Commonwealth bank in Sydney are looking to erect a new head office in the cBD. There was talk of a lowrise "campus style" on the site of Sega world. Currently there looking at putting a tower abve "money box" bldg on martin Place. the new tower will be located at rear of martin place bldg.
a model is coming in soon. not sure of height. maybe 120m

http://www.environment.gov.au/cgi-tmp/rt48955-24730.jpg

CBA are also putting 5000 of there workers out at Homebush.

new complex out at Olympic park, Homebush
37,000sqm of office space over 7 floors.

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/__data/assets/image/0007/50011/site_6_and_7_artist_impression_01_large.jpg

http://www.sydneyolympicpark.com.au/__data/assets/image/0009/50013/site_6_and_7_artist_impression_03_large.jpg
new 23,000sqm

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/cba1.jpg

With all the profit they are earning, they can easily afford to build their own skyscrapers. Should complement the Macquarie Bank/Westin Hotel complex across the street very well.

Why not they aim for 200metres like they did in the 80's. MLC is 230m and thats just next door.

^the height limits have come in since the 190m approval.so it has many issues with height/setback/heritage streetscape etc.i can see it being around as high as GPO develpment which is 120m.

the stage1 DA is coming in this week or next for the tower above Money box bldg @ 120 pitt st.
The envelope with slopped edges should reach about 150m

Interesting to hear that because Commonwealth Bank have just taken out space Darling Park I, occupying floors formerly occupied by Fairfax.

Yes, a tower above the money box will be fab. Hope they make money boxes with the tower on top to give people more incentive to save their dough with hard times coming up.

Interesting!

I worked at the "Money Box" when it was refurnished in 1987. 2 additional light wells were cut but at the centre was a void that provided natural light for all the floors. It was brilliant.

I'm guessing they will build a tower core through this void.

^no the 1960s bit which is located eastern end of martin place and rear section will be demolished and the tower will rise up from there. only 10m from MLCs sheer face.

Oh it's that building! The money box is a block away from MLC.

^no the 1960s bit which is located eastern end of martin place and rear section will be demolished and the tower will rise up from there. only 10m from MLCs sheer face.

the stage1 DA has been lodged today for extension of 120 pitt st.
its basically the sun access plane envelope.
reaches 107m above pitt st
first there is a large 4 storey block which covers most of existing roof (2000sqm per floor) and then a 10storey addition at rear (600sqm per fl)
after this gets aproved , adesign comp will be held to achive a design for roof.not much to work with.

blockmodel

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2120/2402720244_b9cd34db00_b.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3027/2401891533_d224f3db1c_b.jpg

I thought they were going to just plonk a tower above the roof and keep it intact like the GPO complex. Disappointing it wont go to 150m either :(

They should have anchored John Boyd tower..:ohno:

LOL this is attrocious. What a monstrous shape!

^ it's because of the modern desire to have large floor plates over thinner height where possible.

the martin place corridor has many restrictions as you can imagine.
1.the first 4 floors have to be setback from roof out of view from street.
2.the small tower adition on southeastern cnr has sun access plane restrictions to Pitt st mall.thus its shape.
SEE FIRST PHOTO . you can actually see a bit of pitt st mall. thats the reason the slope to roof. to allow sunlight into that patch. IF pitt st wasnt a mall you could go to 150m and higher. but SSC want to protect all public pedest areas.

I'm sure it'll turn out to be a good looking scraper.........
BUT
the envelope of this tower, to me, symbolises the state of the CSPC planning laws in the Sydney CBD.
The tower looks awkward, tedious and way too short for its girth.
This was a great opportunity for a nice 600 foot tower and in any other city this would've been a great skyline addition, however in Sydney it's not to be.
I'm not a big fan of this shadowing bullshit. I don't see many other cities going to such lengths.
For a skyscraper lover this is pretty f*cking painful ! !

I have always wished that Sydney's skyline would one day resemble Chicago ( see todays banner below ) but instead Melbourne is going to make it there alot quicker because of their much more liberal planning laws.
http://www.skyscrapercity.com/images/headers/11.jpg

^sydney is NYC ;-) not chicago

just on this project. is going to be a 41,000sqm project.
total removal of 60's addition and rear.
the first 10 floors will consist of 3100sqm floor plates. then 4 new floors of 2100sqm
the top 10 floors will have 700sqm each.

Part of the problem is that Sydney's streets developed out of cattle tracks, they tend to go every which way and they are much too narrow, unlike Melbourne's, or NYC's or Chicago's, all of which were actually planned, not always imaginatively, but planned none the less.

I just hope that they utilise the opportunity that this building will represent to improve the laneway that runs up from Pitt Street to the MLC Centre. That could be a perfect opportunity for a bar to complement 'The Vault'.

That 'laneway' is the once famous Rowe Street, Sydney's little bit of Europe, once 'terribly Bohemian" (coffee shops, no less!!), now sadly reduced to a cruddy and unappealing alley.
How hard would it be to rejuvenate, especially now with Clover's laneway policy?

That 'laneway' is the once famous Rowe Street, Sydney's little bit of Europe, once 'terribly Bohemian" (coffee shops, no less!!), now sadly reduced to a cruddy and unappealing alley.
How hard would it be to rejuvenate, especially now with Clover's laneway policy?

Actually coffee shops would fit in that area quite well. They'd get a lot of business around there.

Martin Place I agree with preserving somewhat, particularly the historical facades. Closing it has proven to be one of the best decisions ever made in the city. Pitt St. Mall has been successful, but I don't think it would experience much shadowing more than what it has. Woudn't any shadowing from this one fall pretty much in the shadow of MLC anyway?

I have always identified Rowe St as having the most potential to be turned into a Melbourne style laneway, so it would be a bonus.

the main entry to this tower will be martin place and rowe lane. it will really improve that rear access and bring the lane to life.

Street Grid sizes/layout and sunlight requirements do affect how cities evolve....This diagram shows how diverse town planning policy has resulted in how some of our cities look now.
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/1299/streetgridslargevq9.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

This is what they wanted to build atop the existing building 20 years ago. How good was this!!!!

http://im1.shutterfly.com/procserv/47b8df26b3127cceb3264512ea0d00000036103AatGjZm1ZK

And the photos of the 1960's extension

http://img408.imageshack.us/img408/2021/dscf3907tk0.jpg

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/3174/dscf3908os3.jpg

^that 190m tower was approved before pitt st was a mall. it probably would have been built if it wasnt for wall st crash.

com bank have ditched this proposal. crappy building enevlope and GFc have combined to give this the death blow. good.
obviously the massive new darling walk complex in darling harbour will be enough to house employees

Not surprised: it was an uncomfortable and ungainly looking object.

