John Challis - Challis House - Martin Place

John Challis - Challis House - Martin Place - Sydney - New South Wales 

Penfold Place & Hosking Place - Laneways - Sydney - New South Wales

Penfold Place & Hosking Place - Laneways - Sydney - NSW 

W C Penfold & Co Is One Of Sydney's Oldest Firms. In 1866 Penfold Bought Out A Printing Business That Had Been On This Pitt Street Site Since 1830, & In 1912 The Firm Bought The Eight Storey Hosking House In Hosking Lane Behind, For An Extended Printworks. 


These Private Laneways Have Served The Firm, & Acted As A Short Cut For Locals For All This Time. 

John Hosking Was Sydney's First Elected Lord Mayor. He Had To Step Down From This Position When He Was Declared Bankrupt In The 1840's Depression. If Only He Could See His Piece Of Real Estate Now. 

Hosking’s Mansion Was Built On the Corner Of Pitt Street And Martin Place On The North Eastern

corner. 

It Was Destroyed By Fire In 1890

The Mansion Became The Site For The Metropolitan Hotel. 

Australia Hotel - Castlereagh Street - SYDNEY

The Australia Hotel - Castlereagh Street Sydney

The Australia Hotel, located on Castlereagh Street in Sydney, was once a prominent and historic hotel that played a significant role in the city's hospitality and social scene. Here's an overview of its history:

Establishment and Early Years:

• The Australia Hotel was established in 1891, during a period of economic growth and development in Sydney.
• The hotel was designed by the architect William Wardell in the Second Empire architectural style, characterized by its elaborate façade and distinctive mansard roof.

Grandeur and Amenities:

• The Australia Hotel was known for its grandeur and opulent interiors. It boasted luxurious amenities, including a large dining room, ballroom, bar, and accommodations for guests.
• Its central location in the heart of Sydney made it a popular choice for visitors and locals alike.

Social Hub and Gatherings:

• The hotel quickly became a social hub and gathering place for various events, meetings, and celebrations.
• It hosted social occasions, weddings, balls, and other gatherings that attracted Sydney's elite and upper classes.

Accommodations and Services:

• The Australia Hotel provided upscale accommodations for travelers and guests. Its elegant rooms and services catered to a discerning clientele.

Decline and Closure:

• Over time, changing preferences and economic shifts impacted the hotel's viability. Modernization of accommodations and shifts in tourism trends led to decreased patronage.
• The Australia Hotel faced financial difficulties and a decline in its reputation.

Demolition:

• Despite efforts to preserve the historic building, the Australia Hotel was demolished in 1971.
• Its demolition was met with public outcry and debates about heritage preservation.

Legacy:

• The Australia Hotel's demolition marked the loss of a significant architectural and historical landmark in Sydney.
• Its legacy continues to be remembered as an emblem of the city's history and a reminder of the importance of preserving heritage buildings.

While the Australia Hotel is no longer physically present, its history and impact on Sydney's hospitality industry and social life remain noteworthy. Its story serves as a testament to the ever-evolving nature of urban landscapes and the challenges of preserving historic structures in the face of modern development

The renowned French actress Sarah Bernhardt's visit to Sydney and her stay at the Australia Hotel left a lasting impression on the city's cultural history. Sarah Bernhardt was one of the most famous actresses of the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her exceptional talent and charisma on the stage. Here's an overview of her visit:

Visit to Sydney:

• Sarah Bernhardt toured Australia as part of her international performance schedule. Her visit to Sydney took place in 1891.
• At the time of her visit, she was already a legendary figure in the world of theater, celebrated for her roles in classic plays and her larger-than-life persona.

Staying at the Australia Hotel:

• During her time in Sydney, Sarah Bernhardt stayed at the Australia Hotel, which was known for its luxurious accommodations and central location.
• Her choice to stay at the Australia Hotel added to the hotel's prestige and drew attention to her presence in the city.

Theater Performances:

• While in Sydney, Sarah Bernhardt performed at the Theatre Royal, captivating audiences with her performances.
• She was known for her dramatic acting style and ability to portray a wide range of characters, from tragic heroines to comedic roles.

Cultural Impact:

• Sarah Bernhardt's visit to Sydney created a significant cultural buzz. Her performances were widely covered by the media, and her presence drew large crowds and admirers.

