Media releases

Have your say to preserve Sydney’s modern skyline

Published 19 August 2019

A bold plan to protect some of Sydney's most significant 20th century buildings will be placed on exhibition for public comment from today.

A heritage study commissioned by the City of Sydney recommended nine examples of 'modern movement' architecture for local heritage listing.

The Heritage Council of NSW says the modern movement period produced some of the 20th century's most important architecture, including styles known as modern, international, brutalist and Sydney school.

The buildings range in age from 41 to 67 years old and are considered fine examples of post-war architecture.

Local heritage listing ensures that any future development will consider heritage impacts as part of the application process, encouraging the retention of significant building features to maintain the distinctive character.

The post-war period of 1945 to 1975 was one of the most significant periods of development in Central Sydney, determining much of the city's current physical form and character.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the modern movement era was an important chapter in Sydney's architectural history and should be preserved.

"As Sydney experiences unprecedented development, it's important we preserve those buildings of significant heritage value," the Lord Mayor said.

"We are lucky to have this layering of history on our city streets. These rare examples of post-war modern architecture, built during a time of great social and cultural change in Australia.

"The architects of the modern movement were reformers. They responded to the social, political and economic upheaval caused by industrialisation and world wars.

"These buildings and artworks reflect a key moment in Sydney's history and works by architects and artists, including Ken Woolley, Harry Seidler and Terence Daly.

"They demonstrate the technical and design achievements of the modern movement in Sydney - from brutalism to the international style - in glass curtain-wall or concrete offices, exemplary churches, buildings and artworks.

"Many buildings from this period have sadly been demolished or modified beyond recognition and only five built from 1945 to 1975 in central Sydney are listed on state, national or world heritage lists. It's essential we preserve these important contributions to our city's architecture for future generations."

The buildings proposed for local listing include office towers, a church, community buildings and an artwork:

  • Sydney Masonic Building - 279-283 Castlereagh Street, Sydney
  • former Sydney County Council Building - 552A-570 George Street, Sydney
  • St Peter Julian's Catholic Church and Monastery - 637-645 George Street, Haymarket
  • Town Hall House - 456 Kent Street, Sydney
  • William Bland Centre - 229-231 Macquarie Street, Sydney
  • MLC Centre - 19-35 Martin Place, Sydney
  • former Liverpool and London and Globe building - 62 Pitt Street, Sydney
  • former Horwitz House - 398-402 Sussex Street, Haymarket
  • Earth Mother play sculpture - Yurong Parkway, Cook and Phillip Park, Sydney

Brutalist buildings such as the Sydney Masonic Centre and Town Hall House have become synonymous with Sydney's skyline, alongside other buildings recommended for heritage listing including the former Sydney County Council Building and the MLC Centre.

Less prominent but valuable examples include the St Peter Julian's Catholic Church and the former Horwitz House in Haymarket.

The Sydney Opera House became Sydney's first building to gain world heritage status in 2007 and is considered one of the greatest examples of the modern movement.

To make a submission, visit sydneyyoursay.com.au

For media inquiries or images, contact Alex Cauchi. Phone 0467 803 815 or email acauchi@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

For interviews with Lord Mayor Clover Moore, contact Jack Begbie. Phone 0481 759 580 or email lordmayormedia@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au