I am happy too. Give it a few years and a better design and then I will support it.

Here's another pic of the former proposed 190m Commonwealth Bank Martin Place tower on yellowing newsprint.

http://i30.photobucket.com/albums/c317/WKirkwood/Skyscrapers/CommBank.jpg

That and the Macquarie Bank Tower/Westin Hotel would have made Martin Place a true Wall Street.

Money Box Building 108-120 Pitt Street, cnr Martin Place.
The new plan has arrived, designed by JPW with Tanner Architects (heritage), and before both council and CSPC next week.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCommittees/2009/Committees/030809/planning.asp

A much better design though only 81m tall but a definite improvement on that uncomfortable looking, chopped about option mooted and rejected, earlier.

yeah ,no model yet but com bank are seeing how CSPC greet the proposal.
only early days but a big law firm are weighing up options, either go with this baby or JB tower.hmmm, i know which one i would go with...

The link below is a virtual tour of the other combank in Martin Place. The site is a little old and the controls are clunky, but its still worth a look especially the bank vaults and internal staircase.
http://www.virtualtour.com.au/melocco/cba/VT/index.html

From The Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au)

Putting money where their bank is
Paul Bibby, Urban Affairs Reporter
August 4, 2009
MONEY boxes inspired by the design have adorned children’s bookcases for decades, but the original Commonwealth Bank building in Martin Place could feature an 81-metre commercial office tower.

The City of Sydney council is on the verge of approving a redevelopment of the 93-year-old heritage-listed structure.

Set back from Martin Place, the proposed tower would exceed the area’s 55-metre height limit, meaning the council would need to amend its planning regulations.

But council staff recommended councillors make the changes after the owner of the site – Colonial First State Global Management – agreed to scale back its initial proposal and undertake works to revitalise the building’s heritage character.

The council’s planning and development committee last night voted in favour of raising the height limit on the site, paving the way for the entire proposal to be approved.

‘‘The ideal would be to just restore the money box, but the commercial imperative requires a modern addition,’’ the Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said.

‘‘This is a fantastic solution to a challenging problem.’’

As well as the tower, the Sydney architect Richard Johnson has proposed that three uninspiring additions made to the building between 1913 and 1994 be torn down and replaced by an extension more in keeping with its original ‘‘money box’’ character.

Mr Johnson has also proposed re-creating the large central lightwell which once flooded the interior of the building with natural light by building a central atrium walled with glass.

The western side of the site would become home to a modern pedestrian link between Martin Place and Rowe Street.

The proposal was welcomed by the conservation director of the National Trust, Graham Quint, yesterday.

‘‘This looks to be far more sensitive than the extra 13 storeys Colonial proposed last time around,’’ Mr Quint said.

‘‘The history of that building is that there has had to be alterations and additions almost since construction. If they can protect the basic facade of the building and put it back from the street then it is probably a good outcome.’’

The famous exterior was designed by the architect firm John and Herwald Kirkpatrick, and the interior by Bruce Dellit

There is an illustration in the documents but I was unable to isolate it and post it, so if there is someone with more technological nous who could lift it and put it here it would be helpful. The design is quite conservative in form but a better design than its predecessor.

heres a render. nice glass box at rear. it will utulise Rowe lane address.not bad.

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3786140359_9a10c79ccc_b.jpg

That's the one! Check the 'referenced' block on Martin Place 'responding' to the heritage Money Box Commonwealth Bank building - all now owned by First State -though the consultancy committee want the wall facing MLC Plaza to be solid, or redesigned to retain the Calder (?) sculpture in its current position.

It will appease the heritage folks as you wont be able to see the tower when you stand right in front of the 1913 building in Martin Place.

Still I feel something a little taller could be nice.

we always want taller but this already is higher then it should be. the LEP for shadow impact on pitt st mall is to amended o this can go ahead. council realised the current envelope was silly and would never work.
Each refurbed floor of old bank consist of 2000sqm each. thats 10fll= 20,000sqm plus this tower which is about 20,000sqm also, thus total=40,000sqm of prime office space.

That back addition is woeful. The glass tower great but the right side .... dear me

only option. it has a laneway access PLUS it will open out to MLC forecourt which will activate the area.

The right hand building fronts onto Martin Place and continues the BASIC lines and forms of the 1913 heritage building, without being a direct copy or pastiche, so that visually it will present a largely cohesive face to Martin Place. The wall facing MLC Plaza will be reconsidered and may end up blank stone, to preserve the sculpture, which is, I think, a Calder and a valuable artwork in itself.
Continuing that severe modernist rear addition which fronts Rowe Street, onto the MLC Plaza is a terrific idea.
The glass box will be 81m, not so tall maybe, but at least it will be pretty classy architecture. (JPW: don't dash my hopes!)

The wall facing MLC Plaza will be reconsidered and may end up blank stone, to preserve the sculpture, which is, I think, a Calder and a valuable artwork in itself.
(JPW: don't dash my hopes!)

Do you mean the relief sculpture of the two squares? If so, that's a Josef Albers. The Calder is the big black spiky thing in front of Australia Square.

Quite right, Shaggers Jr: see post 37 "Calder (?)" = my lack of confidence. I tossed up whether it was Calder or Albers and, typically - see my consistent performance in Lotto -I bet on the wrong 'nag'. Yes, thanks, I was confident about the stabile by Calder at Oz Sq. but the MLC sculpture, not so sure. Of course, I could have got off my butt and checked, but I didn't, did I?
So, thanks for clarifying the matter; maybe now I'll remember.

That back addition is woeful. The glass tower great but the right side .... dear me

Agreed. For once I'm thinking they should just leave it as is. That or make the right side addition just complete glass so it won't detract from the original style.

Seems to lend from 1 Bent St "Space" in that the glass is of a similar design but not elliptical in shape and the 60's addition is the great recladding of 77 King St. Reviving Rowe St. with an interleading passage to alleviate Seidler's ramming MLC Centre in there.

Oh, dear, poor sad badly done by Commbank has just announced a $4.723 BILLION annual profit, crashing down a humungous 1% on last year. Devastation!!!!

Should we send donations?
***
I think your query about whether Commbank can afford Darling Walk and 180-120 Pitt Street has been eloquently answered, Cul.

Shareholders are going to hate that even though banks left, right and centre have recorded massive losses.