Reception and Legacy:

• The people of Sydney welcomed Sarah Bernhardt with enthusiasm and excitement. Her performances received positive reviews, and her visit was seen as a highlight of the city's cultural calendar.
• Her time at the Australia Hotel and her performances left a lasting impact on the city's cultural scene and theater enthusiasts.

Continued Legacy:

• Sarah Bernhardt's legacy as an iconic actress and her visit to Sydney are remembered as significant moments in the city's cultural history.
• The Australia Hotel's connection to her visit adds to the hotel's historical importance and its role in hosting notable figures.

Sarah Bernhardt's visit to Sydney and her stay at the Australia Hotel provided an opportunity for the city's residents to experience the talent of a theatrical legend. Her impact on the cultural landscape of Sydney during her visit continues to be appreciated and remembered to this day.

The Divine Sarah Bernhardt In Australia

50 Martin Place - Government Savings Bank Of NSW

50 Martin Place  - Martin Place

Built 1925 - 1928

Architect - HE Ross & H Ruskin Rowe, Ross & Rowe

When 50 Martin Place Opened In 1928 As Head Office for The Government Savings Bank of NSW. It Was The City's Tallest, And Most Expensie Building  With The Worlds Largest Banking Chamber. It Has Since Been Transformed As The Global Headquarters Of Macquarie Group.

From The Street, The Buildings Beaux - Arts Facade Showcases A Solid red Granite Base, Topped with Four Columns And Pilasters, Clad In Pink Glazed Ceramic Tiles. Twelve Storeys In Height, It Was Crowned Originally With A Two Storey Attic, And, intriguinly, A Rooftop Rifle Range.

At Ground Level, The Grand Hall And Banking Chamber Are Lavishly Detailed In The NeoClassical Style, Featuring Marble And Scagliola - A Form Of Plaster - On Massive Stylised Columns.

Inside The Atrium Are Two Futuristic Circular Glass Lifts


An Extraordinary Eight Storey High Installation By Artist Nike Savvas, Colours Are The Country, Can Be Seen During The lift Journey, Straddling The Atium Is A New Steel Framed Glass Dome, Designed As A Fifth Facade To Be Seen From Thwe Neighbouring Builddings As A Shimmering Lantern.


 

Martin Place - Sir James Martin - Sydney - New South Wales

Martin Place 

  
Everyone Who Lives In Sydney Knows Martin Place
But As With All Our Australian Heritage No one Can Remember Or Care Why. 
The Story Of Sir James Martin Is Such An Inspiring Story Its  a Real Shame His Story Hasn't Been Told To The Generation Of Today 
Sir James Martin was Born To Poor Parents Who Lives At Parramatta
He Was Very Smart And Was Accepted Into The Sydney School On College Street Which Later Became Sydney Grammar. 
He Walked From Parramatta To School And Back Everyday 



Sir James Martin Was Also The Only Person In Australian History To Be Premier If New South Wales, 3 times in Fact,  Attorney General Of New South Wales, And Chief Justice Of NSW

The G.P.O (General Post Office)

The City Council Had Designed & Planned This Long Pedestrian Thoroughfare as "The Financial & Insurance Centre" Of Sydney. The Widening & Extension Through To Macquarie treet Began In 1923 But Didn't Finish Until 1935.

The initiasl Martin P;lace was the section between George Street and Pitt Street, and it was offically opened in 1892, and was named in honour of Sir James Martin, the three time Premier of New South Waleds, asnf the Chief justice of The Supreme Court of New South Wales. 


Today's Martin Place was built in several stages. Until the 19th Century ponly the section between Pitt Street & Castlereagh Street existed in anything rresembling thre present form, as a short street named Moore Street. Between Pitt Street 7 George Street there wass only a small laneway 
In 1863, construction begabn on the present General Post Office building on the South Side of the Laneway. The bvyuilding was constructed in stages,7 when the design  changed to provide  for a main faczaade on the longer nothern stages , there were commitments  proposals to widen the existing laneway into a street connnected to Moore Street. 



Martin Place has a large collecrtion of buildings in various styles, from neo classical ro contemporary 

The Sydney General post Office - number 1 Martin Place id located at the Western end of Martin Place between george Street 7 Pitt Streets. Designed by thre Architect James Barnet, the building was constructed in stages from 1866 to 18891. 
Barnet's building features Neo- Classical sandstone facade, with a colonade running arou nd the building ast street level,. Above the centre  of the 100 metre Martibn Place Facade is the Clocktower.This building was the Headquarters Of the NSW postal sysrtem until 1996 ,, when it was sold off and refurbuished. 

