2002: Feature Article on Wharf Redevelopments

In 2002, The Sunday Telegraph supplement homeowner published a feature article on the redevelopment of Sydney wharves into apartment complexes.

At the time, the finger wharf at Woolloomooloo had already been redeveloped into "The Wharf", while at Walsh Bay, the former piers were in the process of redevelopment. Darling Island, once a wharf itself, was also in the process of undergoing redevelopment. 

The Walsh Bay redevelopment would be completed in stages from 2003, while Darling Island would be completed in 2004.

A key selling point for apartments in those projects was "absolute waterfront", though that term can be applied to any home that adjoins the water, i.e. you can step from your property onto the water. Many harbourside homes can boast about absolute waterfront. 

Source: Wills, J. 2002. "Reclaim the sea". The Sunday Telegraph, July 7: 10-11 (homeowner liftout). 

1973: Boulevard Hotel Opening

The Boulevard Hotel on William Street was opened in 1973. At the time of opening, it was one of the leading hotels to stay in Sydney, despite being on the fringe of the Sydney CBD. At the time of opening, it had a five-star rating and, for years, attracted celebrities and "A"- listers in search of a Sydney abode. 

Famous guests who have stayed at the hotel include Frank Sinatra, Muhammad Ali, Sammy Davis Jr., and John Wayne. 

Below is a newspaper advertisement from the time of opening in 1973. It was reported to have opened in late April, but I could not find any items confirming a fixed opening date.

Source: The Boulevard Hotel. 1973. "The Boulevard. Sydney's new international hotel" (Advertisement). The Wentworth Courier, June 27: 25.

The Boulevard Hotel, five decades later, is no longer a five-star hotel and is currently a four-star hotel, managed by ACCOR. The swimming pool, once available to guests, has since been removed, and Level 25 has been converted to a function room.

1991: Woolloomooloo Finger Wharf Fires

Source: de Vine, B. 1991. "Fire licks Finger Wharf". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, August 28: 1 & 2. 

In 1991, Woolloomooloo's Finger Wharf was a derelict building. In the 1970s and 1980s, its future had been debated by historians, developers, the State Government and Sydneysiders. It wasn't just whether or not the structure should be preserved for future generations, but also its use.

During the late 1980s, proposals involved converting the wharf into a mixed-use complex comprising a mixture of apartments, hotel rooms, retail and office space. However, in 1989, the NSW Government, led by Nick Greiner, made the decision to demolish the Finger Wharf to open up the space for the alongside increasing maintenance costs.

As part of efforts to prevent demolition, building unions imposed a green ban on the building and in January 1991, those who wanted the building preserved created a picket line to prevent demolition workers from accessing the site.

From Source: de Vine, B. 1991. "Fire licks Finger Wharf". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, August 28: 1 & 2. 

In 1991, the Finger Wharf was subject to three fires. One of the most notable was on August 28 1991. The quick response by firefighters, particularly the fire boat Shirley Smith, saved the wharf from being destroyed. Had fire crews arrived as little as five minutes later, the fire would have been out of control.

Source: Macey, R. 1991. "Wharf fire leaves burning questions". The Sydney Morning Herald, August 29: 2.

It was believed the fire originated in a liftwell at the number eight dock. 

The other fires occurred in April and October of that same year. Firefighters who fought the third fire on October 9, 1991, reported that the building was again minutes away from becoming totally engulfed. An arsonist is believed to have started that fire. 

 

Source: Kennedy, L. 1991. "Arsonists hit Finger Wharf for third time". The Daily Telegraph Mirror, October 10: 18.

The following year (1992), the future of the wharf would be sealed. It would not be demolished, with tenders invited to propose schemes for the redevelopment of the wharf. This would lead to the eventual redevelopment and restoration of the wharf with apartments, a hotel and a dining precinct, completed in 1999. 

    

Property Advert of the Week: The Wharf: Woolloomooloo (1999)

Below is a 1999 newspaper advertisement for "The Wharf" at Woolloomoolooo. Remaining apartments were on sale from $815 000 to $2.75 million. Water views were guaranteed.

 

Source: Walker Corporation & Multplex. 1999. "The Wharf Woolloomooloo" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 5: 23RE (Real Estate Liftout).

Property Advert of the Week: 173 Cathedral Street, Woolloomooloo (1999)

Below is a newspaper advertisement from 1999 promoting the sale of apartments in a boutique development at 173 Cathedral Street Woolloomooloo. Studio apartments were on sale from $185 000, one bedroom apartments from $199 000 and two bedroom terraces were on sale from $370 000 to $390 000.

 

Source: Charles & Stuart. 1999. "173 Cathedral Street" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 5: 23RE (Real Estate Liftout). 

Property Advert of the Week: The Wharf Terraces, Woolloomooloo (1997)

Below is a newspaper advertisement to promote the launch of sales for apartments in the Wharf Terraces in Woolloomooloo Bay from 1997.

Source: Anon. 1997. "All Ashore!" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, May 14: 3.

Property Advert of the Week: Crown Gardens Woolloomooloo (1996)

Below is a newspaper advertisement for the Crown Gardens complex in Crown Street, Wooloomooloo from 1996.

 

Source: Richard Ellis Residential. 1996. "Untitled" (Advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 22: 16RE (Real Estate Liftout).

Property Advert of the Week: The Domain Apartments (1995)

During the mid 1990's, the former office block on St John Young Cresent was one of a number of ageing city office blocks that was converted into apartment use.

From my understanding, the office building was built back in the 1970's as part of plans to turn Woolloomooloo into an extension of the Sydney CBD, and was built before the rezoning was axed. Two decades later, Wooloomooloo had actually turned from what had been seen as a "working class slum" into a desirable address.

With the fact that highrise was not allowed in the area opened up a great opportunity for a residential developer to earn a good return by selling premium apartments. The never to be built out views were enough. Also the decision of the ANZ Bank to move out of the building also pressed the case for residential conversion.

Source: City Unit Sales. 1995. "The Domain Apartments" (advertisement). The Sydney Morning Herald, June 24: 85. 

NEVER BUILT SYDNEY: Westfield's grand plan for William Street (1970)

For nearly four decades, Westfield was based in William Street in central Sydney. Whether you drove up the street or see it in view from the Domain or the top of Park Street, it was a big part of the streetscape. The famous Boulevard Hotel also shared the honour, and still is there today.

A lot of people forget that the office tower and the Boulevard Hotel were part of a grander scheme by Westfield

Source: Anon. 1970. "Exciting William Street project under way". The Sydney Morning Herald, November 5: page unknown. 

You'll notice above that the model is looking from William Street. Note that the Boulevard Hotel and the former Westfield Offices are at right. The scheme by Westfield comprised of:

*Two office towers - Only the tower (right) was built which was to house Westfield's offices.

*Motel (Boulevard Hotel) & motel

*Retail space

*Convention and Exhibition Centre.

The project would have been part of a greater scheme by city planners to turn William Street into a major boulevard, which simply has never come to fruition.

Had the scheme gone ahead, I think William Street would have been a more reputable address for businesses to be based and spurred further development on the city fringes, extending the Sydney CBD into Kings Cross.

Property Advert of the Week: The Wharf at Woolloomooloo (1997)

In 1997, apartments were placed on sale at Woolloomooloo's famous finger wharf as the building was converted into a hotel and residential complex. This is one of the official newspaper advertisements from that time promoting the official launch. Apartments started at $380 000.

  

 

Source: The Wharf Woolloomooloo. 1997. "All Aboard! The Wharf at Woolloomooloo (Advertisement). " The Sydney Morning Herald, May 24: 19 [Real Estate Lift out].