I'd like to know how much this project would cost, because this is just chicken feed to them.

The glass tower looks great. :)

While I like MLC Tower, I never have liked that strange structure on Martin Place above. It completely ruins the streetscape .....

Isn't the GPO #1 Martin Place?

i dont know why i put 1 martin place. its actually 3 martin place but its going with pitt st address which is 120.
ta

NEW VISION FOR COMMONWEALTH BANK "MONEY BOX" BUILDING

The owners of the iconic Commonwealth Bank "Money Box" building at
Martin Place have developed a new redevelopment proposal that respects
the building's heritage significance and abandon's the previous
inappropriate and insensitive proposal.

The new approach was prepared by JPW Architects, engaged by the
building's owners to address feedback from the Central Sydney Planning
Committee (CSPC). The new proposal has also been reviewed by the
City's Design Advisory Panel and an independent heritage committee.

Council and the CSPC this week endorsed the revised approach in
principle to enable further work and public consultation to occur. The
City will now prepare for amendments to the Sydney Local Environmental
Plan 2005 (SLEP2005) and the Central Sydney Development Control Plan
1996 (DCP1996).

The amendments will change the height control over the site and
insert built form controls in the DCP to ensure that any future
development complies with JPW Architects' proposal. The new scheme
will strengthen and restore the significant heritage value of the
Commonwealth Bank building while aiming to enable a commercially
viable and sustainable redevelopment, as well as provided a
rejuvenated Rose Street.

Information
* Council report:
www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCommittees/2009/Committees/030809/planning.asp

DA lodged friday
really nice model
love the atrium
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3872266668_2e029c5e18_o.jpg

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3437/3872266766_0abf9834d3_o.jpg

I agree with the atrium. The setback from Rowe Street will open it up. Very narrow at present for those who want to operate a cafe there.

I agree with the atrium. The setback from Rowe Street will open it up. Very narrow at present for those who want to operate a cafe there.

Will hopefully create a vibe similar to Melbourne then if that is the case, however I'm not sure if that will fit with it's corporate neighbour?

The atrium is the most positive in this development. Hopefully it will improve the vibe in Martin Place. It balances well with 1 Martin Place's (GPO) atrium.

Martin Place precinct is mostly an indoor cultured area, not outdoor because of the wind tunnel effect. There are some events hosted at the square but the real buzz happens indoor especially at cafes, restaurants and food courts. To me, Martin Place is a dark, noisy and sterile place. Not a place to host alfresco experience because of the car and bus fumes. Over-gentrified? Perhaps.

Martin Place is a perfect location to host a nightlife experiences, beyond just the usual 9-5 operation those financial institutions surrounding this precinct symbolises. Open up tents, vendors or outdoor street-market in the middle of the CBD to reinforce a quint-essential and diverse vibe of the city.

From The Sydney Morning Herald (smh.com.au): As well as the tower, the Sydney architect Richard Johnson has proposed that three uninspiring additions made to the building between 1913 and 1994 be torn down and replaced by an extension more in keeping with its original ‘‘money box’’ character.

Harldy think the image is with keeping of the orginal. In fact far less that the past extenstions.

The atrium is the most positive in this development. Hopefully it will improve the vibe in Martin Place. It balances well with 1 Martin Place's (GPO) atrium.

Martin Place precinct is mostly an indoor cultured area, not outdoor because of the wind tunnel effect. There are some events hosted at the square but the real buzz happens indoor especially at cafes, restaurants and food courts. To me, Martin Place is a dark, noisy and sterile place. Not a place to host alfresco experience because of the car and bus fumes. Over-gentrified? Perhaps.

Martin Place is a perfect location to host a nightlife experiences, beyond just the usual 9-5 operation those financial institutions surrounding this precinct symbolises. Open up tents, vendors or outdoor street-market in the middle of the CBD to reinforce a quint-essential and diverse vibe of the city.

anywhere outdoors in the cbd is full of fumes and noise from buses and cars. i so wish they'd piss some of the buses off somehow, they are the most annoying thing racing through the cbd streets. cars too.

Fortuantely buses dont travel along that section of Pitt Street.

Proposal to alter existing height limit of 55m to 81m to allow this development to proceed goes before council on Monday night 3 May: council supports it but has to formally ratify it.

it will go through. its only alternative. its a great looking proposal

OOPS! Wrong hole!

when the com bank opens at darling walk, the money box is closing and the new refurb starts with new tower. next year.

If thats the plan, it's time for the D/A to be lodged and approved if work is to start pronto.

Looks like Midtown is getting another surge in densification - Westfield Tower, 420 George Street, 375 George Street, this and (to a lesser extent) 163 Castlereagh Street.

Like Fabian said, they had better get cracking if everything is to roll smoothly post relocation to Darling Walk.

This is recommended for approval at the CSPC meeting next Thursday (http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/MeetingsAndCommittees/2010/CSPC/141010.aspx). The quality of the renders isn't great, but that's all the council has to offer.

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/120-PittStreet-Sydney-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/120-PittStreet-Sydney-2.jpg

this will be good for the block. really activate the rear lanes and removal of 60s section will really improve martin pl frontage. its a nice glass box.something sydney needs every now and then.

The quality on this is great and I am looking forward to it....
Inevitable complaint... Taller! Surely the shadows over Martin Place would'nt be too bad in the depths of winter at a higher height...

Surely the shadows over Martin Place would'nt be too bad in the depths of winter at a higher height...

That's for sure, especially since it's on the southern side of Martin Place...

Had a giggle on that one but you beat me to it!

I like the fact the extension looks like a separate building is being built next to it. Also I am impressed with the sandstone coloured facade that will replace the shocking black facade that is there. Even better with windows placed to open up the views from the offices.

A photo of THAT hideous wall.

http://img840.imageshack.us/img840/9631/img1818pe.jpg

The quality on this is great and I am looking forward to it....
Inevitable complaint... Taller! Surely the shadows over Martin Place would'nt be too bad in the depths of winter at a higher height...
its only 80m tall due to shadows on pitt st mall.

this is set to begin soon.

I saw the grey model recently which is good.

Of all the ways they could improve Martin Place.... They've probably picked the least offensive thing to remove. I don't mind that wall at all, nice sexy black and an attractive logo.
I mean there's some awful stuff in Marin Place, the Reserve Bank building, ANZ building. ANZ building might have not been so bad, but they just had to go for such an ugly brown facade. And worst of all, the colonial building.
http://202.4.239.89/PropertyImages/LeaseLarge/39Martinplac.jpg
http://www.tgc.com.au/lease/39-martin-place-sydney-6889.aspx
Please please, destroy it now!!!!