- the Bank Of Australiadsia Building - Number 2 Martin place - in a RFomanesque building standing on the corner of George Street & Martin Place. This bank merged into ANZ in 1951. 

- Challis House - Number 4 Martin Place - It stands on land bought in 1906 for 500 Pounds per square foot by the University of Syxdney from the University Endowment DFunds. 
The Building was designed by W. L. Vernpon, Government Architect and Robertson 7 Marks, Architects and was completed in 1907. The Building was named after Henry Challis, who in 1880 hasd bequesathed his estate valued at 276,000 Pounds (Over $30 - $50 Million Today) to the university. 

This art deco building is adorned with the Sydney University crest above the doo, and forms one of the most  important parts of the university's property portfolio. 

The Commonwealth Trading Bank Building - Number 5 Martin Place - Is on the Corner of Martin Place & Pitt Street. Built in 1916, this 12 Storey building was designed & project Managed by the Sydney Architectural FirmJ & H Kirkpatrick. The building was the first large scale all steel framed "skyscraper" in Australia. 

known as the "Sydney Bank" within the Commonwealth Bank of Australia, it was built to be the Headquarters of the Commonwealth bank of Australia. 

The MLC Centre - Number 9 Martin Place - It sits upon the Old Site of the Australia Hotel. which wqas demolished tgo make way for this 228 metre reinforced concrete skyscraper, designed by Harry Seidler. At the time when it was opened it was the tallest reinforced concrete officre building in the world, 7 was the tallest building outside North America. 

Construction of the building was controversial bevause it caused the demolityion of several historic landmark buildings. 

The Henry Davis York Building -0 number 38 - 46 Martin Place -  It is an 11 Storey Art Deco builfing on the corner of Castlereagh Street And Martin Place. It was the former Headquarters of MLC, and was taken over by the national Australia bank i n2000. 

The State Savings Bank Building - Number 48 Martin Place - Later also owned by the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. It was built as the Headquarters of the Government Savings Bank of NSW & was opened in 1928.  the Interior features Large Scagliola Columns, Extensive use of marble and a plaster and pressed metal ceiling. The buildings square Trading Hall was orignally one of the lasrgest in the world. A stately Vault in Housed in the Basement. 

The Australian Provincial Assurance Building - Number 53 - 63 Martin Place - Is A 14 Storey art Deco building on the Corner of Elizabeth Street & Martin Place

The Colonial Building was the headquzaarters of The NSW State Bank - This 1986 post modern Building with its dark glass facade featurres a 36 storey tower atop a 2 storey Atrium.  

The Reserve Bank Of Australia Building - Located beteen Phillip & Macquarie Streets

Its the Headquarters for the Reserve Bank of Australia, Australia's Central bank, including a money museum. 

The Westpac Building - Number 60 Martin Place - Between Phillip & Macquarie street, is iteself a non descript 28 Storey 1960's Office Block but is currently planned to be de,molished to make way for al argew new develop,ment/. 

ADJACENT BUILDINGS 

* At the Macquarie Street End - The Sydney Hospital

* At the George Street End, the historic Westpac Building and the Commercial banking Company of Australia 

* on Elizabeth Stree, The Sun Building was formerlyu the Headquarters Of The sun, The Afternoon paper that ceased publication in the 1980's. This skyscraper Gothic buiklding is one of only three buildings in Sydney in this style 

* On George Street Societe Generale House is American Romanesque in Style and originaally housed the Equitable Life Assurance Sociaety of Americas

OTHER FEATURES OF MARTIN PLACE INCLUDE 

 - The Cenotaph, Located between the GPO and Challis House. It Commemorates the ANZAC forces who served in WW1 and Australians who gave their lives in subsequent conflicts/. 

- A water fountain is located on the East side of Pitt Street, Near the Commonwealth bank Of Australia Building. Behind this foumntain is an Amphoitheatre which featyures a stage that can be mechanically raised when required for perforamcnes. 

- Entrancres to the Underground Railway Station 

- A Commando Memorial is Located in the Centre oif Martin  Place near the Eastern end. 

SOME REGUALR CIVIC EVENTS THAT OCCUR AT MARTIN PLACE. 

- An ANZAC Day Dawn Service is held at the Cenotaph  every year on April 25th 

- Sydney's Largest Christmas tree stands in Martin Place every Year. 

