on Quay". The Sydney Morning Herald, December 6: 25. 

People have mentioned the similarities between Goldfields House and the AMP Building located down the street. They were designed by the same firm - Peddle Thorp Walker. The AMP has a curved facade whereas Goldfields House does not. 

Here is another feature on Goldfields House that was published in The Daily Telegraph on November 7, 1966.

Source: Anon. 1966. "Final touches to Gold Fields House. The Daily Telegraph, November 6: 20. 

The building's fate was sealed in late 2014 when Chinese Property Tycoon Dalian Wanda bought the building for $425 million. Wanda also owns adjoining properties including the Rugby Club and Fairfax House in Pitt Street. The three sites have been combined, all buildings demolished and two towers will rise. A 30 story (110 metre) hotel tower will rise on the Pitt Street side, while the remainder of the site will have a 59 story (197 metre) apartment tower containing ultra luxury apartments.

Source: Anon. 2016. Untitled. Image. http://www.theaustralian.com.au/business/property/wanda-one-redevelopment-stokes-sydneys-circular-quay-critics/news-story/6228da1274662b4b1d0d3003a491f9da. 

What has made the redevelopment of the Goldfields site possible has been the huge demand for apartments in central Sydney along with a relaxation of planning guidelines. The location is also a major factor with the building located right opposite Circular Quay with never to be built out views of Sydney Harbour. 

While the office space in Goldfields House was rated as A-grade, businesses prefer newer buildings that can accommodate and reflect current workplace environments, which is difficult in older buildings like Goldfields. While its possible to gut the tower and modify it, returns from converting a building into a residential building can result in higher returns for investors and developers. 

2000: Meriton unveils World Tower (Evolution of World Square)

World Tower
The photo was taken by the Author.

Last week, we looked at Hordern Towers and this week we move onto the next phase in the development of World Square.

2000 was a big year for Sydney, but also for Meriton Apartments when they announced plans to build what is currently Sydney's tallest skyscraper - World Tower. Only a year earlier, they had snapped up the "prized" quarter of the site at the corner of George and Liverpool Street's where they could build to the maximum height limit of 235 metres. The tallest tower under the Kenzo Tange scheme would have been located there if they built it.

Source: Skelsey, M. 2000. "Sydney's new town in the sky". The Daily Telegraph, March 8: page unknown.

Late in 1999, architects were invited to design the tower. Three were shortlisted which were:

1. Nation Fender Katsailidis
2. Harry Seidler & Associates
3. Peddle Thorp Walker

In March 200, the design of Nation Fender Katsailidis was announced as the winner.

Construction commenced towards the end of 2000, following the Olympic games. Occupation of the lower floors of the tower began in late 2003 while the upper levels were being built. Below is a selection of photos from its construction which I started taking in mid-2002.

July 2002

November 2002

December 2002

January 2003

May 2003

June 2003

October 2003

November 2003

January 2004

April 2004

The tower rises 74 levels or 230 metres above street level; however, floors are marked from the lowest basement level, not the ground floor. You might think for instance that your apartment is on level 76, but really you are 66 levels above ground.

World Tower is predominantly residential, though some units are managed as serviced units. At completion, levels 61 and above were entirely serviced apartments and were only placed on the market several years ago. Levels 83 and 84 contain a penthouse, which is owned by who is now Australia's richest person - Meriton's Harry Triguboff.

Next week, we will look at 680 George Street where we find out its fate.