If everything was up to standard of the heritage building, MLC and Colonial Centre, it would be perfect.

Now this proposal seems pretty good. Only problem I have with it, is a clear glass building doesn't really fit in with the rest of what's on Martin Place, Colonial Centre is how glass should be done here.

^^ I totally agree. Martin Place has some Shockers - and don't forget the Westpac building!

The good part is; there's plenty of options for some great new developments.

..

Absolutely love Martin Place, just a bit of a shame that it is an underutilised space. Can anyone say whether they are planning for any retail component fronting Martin Place?

I like the glass box and the apparent plans to improve Rowe Street however the add on to the existing heritage Commonwealth Bank building looks foul in the renders - hoping it turns out better in real life.

Skateboarding should be banned in Martin Place.

skateboarders should be pepper sprayed on the spot.

I'm guessing the area around Martin Place has some rather low height limits.... So why would anyone bother to tear down the existing buildings to build something new that's not much taller?
They could remodel of the facade of Westpac and ANZ though.... Brisbane's had some success with the renovation of Suncorp Metway Plaza.

Only problem I have with it, is a clear glass building doesn't really fit in with the rest of what's on Martin Place, Colonial Centre is how glass should be done here.

Hmmm, well maybe if we wanted to feel like we were living in 1985.

I'm guessing the area around Martin Place has some rather low height limits.... So why would anyone bother to tear down the existing buildings to build something new that's not much taller?
They could remodel of the facade of Westpac and ANZ though.... Brisbane's had some success with the renovation of Suncorp Metway Plaza.
the com bank built 1911 and 32 and 60s additon has created a huge 2000sqm per floor bldg which is 45m high. the new development which effectively doublse the height of existing bldg. they will compltely gut the old bldg and remove horrid 60s additon and create 10 floors of 2000sqm
and another 10floors of 1000sqm, which equates to 30,000sqm directly in centre of CBD.the new glass tower really complements the old bldg and matches and blends well with full height atrium up centre of compelx. this will be stunning.

the new dev will also activate the rear lane
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3872266668_2e029c5e18_o.jpg

The laneway is very narrow at the moment which will make it hard to be used effectively. Vault bar has tables and chairs which take up most of the space in the section that it occupies.

Side entrances and some cafes/shops will give a few options.

I'll be sad to see Harry's dramatic black wall gone with huge Josef Albers mural. I wonder what they'll do with it... it must be worth a reasonable amount of money.

The "Star Wars" themed mural as I like to call it has passed it's useby date.

The "Star Wars" themed mural as I like to call it has passed it's useby date.

You should consider offering your services to art galleries whose collections are getting too big...

That was by Harry Seidler? No wonder I like it, I'm a general fan of his sensibilities.

The Albers should go to the AGNSW or MCA if they can't/won't incorporate it into the new buildings.

I thought the DA said that the Council were free to find a suitable home for it elsewhere in the city?

Amended da getting lodged soon.coming down in height

WOW and that never happens! *sigh*

So typical for Sydney. :(

But it's already short! Can't get shorter anymore!

Could go subterranean, which, given the current nimby-ridden, height-fearing attitude to planning in this fair city, is not entirely unlikely.

just build the damn thing already

Could go subterranean, which, given the current nimby-ridden, height-fearing attitude to planning in this fair city, is not entirely unlikely.

Don't know about that... there are strict depth restrictions and underground railway access planes to consider.

And infernal, nocturnal, Hades dwelling nimbys complaining about the light blocking their chthonic depths no doubt.

Amended da getting lodged soon.coming down in height

Thank god! 83m is just way too tall for Sydney!

not sure why but its now only couple of toreys above 1915 bank. so about 60m.
obviously $$$ cut. but it is actually happening and will start this year.

Why cut costs when they have recorded profits of $3 billion. It must be about keeping a "good" image.

i have no idea why the reduction. ill try to findout.

sorry guys, lost in translation it seems. this DA stays as is approved. thanks god.
its the OTHER com bank across the road (former state savings back built 1928) cnr castlereagj/martin pl/eliz sts. the one with huge columns. this one is getting couple of floors on top. which it looks like it could hold as its massive!!

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3498/3740430685_0c58f10572.jpg

^^

Thanks for the clarification :)

Looks like this part of Martin Place will see some changes in the years to come.

sorry guys, lost in translation it seems. this DA stays as is approved. thanks god.
its the OTHER com bank across the road (former state savings back built 1928) cnr castlereagj/martin pl/eliz sts. the one with huge columns. this one is getting couple of floors on top. which it looks like it could hold as its massive!!

They're going to mess with this Beaux-Arts masterpiece? :no:
I hope it doesn't end up as badly as the Woolworths Building at 540 george street....

heritage people will make sure you wont see much of it from street. im sure it will be setback from each side

Well I often have problems with heritage people, but this is truly a landmark building that deserves protection, and this concerns me.

I hope it is a better extension than the Port Authority building in Melbourne.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/1/12/Former_port_authority_building_melbourne.jpg/450px-Former_port_authority_building_melbourne.jpg

They won't dare mess with this beauty. I've been on the top floor which is hidden behind the cornice and it's a real let down after the rest of the building. I'm sure they could sneak in 2 or 3 levels set back from the edge without them being visible from street level as it is a big area.
Anyone who has not seen the foyers, the vault area and the main trading floor needs to do so. Take a good look at the exterior details, too.
It's has the grandeur of the C19th palaces & great hotels the Beaux Arts Style was derived from.
So grand and splendid!

Definitely NOT as gauche as the unfortunate addition to the Port Authority Building! What were they thinking!? Clearly not architecture.

This is underway. The branch and office staff have moved out and internal works have started.
I was also told that CBA are not moving back in as they have sold the building and it is to become a new hotel. Does anyone know about this?

WTF? I hope not. This is meant to be a bank. I hate such conversions. It might lead to an interior redesign which would be a crime. Noone should be allowed to mess with this precious building unless the heritage component is 100% preserved. 6 star hotel only.

It wouldn't make sense if it is being converted into a hotel.

This is what some of the CBA staff have been told, of which they were shocked as the money box is a CBA institution. I remember from the plans that the original lightwell was going to reinstated and the interior and building is very much (heritage) protected. The only thing I can think of is that the CBA branch will move back in but the new tower will possibly be the hotel. CBA staff are moving to Darling Walk so there is no need for that location anymore.