- Martin Place is a major site for the Annual Sydney Festivsl 

- outdoor Concerts are held there throughout the year

Macquarie Street And Associated Landmarks

            In 1792, Governor Arthur Phillip Proclaimed The Open Space Which Became The Botanical Gardens, Domain, Hyde Park, And Macquarie Street For Government Use.

            The Street Itself Was Proclaimed In 1810 By Governor Lachlan Macquarie. At First It Only Ran From Hyde Park To Bent Street, But In 1845 it was Extended In Both Directions.

CENTRE OF SOCIETY –

CENTRE OF MEDICINE – Being Macquarie Street Specialist Became A Prestigious Title

CENTRE OF CEREMONY - Ceremonial=al Tradition Began With The Waterloo Ball Of 1816 (Commemorating Wellington’s Victory Seven Months Late As The Colony Had Only Just Received The News)

1 Hyde Park – Part Of Governor Phillip’s 1792 Common, Renamed Hyde Park By Governor Macquarie. The Archibald Fountain Was Added In The 1920’a

2. Queens Square – The Centerpiece Of The Macquarie Town Plan Prince Albert’s Statue Arrived In 1866

3. Hyde Park Barracks – It Housed Convict Gangs Overnight. Above The Entrance Is The Oldest Clock In Australia. The Barracks Survived Several Plans For Demolition

4. The Mint – Completed in 1816 – As Part Of the Rum Hospital. Restored In the 1970’s

5. Sydney Hospital – 

Known As the Rum Hospital. The Builders Were Paid With 3 Years/45,000 Gallons Of Rum. I 

I Have Read That Francis Greenway i

Didn't Actually Design "THE RUM HOSPITAL"

And That In Actual Fact It Was Lady Macquarie Behind The Design Of The Original Building. In 1810 - 1815 Lady Macquarie And Elizabeth MacArthur Were About The Only Two Ladies That Would've Been Fully Literate In The New Colony. 

One Of The Main Reasons It Would Not Have Been Public Knowledge That Lady Macquarie Designed The Rum Hospital Building Was Tjat It Was Unacceptable For A Female To Do That Sort Of Thing.   

6. Martin Place – Named After the 19^th Century Premier Sir James MARTIN. Most Significant Is The Reserve Bank And Museum If Australian Currency

7. St Stephen’s Church –

8. Parliament House –

9. The State Library –

10. Wyoming – One Of The Sky Scrapers Of Macquarie Street In 1909, It Was Designed By W. Burcham Clamp -

11. Horbury House – These Are Two Survivors Of A Terrace Of Seven Built In 1845 As Gentleman’s’ Residences. Early Occupants Include Robert Lowe (Later Viscount Sherbrooke), Conrad Martens

12. The Royal Botanical Gardens – The First Farm Was Started Here. Later, Governor Bligh’s Daughter, Mary, Had More Success With Gardening. The Initial Collection Was Restricted But The Enlarged Gardens Were Opened To The Public In 1831, And The Basis Of The Present Gardens Established By Charles Moore From 1848 – 1896. The Garden Palace Was In These Grounds.

-

13. The Royal College Of Physicians – No 145 Was The Home Of John Fairfax.

14. BMA House – The British Medical Association House Was Built In 1929, as Medical Chambers With A Lecture Hall On The Ground Floor.

15. History House (Royal Australian Historical Society) - Another Remnant Of A Gentleman’s Residency. This Was By Architect George Mansfield Housed The 1870’s Reform Club. As The Middle Classes Moved Away From The City It Became A Boarding House And Then Homes And Rooms of Medical Practitioners And Acquired By The RAHS in 1969

16. The Astor – in 1914 John O’Brien Built The Exclusive 13 Storey Astor Apartments Designed With A Basement Restaurant Linked By Service Lifts To Each Apartment, Enabling Dinner Deliveries To Residents. The roof Garden Included A Glasshouse, Fernery And Dance Floor.

17. Chief Secretary’s Building – The Fine Interior Of This French Second Empire Style Government Office Designed By Architect James Barnet .

