The North Sydney MLC building, once the largest office building in Australia, could be adapted into an apartment block, under a state-significant development application lodged with the NSW Department of Planning.
The North Sydney MLC building was originally designed in 1956 by Bates, Smart and McCutcheon and at the time of its completion, it was Australia’s first large-scale commercial office development, the first free-standing office building, and the first example of a deliberately decorative curtain wall, among its many claims to fame.
Proponents of the site made multiple attempts to have the building demolished and replaced with a new office building designed by Bates Smart.
While opponents of the demolition, also made multiple attempts to have the building added to the state heritage register.
In May 2023, the Land and Environment Court of New South Wales upheld a council decision to refuse permission for the demolition and redevelopment.
North Sydney MLC was recommended for state heritage listing, and added to the state heritage register in 2021. Since then, the court has stripped the building of its heritage status in 2022. The 2023 court decision prompted North Sydney Council to urgently seek re-listing of North Sydney MLC onto the state’s heritage register.
Now, in a new proposal, the proponents want to convert the building into 340 build-to-rent apartments with 2,500 square metres of retail spaces on the street front. Details of the proposal are yet to be exhibited.
Already, the proposal has divided the North Sydney Council. Mayor Zoe Baker told the Sydney Morning Herald she would be “making a very strong submission that this not proceed,” while councillor Jilly Gibson said it was a “brilliant idea” that would liven the CBD of North Sydney.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
