‘Old, insanitary and ruinous’: Historic photos reveal demolished Sydney
The changing face of the city captured from 1900 to 1931.
The changing face of the city captured from 1900 to 1931.
In the early 20th century Sydney underwent rapid urbanisation, embracing modern buildings, new infrastructure and sanitation projects.
Houses, pubs, stables, shops – and sometimes entire neighbourhoods – were demolished to make way for the improvements.
From 1900 to 1931, the City Building Surveyor’s department at the City of Sydney began hiring professional photographers to document “old, insanitary and ruinous” buildings when they were condemned.
The photographs inadvertently capture largely working-class neighbourhoods and people being displaced by commercial and government redevelopment.
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