The Sydney Arcade

400 George Street - King Street - Sydney 

Designed by Thomas Rowe and built in 1881, The Sydney Arcade was a lesser known rival to the neighbouring Strand Arcade. Forming an unusual L-shape from 400 George Street to King Street, it was a 2 storey building with about 78 shops and offices over the 2 levels. The vaulted glass ceiling presented a light and ventilated arcade with an architectural difference to the other arcades in Sydney at that time. I'm still trying to work out when it was demolished.

The Strand Arcade is a historic shopping arcade located in the heart of Sydney, Australia. It is renowned for its architectural beauty, Victorian-era design, and role as one of Sydney's premier shopping destinations. Here's an overview of the history of the Strand Arcade:

Construction and Design:

• The Strand Arcade was built during the late 19th century and officially opened on April 1, 1892.
• The arcade was designed by architect John Spencer, who aimed to create a grand and sophisticated shopping space that would cater to the growing affluent population of Sydney.

Elegant Victorian Architecture:

• The Strand Arcade is characterized by its ornate and elaborate Victorian architecture. It features a glass roof, intricate iron lacework, and decorative tiles.
• The use of natural light from the glass roof was a novel feature at the time and added to the arcade's unique atmosphere.

Commercial Evolution:

• From its inception, the Strand Arcade was home to a variety of high-end boutiques, shops, and businesses catering to a discerning clientele.
• Over the years, the arcade has housed a diverse range of businesses, from fashion boutiques to cafes, jewelry stores, and specialty shops.

Resilience Through Time:

• The Strand Arcade has weathered various challenges and changes in consumer preferences over the decades. It has managed to maintain its charm and appeal, becoming a beloved fixture in Sydney's retail scene.

Renovations and Restoration:

• The arcade has undergone several renovations and restoration projects to preserve its historical features while modernizing its facilities.
• Efforts have been made to maintain the original design elements while accommodating contemporary shopping needs.

Heritage Significance:

• The Strand Arcade is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
• It is considered one of the few remaining examples of Victorian-style shopping arcades in Australia.

Modern Shopping Experience:

• The Strand Arcade continues to offer a unique shopping experience, blending the elegance of the past with contemporary retail offerings.
• The arcade attracts both local shoppers and tourists, drawing them in with its combination of heritage and modernity.

Cultural Landmark:

• The Strand Arcade has become more than just a shopping destination; it is a cultural and architectural landmark that contributes to Sydney's identity and history.

Today, the Strand Arcade stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of timeless architecture and the role of historic structures in shaping the character of a city. Its rich history and ongoing commercial success make it a cherished part of Sydney's urban fabric.

Randwick tramway Workshops - King St - Randwick

 Randwick Tramway Workshops - King Street - Randwick

Established 1881. Employed Uo to 1400 persons in construction and Maintenance of Trams and SYDNEY’s Tram Net and SYDNEY Tram network. Workshop closed in 1961

The Randwick Tramways workshop

The old Randwick Tramway workshops, also known as Randwick Tram Depot or Randwick Tramway Workshops, were a significant part of Sydney's tramway system in the suburb of Randwick, New South Wales, Australia. Here's some information about the workshops:

1. Location: The old Randwick Tramway workshops were located on the corner of High Street and Avoca Street in Randwick, which is in the eastern suburbs of Sydney.

2. Purpose: The workshops were established to maintain and repair the trams that operated in Sydney. They served as a hub for the maintenance, repair, and storage of tram cars, as well as the training of tramway staff.

3. Construction and Design: The workshops were built in 1900 and designed by government architect Walter Liberty Vernon. The buildings featured distinctive Federation-style architecture with red-brick facades, ornate detailing, and large arched windows.

4. Operations: The workshops played a crucial role in the operation of Sydney's tramway network. They provided comprehensive maintenance services for the tram cars, including repairing mechanical and electrical components, repainting, and refurbishing interiors.

5. Decline and Closure: With the decline of the tramway system in Sydney and the rise of other forms of transportation, such as buses, the need for the Randwick Tramway workshops diminished. The workshops eventually closed in the mid-1960s as the tramway network was gradually decommissioned.

6. Adaptive Reuse: Following the closure of the workshops, the site underwent redevelopment. The old workshops were transformed into a retail and commercial precinct known as "The Spot." Today, The Spot features a range of businesses, including restaurants, cafes, shops, and a cinema.

7. Heritage Significance: The old Randwick Tramway workshops are recognized for their architectural and historical significance. The buildings have been heritage-listed to preserve their unique design and their connection to Sydney's tramway history.

The old Randwick Tramway workshops hold a special place in Sydney's transport history. While they no longer function as tram maintenance facilities, their architectural charm and adaptive reuse showcase the city's ability to repurpose historic sites for contemporary use.