The Commonwealth Bank will have to lodge a D/A if they are going to covert to hotel, otherwise the only option they would have is to add the office space as requested in the D/A.

It is grapevine talk and that happens when a development is proposed. I remember talking to the staff at the $2 shop in the now demolished Pitt Street Plaza and they told me in the period prior to closing that 161 Castlereagh would be an apartment tower. Yes a D/A had been lodged for apartment use in 2003, but by then it was certainly a commercial development.

The Commonwealth Bank will have to lodge a D/A if they are going to covert to hotel, otherwise the only option they would have is to add the office space as requested in the D/A.

It is grapevine talk and that happens when a development is proposed. I remember talking to the staff at the $2 shop in the now demolished Pitt Street Plaza and they told me in the period prior to closing that 161 Castlereagh would be an apartment tower. Yes a D/A had been lodged for apartment use in 2003, but by then it was certainly a commercial development.

I think it is a wait and see situation. They were told the building was sold but I really can't see CBA parting with the money box.

The building is part of the Commonwealth Bank brand like happy dragon is to St George Bank.

Rare view of the rear.

http://img811.imageshack.us/img811/6278/p6162390.jpg

todays AFR
Iconic ‘money box’ next off the rank
Local and international groups are vying to take a stake in the redevelopment of Sydney’s iconic Commonwealth Bank “money box” building.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9240/p1000009b.jpg

Hmmm. A sort of modernist version of the commonwealth bank building besides it. I hope it works...

Thats even better than what was lodged with council last year. I like the extra windows along the eastern side to take advantage of the views east along Martin Place.

http://img706.imageshack.us/img706/9240/p1000009b.jpg

Absolutely Hideous
This is one place where glass does not work and the yellow building with deranged windows is even worse.

Why are they not attempting to make it look like part of the original building?
It would look much better (for the street) and would probably allow them to have more floor space.

Actually, it is not an improvement on the existing building in that spot, which fits the heritage style of the commonwealth bank building quite well already.

The render in the article is of the old design; this is the approved design:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/120-PittStreet-Sydney-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/120-PittStreet-Sydney-2.jpg

Actually, it is not an improvement on the existing building in that spot, which fits the heritage style of the commonwealth bank building quite well already.

I wouldnt agree. What about the hideous wall along that eastern side?

anything is an improvement on current 60s structure

I wouldnt agree. What about the hideous wall along that eastern side?

I don't mind the wall at all. But you don't need to rebuild a whole building to fix one wall.

I'm wondering what's occupying the spot at the moment where the extention is going to be built? Just vacant space?

I walked around there millions of times but never noticed it.

the whole bldg has been occupied last few years. there just extensions on the 1916/32 buiiodling. these extensions will be demolished and replaced.rear replaced with new 20storey and martin place extension replaced with new structure which will fit in with old bldg. should look excellent

the new tower will activate the area fronting MLC centre
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3786140359_9a10c79ccc_b.jpg

you can see by the model, lots of work will be done. not sure if its just the heritage facade that will be saved and the rest is totally new structure? but there will be a 50m atrium in centre of complex. should be cool/
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3872266668_2e029c5e18_o.jpg

Ive always been drawn to that 'mushroom' building in front of the MLC tower. Its been an enigma to me since its been built, can anyone tell me whats it used for please ? :)

The Commercial Travellers Association Club occupies the "mushroom".

What Fabian said. They owned the building that used to occupy the corner site and part of the deal to allow the project was for a new clubhouse, so Harry gave them there own little mushroom.

the CTA have occupied the site since 1892. an ornate 9storey stood there until 1970.


http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemLarge.aspx?itemID=41992

same cnr 1891
http://acms.sl.nsw.gov.au/item/itemLarge.aspx?itemID=413705

That is a horrible juxtaposition and sticks out horribly from the rest of the site

its actually perfect JUXTA. thats why it was approved. has to be setback from heritage bldgs and martin place.designed to be hidden from martin place and pitt street. only view you can see is from MLC centre forecourt

you can see by the model, lots of work will be done. not sure if its just the heritage facade that will be saved and the rest is totally new structure? but there will be a 50m atrium in centre of complex. should be cool/
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2645/3872266668_2e029c5e18_o.jpg

just the heritage facade? how about heritage interiors? it would be a crime to demolish an inch of this marvellous heritage bldg. :ohno: this 20 st tower addition is quite dodgy too, they could have expanded their olympic park office instead ffs.

That is a horrible juxtaposition and sticks out horribly from the rest of the site

I agree! Renovate the existing building.

Have you clowns even looked at the existing building? It's a piece of shit with one redeemable feature: the Josef Albers mural.

The render in the article (which is the same as the one posted again above by Cul) is old. If you take a good look at the renders I posted, you'll see the the approved design is not only an improvement on the existing building, but also fits in well with its neighbour without resorting to tacky mimicry.

How many of the johnny-come-latelies have actually read the thread and know the history, the rationale of the design and understand what is there and what is planned beyond what a quick glance at and a kneejerk reaction to a pic or two tells you?
Some people display a callow, overly personal opinion characterised by an uninformed knowledge of architectural history and aesthetics.

Good points guys. Bring in the jackhammers, cranes and concrete.

Have you clowns even looked at the existing building? It's a piece of shit with one redeemable feature: the Josef Albers mural.


It's a decent sandstone building that fits in with the design of the commonwealth bank building extremely well already and has a rather nice muriel.
I like the buildings rear, the glass box. I don't see how this modern pastiche fronting Martin Place is at all an improvement on the building it's to replace.

its actually perfect JUXTA. thats why it was approved. has to be setback from heritage bldgs and martin place.designed to be hidden from martin place and pitt street. only view you can see is from MLC centre forecourt

Of course its a perfect juxsta. It's in Sydney so its gotta be right Cul? The building is totaly out of place with the rest of those heritage buildings despite its setbacks and detracts greatly

Of course its a perfect juxsta. It's in Sydney so its gotta be right Cul?

