ACT government proposes to 'restore and revitalise' historic buildings

The ACT government is calling for public consultation on the proposed revitalisation of the iconic Sydney and Melbourne buildings that frame the gateway to Northbourne Avenue and City Hill.

With the submission window closing on Sunday, February 9, the City Renewal Authority is calling for feedback on its most recent consultation draft – the City Renewal Authority and Suburban Land Agency Amendment Bill 2019.

Designed in the 1920s, the Sydney and Melbourne buildings embody an inter-war Mediterranean architectural style with their arched arcades and gracious walkways. 

Divided into several individual leases, the buildings house a number of businesses ranging from restaurants to nightclubs and convenience stores. Over the years, the buildings were passed through a variety of hands who added their own print to the landmark sites.

While some of the buildings come under strata management, there is no single body responsible for maintaining the buildings. Therefore, it is the responsibility of each building’s owners to maintain its appearance.

However, according to the ACT government, the “complicated ownership structure” makes it difficult for the buildings to be maintained consistently.

The legislation proposed will set out to “improve, restore and revitalise the appearance” the renowned buildings.

The government tasked the City Renewal Authority with acting as the key liaison between government and owners of the sites.

The draft legislation is based on consultations with stakeholders of the building in 2019. The City Renewal Authority noted that the ACT government would “step in and complete works, at an owner’s expense, if they are not completed within the agreed timeframe”. 

Acting chief executive Craig Gillman said the initial round of consultation helped advise how the government could overcome the ownership challenges.

“As the Sydney and Melbourne buildings are privately owned, by many different owners, and without a common management body, the overall maintenance of the public-facing areas of the buildings, like the colonnades and facades, have been inconsistent for many decades,” Gillman said.

“The new consultation draft reflects this feedback and we will continue to work constructively and collaboratively with stakeholders to see these landmark buildings realise their full potential.”

City Renewal Authority will also examine how best to work with the building owners and will potentially establish a working group to facilitate the required works.