NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Qantas Centre Sibling (1968)

Sourced From: Source: Anon. 1968. "Untitled" (Artist's Impression). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 7: 1. 

255 George Street (formerly known as NAB House) was completed in 1986. The 32-level building rises 127 metres above George Street.

It is located in the same block as 259 George Street (formerly known as the QANTAS Centre).

In 2018, I posted an entry relating to plans for the block focusing on the QANTAS Centre, which was completed in 1981.

This week it is about its smaller sibling, which was to be built. interestingly, it was to be constructed to a height of around 150 metres taller, yet retain the same design as its bigger sibling. 

It was projected that it would not be completed until 1983, but was completed in 1986. The building retained the octagonal shape as envisioned by original architects Joseland and Gilling, but  Peddle Thorp Walker redesigned it into all glass skyscraper, which was reflective of 1980s office towers.

The second tower was to accommodate additional office space for Qantas space as it expanded but instead became the Sydney Headquarters of the National Australia Bank (NAB) until 2021 when the NAB moved two blocks up George Street to Brookfield Place at Wynyard. 

Currently, the Bank of Queensland is the anchor tenant, signing a major lease in 2021 including signage rights atop the tower. 

Related Entry

1968: Plans for the Qantas Centre are unveiled

1968: Plans for the Qantas Centre are unveiled

Source: Anon. 1968. "Untitled" (Artists Impression). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 7: 1. 

In 1957, Qantas moved into their Chifley Street Headquarters (QANTAS House) but just one decade after moving, Qantas was in need to move again. The ushering of the jet age during the swinging sixties fuelled the growth of Australia's international airline. The arrival of 747 jumbo jets was also going go fuel further growth.

QANTAS House was located on the eastern side of the Sydney CBD, but QANTAS had managed to secure by 1968, most of the block bounded by George, Grosvenor, Lang and Margaret Streets. It was going west.

In May, it was announced via a press release that they were planning to build two towers on the block. The first tower would rise approximately 607 feet and contain 48 levels. It was slated for completion in 1973

A second smaller tower would be built at approximately 500 feet tall (150 metres). However it would not be built until 1983 and accommodate further growth of the airline. Apart from shops at street level, a park and plaza were planned.

Industrial disputes meant that the first tower was not completed until 1981. It holds the record for the longest construction period for a city building in Sydney. The second tower (NAB House) was completed in 1985 (the process for this tower commenced with site tenders in 1981). It retained the Octagonal shape, but the sides appear more equal in length.

The Qantas Tower as viewed from Grosvenor Street, 2009. Photo taken by the Author.