Don't be so pathetic and immature. Not your argument so don't butt in and try to gain credibility with such a cheap shot.
As I said earlier, learn more about the topic, i.e., this project, architecture, aesthetics, etc., before you expose your opinion.
The addition is behind the heritage building and beside Seidler's 68 storey, 1970s MLC tower, and will be seen in relation, juxtaposition if your prefer, to both the tower and the bank building. The new addition fronting Martin Place, replacing the 1960s infill, references the old building without resorting to pastiche - it's called "contextualisation" -and links through to the old and the new buildings physically. The new building is new and rather than pretend it's old, states its own contemporary character and does it in a far superior way, architecturally, aesthetically and physically, than any of the other options in recent times.
Please do not use the word 'blend' - blend is what you get in the Woman's Weekly cooking section. Using it also identifies your credentials - or lack of them. I know you didn't use it but I am trying to save you from further gaffs.
By-the-way, you have actually been to and studied the site, haven't you? Not just working off a couple of pics?

y so defensive. holy shit. if it offends you so much, ignore it.

To you it's defensive, to me it was making a statement in the face of ignorance, not because I disagree with him, even though I do - & gave the substantive evidence - but b/c his comments were sadly without any substance.
I know you and Cul have 'issues' which is fine, but for Biri... to try to make himself part of it to gain 'credit' is pathetic.
Also, trying to educate the turkey so he doesn't make a dick of himself again.
My Good Deed for the day.

Great Building. Fits in Perfectly. I can see why some people from towns outside Sydney may no see how it fits, but thats because they may not know the area. Or design.
Martin Place is obviously unique to Australia, through my recent travels I have not found anything like it. This development is very sympathetic to the strip, meshes well with all the sandstone, and avoids any garish over decoration.

Brizer.You're a legend. Thanks for keeping it real.. Totally agree with you (in actual fact i think i've never read anything even remotely crap from your posts).

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w204/Tails_065/keep_it_real.jpg

I think it was time that someone towed the others into line.

The new addition fronting Martin Place, replacing the 1960s infill, references the old building without resorting to pastiche - it's called "contextualisation" -and links through to the old and the new buildings physically. The new building is new and rather than pretend it's old, states its own contemporary character and does it in a far superior way, architecturally, aesthetically and physically, than any of the other options in recent times.

I love the addition behind the commonwealth bank building, elegant glass structure. I was complaining about the new frontage building, the Apple Store building style disjointed window layout is far too extreme for this location. The current 60s building already does a very good job uniting the old commonwealth bank building with the newer MLC.
Though re-reading I see a different better proposal has been approved. I got a bit carried away in shock at the original render.

Brizer.You're a legend. Thanks for keeping it real.. Totally agree with you (in actual fact i think i've never read anything even remotely crap from your posts).

http://i177.photobucket.com/albums/w204/Tails_065/keep_it_real.jpg

x2

Well put Brizer :)

I love the addition behind the commonwealth bank building, elegant glass structure. I was complaining about the new frontage building, the Apple Store building style disjointed window layout is far too extreme for this location. The current 60s building already does a very good job uniting the old commonwealth bank building with the newer MLC.
Though re-reading I see a different better proposal has been approved. I got a bit carried away in shock at the original render.

There is no relationship between the existing extension and the MLC Tower. Two totally different styles.

The unhappy relation between the wall of the bank and the open space of the MLC forecourt is the reason they put the Albers on the wall to try to ameliorate the ugliness of it. This wall will now be opened up and integrated into the new construction, though I hope they re-use the Albers in some respectful way.

No point in taking the Albers mural elsewhere.

Today's Rumour Mill is bought you by Harry Winston's.

I hear that several high end jewelers are interested in the old 120 Pitt Branch, mainly due to the vaults being a great place to store the valuables and Harry Winston are supposedly at the forefront .... time will tell.

I wish they'd just get rid of the whole thing and build another MLC tower on the remainder of the site. I can't say I am that impressed with the overral appearance of the new design. One of the renders does look a bit better, but not overly fond of the the sandstone and irregular window treatment. It's all been done and you only have to look at the other end of Martin Place.

Today's Rumour Mill is bought you by Harry Winston's.

I hear that several high end jewelers are interested in the old 120 Pitt Branch, mainly due to the vaults being a great place to store the valuables and Harry Winston are supposedly at the forefront .... time will tell.

Not surprising, but thanks for the goss :)

I imagine that the old banking chamber is capable of holding several retailers all told. It could become a fantastic high end dining and shopping destination and would do the chamber a whole lot of justice.

The banking chamber would be perfect for a single flagship tenancy, but would need to be a pretty big brand - Tiffany, Ralph Lauren...
But then, I can see it working as a space with multiple tenancies, but managed as a single entity, like a luxury department store. Would be a good opportunity for brands new to the market. And it would definitely be a shame if they split that beautiful space with floor to ceiling walls...
If the rumour re. Harry Winston is true, I can't see them taking the whole space, so would guess this would involve multiple tenancies.

I wish they'd just get rid of the whole thing and build another MLC tower on the remainder of the site. I can't say I am that impressed with the overral appearance of the new design. One of the renders does look a bit better, but not overly fond of the the sandstone and irregular window treatment. It's all been done and you only have to look at the other end of Martin Place.

As long as they leave the original moneybox structure alone it is all good.

not this money box but the other one across martin place cnr cnr castlereagh,martin pl,eliz has had its refurb approved

If only we could get more MLC's lining Martin Place... rather then the 83 metre standard box.

More MLC's would require the demolition of city blocks and ruin the aesthetics of Martin Place. Not a fan of that idea. That said there are a few dated and ugly buildings towards the Macquarie Street end that could be upgraded or improved to better interact with the street. The Museum of Australian Currency Notes at the Reserve Bank should be expanded into a full Museum of Australian Finance. Recent discussion has centred around the creation of a new contemporary art gallery for the Moran Collection - a permanent home on Martin Place would be a great thing.

The Moran collection will be housed on Bridge Street after the buildings renovations and additions

^^
I thought that was only temporary? Or have I missed something and it is going to be there permanently and operate as a contemporary gallery?

I am pretty sure it is a permanent option as they are adding one or two floors to the top of the building as offices and the rest to be a gallery.

Just found this http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/moran-prizes-eye-permanent-home-20120502-1xzhp.html

Should replace the ugly 50s to 70s buildings in Martin Place with MLC sized towers though, MLC is a complex of several buildings that use up a large site.
Id like to see the reserve bank, ANZ and other 60s buildings in the area replaced with buildings more worthy of the address.

I cannot see anything happening with ANZ for a while. Its the Macquarie Street end of Martin Place that would benefit from new buildings. Leave the older buildings for the rest of it.

I think I phrased it incorrectly... I mean MLC 'size' and definitely nothing that would replace the historic buildings on the George street side.