"Culwulla Chambers" - 67 Castlereagh Street Cnr King Street - Sydney

"Culwulla Chambers" - 67 Castlereagh Street - Sydney 

Built - 1912

Architect - Spain, Cosh & Minnett

Hailed As Sydney's First Skyscraper When I Was Completed In 1912, The 50 Metre High Culwulla Chambers Building Was Also Roundly Decried In The NSW Parliament As A Brickstack And An Eyesore. 

Some Thought It A Fire Hazard, Becuase Ladders Couldn't Reach Its Upper Limits.  Others Thought It Spelt The Beginning Of The End For Sydney's Colonial Character, And The Start Of A New York Skyline. 4

Designed By Architects Spain, Cosh & Minnett, Culwulla Chambers Is Home To Many Of Sydney's Top Barristers, And Bears Many Of The Federation Free Style Elements. A Striped Brick And Stone Facade, Distorted Classical Features, Sandstone Trim, Bay Windows And Arches, And A Curved Decoratrive Parapet

Despite Costing A Fortune To Build - 100,000 Pounds - And Its Innovations  Such As High Speed elevators, Its Construction Of Masonry And Not Steel Meant That Culwulla Chambers Was Not Strictly Speaking A Skyscraper, But Simply A Tall Building. Even So, The Arguements It Fuelled Beame The Catalyst For The Height Of Buildings Act Of 1912, Which Resttricted New Sydney Buildings to 150 Feet (46 Metres) or Less. The Act Was In Force For 45 Years Before Being Repealed, With The Effect Of Limiting The City's Vertical Growth To That Of A Country Town 

Culwulla Chambers is a historic building located on Macquarie Street in Sydney, Australia. It is a distinctive architectural landmark with a rich history. Here's an overview of the history of Culwulla Chambers:

Construction and Purpose:

• Culwulla Chambers was constructed between 1911 and 1912.
• It was designed by architects Spain and Cosh in the Chicago School architectural style, characterized by its verticality, decorative terra cotta detailing, and large windows.

Architectural Features:

• The building's design features elements such as bay windows, decorative terracotta panels, and a prominent cornice.
• It was one of the first steel-framed buildings in Sydney, allowing for its tall structure.

Name Origin:

• The name "Culwulla" is derived from the name of an Aboriginal clan that once inhabited the area.
• The Chambers part of the name reflects its function as office spaces.

Early Use and Occupants:

• Culwulla Chambers originally housed professional offices and medical practices.
• It attracted a diverse range of tenants, including doctors, dentists, lawyers, and architects.

Modern Amenities:

• At the time of its construction, Culwulla Chambers was equipped with modern amenities such as electricity and elevators, reflecting the technological advancements of the era.

Historical Significance:

• Culwulla Chambers is recognized as a significant example of Chicago School architecture in Sydney.
• It is also one of the few remaining commercial buildings from the early 20th century in the Macquarie Street area.

Heritage Status:

• Culwulla Chambers is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and the Register of the National Estate due to its architectural and historical significance.

Preservation Efforts:

• In recent years, there has been a focus on preserving and restoring Culwulla Chambers to maintain its historical integrity.

Today, Culwulla Chambers stands as a well-preserved example of early 20th-century architecture and serves as a link to Sydney's history and development. Its distinctive design and historical significance make it a notable landmark along Macquarie Street, contributing to the city's architectural heritage

King Street - Sydney -1848 - Joseph Fowles

The Rat Pit - Pitt Street Near King Street, Sydney

THE RAT PIT - 
Pitt Street, Western Side, Near King Street 

A Place Where Dog, Rat And Rooster Fighting Took Place In Sydney 1830's

   I Can Imagine A Group Of Wild Men Meeting In Someone's Cellar Or Somewhere Secret Holding The Dog Fights, And Rat Fights. I Imagime The Cock Fights Didn't Start Till Later When The Colony Of Sydney's Food Shortage Was Over. 

I Also Imagine There was Only Ever Going To Be One a Winner In These Fights To The Death. I Guess Rum Would've Been Wagered In The Beginning Until Governor Macquarie Started The Currency. 

Dog, Cock & Rat Fighting Were Popular "Sports" In Sydney's Early Days. 

In The Sydney Mail Of 31st July 1907, Mr Morris Asher, Describing His Arrival At Sydney Cove in 1838 Says

"I Saw A Dog Kill 60 Rats In One Minute. Horse Racing, Dog Fighting, Cock Fighting, Rat Fighting And Prize Fighting Were All The Rage. Scarcely Anything Else   Was Thought Of, And It a Was Hard For A Young Fellow To Settle Down."