18. Treasury Building – Now Included In The Intercontinental Hotel This Was Built IN two stages, Beginning With Te Treasury (The Bridge Street Corner) In 1849 In a Classical Revival Style And Bridge Street By W L Vernon To Include The Premier’s Officer

19. Conservatorium Of Music – Beyond The Equestrian statue Of Edward VII This Stable Could Accommodate 30 Horses Plus Servants

20. Government House – Beyond The Gatehouse And Down the Roadway To The North Of The Former Stables In The Gothic Castle Style Government House. Still Used By The State Governor. The house Is Open To Te Public on Certain Days Designed In England By Edward Blore And Constructed Under Mortimer Lewis’s Supervision 1837-45

21. Transport House (1938) and Sir Stamford Hotel (1896)

22. Royal Automobile Club

23. Bennelong Point -

QUOTE

1857 - by John Askew

"Tiers Of Fine Buildings Seem To Rise Once Above The Other, Like The Seats In An Amphitheatre, And Towering Above Them All Is The Tall Spire Of St James Church"

1857 - by John Askew

"The Best Thing In This Neighbourhoods In All It's Glory Is On A Summer's Evening, About An Hour After Sunset, When The Drawing Rooms Are In A Blaze Of Light. Then The Rich Tones Of A Piano Or Some Other Musical Instrument Are Heard Gushing Fourth From The Open Windows, Accompanied By The Sweet Melody Of Female Voices. Beautiful Ladies, Dressed In White May Be Seen Sitting Upon The Verandahs, or Lounging On Magnificent Couches, Partially Concealed By The Folds Of Rich Crimson Curtains."

Sydney G.P.O. - General Post Office - Martin Place - Sydney - NSW

The Sydney G.P.O. (General Post Office) - Martin Place - Sydney - NSW

The General Post Office (GPO) at Martin Place in Sydney, Australia, holds a significant place in the city's history. It has evolved from being a central postal hub to a symbol of architectural grandeur and civic importance. Here's an overview of the history of the Sydney GPO at Martin Place:

Early Postal Services:

• In the early years of the colony, postal services were informal and operated from various locations.
• As Sydney grew, there was a need for a centralized and efficient postal system.

Construction and Design:

• The construction of the Sydney GPO building began in 1866. The design was influenced by the Renaissance Revival architectural style, which was popular during the 19th century.
• The design was a collaborative effort, with several architects contributing to different aspects of the building. James Barnet, the Colonial Architect of New South Wales, played a significant role in its design.

Opening and Operation:

• The Sydney GPO was officially opened on September 1, 1874. It was intended to serve as a central post office for the city, housing not only postal services but also telecommunications facilities.
• The building's interior featured a grand hall, marble columns, and ornate detailing, reflecting the architectural preferences of the time.

Central Location:

• The GPO's location at Martin Place made it easily accessible to both the general public and businesses in the heart of Sydney's central business district.

Expansion and Adaptations:

• Over the years, the GPO underwent several modifications and expansions to accommodate the changing needs of postal and telecommunication services.
• As technology advanced, telecommunications became increasingly important, and the GPO played a role in facilitating communication throughout the country.

Cultural and Civic Significance:

• The Sydney GPO was not only a functional facility but also a cultural and civic landmark. It served as a central point for the exchange of mail and information.
• The clock tower, added in the early 20th century, became an iconic feature of the building and an important timekeeping element in the city.

Modern Transition:

• With the decline in traditional postal services and the rise of digital communication, the need for the GPO's original functions diminished.
• In 1996, the Sydney GPO ceased its role as a working post office and underwent a transformation to accommodate a mix of retail, commercial, and cultural spaces.

Heritage and Restoration:

• The Sydney GPO is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, recognizing its architectural and historical significance.
• Restoration efforts were undertaken to preserve and restore the building's original features, ensuring that its historical charm remains intact.

Today, the Sydney GPO at Martin Place stands as a beautiful architectural testament to Sydney's past and a reminder of the role that postal and communication services played in shaping the city's growth and development. It continues to be a hub of activity, housing a range of businesses and cultural spaces within its historic walls.

In September 1864 "The Illustrated News" Announced That The Colonial Architect, Mr Barnet Had Been Instructed Had  Been Instructed To Prepare Plans For A New Post Office. A New Street a Would Be Cut Between The Pitt & George Streets. 

It Was Constructed In Stages From 1866 - 1891. It is The Most Notable Work In The City By Colonial Architect James Barnet. The Realistic Carvings Facing Pitt Street & Martin Place By Italian Sculptor Tommaso Sani, Caused A Public Scandal. They Were Viciously Attacked By The Press & Parliament As Being Hideous In Form & Expression & Attempts Were Made To Force Barnet To Remove Them.