Just found this http://www.smh.com.au/entertainment/art-and-design/moran-prizes-eye-permanent-home-20120502-1xzhp.html

Ah thanks for that. Went for a wander past the site today, I'm interested to see how it works out.

When is work on this site (120 Pitt) actually supposed to start?

Great news for this one.

International law frim Ashurst/ Blake Dawson are in advanced negotiations to lease 16,000 sqm which will get this one the pre-commitment they need to start construction.

2.5 year build. Completion late 2014

refer AFR page 43 (14/6/12)

wow great news

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8141/7417190710_90d4b45fe3_h.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2530/3786140359_9a10c79ccc_b.jpg

You really need to stop posting that render, it's old and wrong and upsets the simpletons...

I love old Sydney!

Love old Martin Place, the density of pedestrian activity makes for a much more lively scene. I think it was a mistake to totally pedestrianise it.

Well everybody has some crazy opinions.

saaah new york, right, mornnb? :lol:

Martin Place, imo, is so much better now than what it appears back then.

It is far better as it is now. Mornnb's love of choked traffic corridors is, at best, idiosyncratic, but inexplicable.
As a committed daydreamer I find having to watch every which way when you're walking a Problem.
Bring on a pedestrianised George Street and I'll only have to watch out for trams and the occasional delivery truck instead of being deafened and choked as I am on George and as it was on Martin Place by a relentless charge of traffic.

It is far better as it is now. Mornnb's love of choked traffic corridors is, at best, idiosyncratic, but inexplicable.
As a committed daydreamer I find having to watch every which way when you're walking a Problem.

I find myself often walking down George Street playing Jamiroquai loudly enjoying the busy street as a background for my music. ;) I thrive on the life, energy and chaos in a busy area, and yes that's why I love New York Dimethyltryptamine. :p

WOW Martin place looked incredible!!!!!!! WTF they destroyed it!? They should never have made it pedestrian only - they should have widened the pavement though.

I find myself often walking down George Street playing Jamiroquai loudly enjoying the busy street as a background for my music. ;) I thrive on the life, energy and chaos in a busy area, and yes that's why I love New York Dimethyltryptamine. :p

Don't get me wrong, New York City is my favourite city in the world, and I adore Sydney... but not every street needs to be choked with traffic to be considered thriving and full of life. Martin Place is one of my favourite streets in Sydney, because it is pedestrianised. I can stand back and admire the architecture and grandeur without feeling like I am going to be run over by a car or bus. Similarly, I don't wish Queen Street Mall had cars still running down or, nor down Cavill Mall.

I'm not blankly against pedestrianisation, though I think only Pitt Street Mall has the necessary foot traffic to entirely full up a pedestrianised street. Similar for Queen Street Mall.

I'm not blankly against pedestrianisation, though I think only Pitt Street Mall has the necessary foot traffic to entirely full up a pedestrianised street. Similar for Queen Street Mall.

Sounds like the chicken and the egg. Would Pitt Street Mall be as busy if it wasn't pedestrianised? I mean there is not there that can not be access from other streets.

This could be under construction soon.

Check out the link below and refer back a page to news that a commercial tenant is close to signing. Completion would be in late 2015, early 2016 though.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/council/documents/meetings/2012/Traffic/200612/120620_LPCTCC_ITEM16.pdf

Also, not sure who the final architect is but check out this link below - seems like there will be a laneway connection between Martin Place and Rowe Street!!

http://www.tannerarchitects.com.au/gallery.php?page=gallery&id=160

^see post 173. yeah this project will be up and running very soon. great news

Not happy. I'm going to sorely miss the dramatic black wall and Josef Albers mural.

yewwwwwww

Just bringing this forward to avoid confusion.

The render in the article is of the old design; this is the approved design:

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/120-PittStreet-Sydney-1.jpg

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k160/papervagina/120-PittStreet-Sydney-2.jpg

And here is the render of the laneway that I posted about a few days ago

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1758/screenshot20120703at656.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/screenshot20120703at656.png/)

http://www.tannerarchitects.com.au/gallery.php?page=gallery&id=160#images/library/gallery/120PittSt_DA2-A-5100-crop.jpg

Looks like they are going to try and bring back a bit of Rowe Street!

Probably the whole of Rowe Street as it only ran from Pitt to Castlereagh. Lees Ct never used to intersect into Rowe.

Oh, so Rowe Street ran parallel to King Street, not perpendicular to it?

I'm excited to see what they can do with the laneway - there is potential for it, GPO Sydney, the existing bars and pubs on Martin Place and the laneways in and around Ivy to better activate Martin Place itself after hours.

It's still there, what's left of it. It's on the east side of Pitt Street, just south of Martin Place. There's a café there with some small tables teetering on the narrow footpath.

There were construction site signs on the Martin Pl entrance to the 50s building today.
Does this mean works are underway?

^^
Haven't seen anything so can't confirm but the website has been rejigged and this render is up

http://img198.imageshack.us/img198/1120/screenshot20120705at807.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/198/screenshot20120705at807.png/)

http://www.120pittstreet.com/

And it is being rehashed as '5 Martin Place'

^looks like Grocons next project in Sydney starts 2013!!!

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7116/7579241624_11947bb674_b.jpg

Was hoping we'd see construction start this year!!

Nevertheless, this is good news. All we need now is confirmation of Ashurst pre-committing!

I'm excited to see what they do with the old banking chamber. A real opportunity to establish Martin Place as one of the great retail precincts in Australia.

Also seeing as '5 Martin Place' appears to be the advertised address, should we change the name of the thread title?

I'm not really keen on a short fat tower attached to a heritage building...Westin/MacBank did work well, hope this one will too..

I don't understand why it can't extend to the height of the adjacent building (Macquarie bank). As weren't those developed to comply with the sun access plane for Martin Place?

I'm not really keen on a short fat tower attached to a heritage building...Westin/MacBank did work well, hope this one will too..

I agree with you. I remember the concept from two decades ago and really they should have done that. Sadly changes to council guidelines mean that we cannot get such a tower. :bash:

Just bringing this forward to avoid confusion.



And here is the render of the laneway that I posted about a few days ago

http://img812.imageshack.us/img812/1758/screenshot20120703at656.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/812/screenshot20120703at656.png/)

http://www.tannerarchitects.com.au/gallery.php?page=gallery&id=160#images/library/gallery/120PittSt_DA2-A-5100-crop.jpg

Looks like they are going to try and bring back a bit of Rowe Street!

