2003: World Tower Tour

In November 2003, I had the opportunity to go on a tour of World Tower organised for members of the Ozscrapers Forum. At the time, it was moderated by Richard Braddish (Model Maker, City of Sydney Council), who was able to organise it for the Sydney-based members at the time. 

World Tower was still under construction at the time, with the tower topped out, but residents in the "Low Rise" section could start moving in.

For this entry, it should be noted that floor numbers are not a true indication of how high above the ground a location is. The ground floor in World Tower is level 10. Level 76 in reality is 66 levels above ground. 

Below are some photos from level 76, which was still under construction at the time. The top third of the building (including level 76) was originally destined to be sold as private apartments at a then-to-be-determined time, but functions as serviced apartments under the Meriton Suites brand. The Two-Bedroom Horizon Suite and Three-Bedroom Penthouses are on this floor.

At the time of completion in 2004, it was not just the tallest skyscraper (to roof) in Sydney at 230 metres; it was also the tallest residential tower in Sydney, Australia, and the Southern Hemisphere. 

The records it held at the time are gone. Crown Towers (271 metres tall) is the tallest tower in Sydney World Tower is currently the fourth tallest apartment tower in Sydney, behind Towers 1 and 2 of One Sydney Harbour (247 and 230 metres respectively) and the Greenland Sydney Centre at 237 metres. Australia 108 in Melbourne is the tallest residential tower in Australia, at 317 metres, with 100 levels. 

We were also shown one of the apartments in the "Low Rise" section. 

Some of the facilities available to residents include a virtual golf driving range, cinema, gym and swimming pool.

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.