What they are doing for Rowe street will be amazing, so much potential! It was unfortunate that Sydney lost Rowe street, Australian hotel and the Theatre so I'm very pleased to see Rowe street making a comeback - even if it doesn't have its original heritage buildings to showcase.

I've always seen it as a laneway that can be easily activated. In fact it can be one of the best laneways in Sydney.

Walked past this one today. Grocon had their signs up that they have taken possession and demolition internally seems to be underway.

Awesome news :banana:

After years of planning and waiting this one is finally going to come to fruition. Here's hoping it ushers in a new era for Martin Place with some finer grain detail (laneway), a new retail anchor (in the banking chamber, what a magnificent location) and a new commercial tenant that provides the financial incentive to go ahead with the tower in tough times.

To add weight to what PGBSYD said, Grocon is looking to hire a project engineer for this development

http://jobs.grocon.com.au/job/job_details.cfmid=757969&from=googlebot(at)googlebot.com

excellent

It's only small but, oh, my! What a little beauty!

its not that small actually. it totals 42,000sqm i think? but this includes the refurb of the 10floors of com bank.just the new eastern bldg and activation of lane is a highlight of this project

It's all go, go, go!

Crane to be assembled on Sunday 2 September (weather permitting) with Sunday 9 September identified as an alternate date.

http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/Council/documents/meetings/2012/Traffic/150812/120815_LPCTCC_ITEM09.pdf

Walked past and saw the Grocon and internal demolition in progress signs today (Martin Place frontage) that PGBSYD spoke of.

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/e/e8/189656~Groundhog-Day-Posters.jpg/220px-189656~Groundhog-Day-Posters.jpg

Does anyone know if Rowe Street will be closed to pedestrians at anytime during construction?

So glad this one is underway. I worked in this building for about 5 years for CBA just before it closed. Was abit of a rabbit warren. Should be beautiful when complete.

Also suprised I have not read about the tenant being confirmed in the press.

Also can't believe crane going up so soon. They have just started demolition. I wonder where it will be placed...

^^
Rowe Street between Lee Court and Pitt Street - I think they will try and minimise its closure so as to allow The Vault to continue trading with on street seating.

fyi groundhog day is sept2. ;)

What?! Again?!

What?! Again?!

What?! Again?!

I walked past on the Martin Place side today - didn't have time to go looking in Rowe Street for said crane...is it there?

I did notice that it looks like they have started work on the interior of the banking chamber. I'm not sure exactly what's going on yet - I wonder if it is being fitted out for a new tenant?

Is it this crane?

http://p.twimg.com/A2CEVXyCEAEbneR.jpg:large

^^
Nice pic, that's the one!! :banana2:

another crane!! wohoo

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/596/p1010690k.jpg

A strange yet wonderful sight.

Hoarding is up on the Martin Place and Pitt Street frontages!!

Photos by me;
http://imageshack.us/a/img51/1986/img1968jw.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/51/img1968jw.jpg/)

http://imageshack.us/a/img201/6779/img1969q.jpg (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/201/img1969q.jpg/)

The banking chamber is indeed being gutted too. Makes me wonder...

Should we get the thread title changed from #APPROVED to #PREP?

Walked past again today and there are wooden planks up inside the old banking chamber. Definitely work going on inside.

The windows on the western side (facing Martin Place) are blanked out as part of an Art & About installation which is a tribute of sorts to the old Hotel Australia.

weird how the money box was built in 2stages. first stage opened aug22,1916
http://143.119.202.10/_DAMx/image/19/166/a116242h.jpg

2nd stage 1932
http://143.119.202.10/_DAMl/image/17/131/hall_35245r.jpg

Generation watches with interest as 'money box' awaits $83m deposit

Read more: http://www.smh.com.au/nsw/generation-watches-with-interest-as-money-box-awaits-83m-deposit-20120924-26hia.html#ixzz27Qm164LH

Ok now I get the whole money box thing. Didn't grow up with it.

http://images.smh.com.au/2012/09/24/3662135/art-353-commonwealth-20bank-300x0.jpg

^that article is about the other money box up the street

xx

^that article is about the other money box up the street. i posted article in refrub thread.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=292184&page=27

^^ ah cool, good to know..

Where will the entrance be for the new office tower? Will it be from Martin Place, where the 1960s extension currently is?

The SMH (26/9/2012) actually posted a correction relating to the moneyboxes today and clarified the misunderstandings over which buildings are represented by the moneyboxes.

October 19 2012

View from Sydney Tower

http://imageshack.us/a/img716/9914/img2309kr.jpg

AFR reports today that Ashurst has formally agreed to lease almost 14,000 sq m of commercial space on levels 5 to 11 for 10 years.

This is a big enough pre commitment for the project to roll on now. It's due for completion in early 2015.

Updated render

http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/7784/screenshot20121031at840.png (http://imageshack.us/photo/my-images/521/screenshot20121031at840.png/)
http://www.afr.com/rw/Wires/Stories/2012-10-29/ASXAnnouncements/CPA_01348852.pdf

Can anyone confirm where the office entrance will be located? Is it off Martin Place?

looks good, i think there are two entries/ laneway and marty place

I like that. Not overdone or tacky. Just nice.

It's an elegant, restrained box, and I think they've resolved the Martin Pl front block as a reasonable compromise, modern but referring to the more historical nature of the main building.

I agree - it is more sympahtetic.

It also looks like there are multiple buildings when its simply the one.

It's an elegant, restrained box, and I think they've resolved the Martin Pl front block as a reasonable compromised, modern but referring to the more historical nature of the main building.

I think it's the worst example of post modernism since the HSBC podium and would rather something of a purely historic style such a continuation of the old money box facade.

As a style, Post Modernism ended in the 1990s. That is not what the architects have tried to do here. They've tried to use modern methods to continue some sense of history connected to the heritage building while translating to the modern building while keeping each building connected but separate.

Indeed it is much more sympathetic to the rest of martin place than the MLC building that sits next door or number 20 across the road.

I agree. I think it's a good aesthetic outcome.

Another Top View, this one from #1 Martin Place.....
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v210/Grosvenor/5_martinPlace.jpg

no demolition yet?

I did see scaffholding begin to appear last week above the hoardings.

^^
Yep walked past today and the scaffolding is slowly creeping up on the 60s extension

Scaffolding slowly climbing the Martin Place frontage.

Photo by moi from today.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/89623139@N03/8181316614/in/photostream/

http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8350/8181316614_afbc3fb072_c.jpg

say bye bye to the tragic 60s additon.

And hello to the tragic 2010s addition...

i like it