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139-153 Sussex Street, Sydney facts for kids

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139-153 Sussex Street
139-153 Sussex Street, Sydney 1.jpg
Location 139-153 Sussex Street, Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Built 1850–
Owner Property NSW
Official name: Warehouses (former); Shops/Warehouses
Type State heritage (built)
Designated 2 April 1999
Reference no. 413
Type Other - Commercial
Category Commercial
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139-153 Sussex Street is a special building in Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It used to be a warehouse, which is a big building for storing goods. Today, it is part of a hotel.

This building is located on Sussex Street in the heart of Sydney's business area. It was built around 1850. Because of its history, it is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is an important part of the state's history and should be protected. The property is owned by Property NSW, which is a government agency in New South Wales.

What Was 139-153 Sussex Street Used For?

These buildings were first built around the 1850s. They were used as warehouses to store goods that came from ships and coastal trade. This area of Sussex Street was perfect for storage because it was very close to the wharves (docks) in Darling Harbour.

Many businesses that dealt with farm products and sales agents worked here. They often held auctions to sell goods. In the 1890s, a group called The Hunter River Farmers & Consumers Co-operative had their offices and warehouse here. This was likely because the Hunter River Steamship Company had its shipping services nearby. Later, in the early 1900s, a company called Gray & Co. also had their warehouse and offices in these buildings for a long time.

Around 1985, the buildings were changed a lot to become part of the Four Points Hotel. Only the front part, called the façade, of the original buildings remains today.

What Does the Building Look Like?

Sussex Street, Sydney historical map Hyatt Hotel precinct
An old map of the area before the Hyatt Regency Sydney hotel was built.

The buildings are made of brickwork and have an iron roof. They were built in the mid-1850s. From Sussex Street, they look like one-storey buildings. However, at the back, they are actually three storeys tall.

The front of the buildings is quite simple. Most of the windows and shopfronts are still the original ones. The way these buildings are designed is very similar to the buildings next door at 149-153 Sussex Street.

How Good is Its Condition?

As of 2002, the outside parts of the buildings seemed to be in good condition.

Changes Over Time

The buildings were greatly changed around 1985. This is when they were turned into part of the Four Points Hotel.

Why is it a Heritage Site?

As of 2002, 139-153 Sussex Street is seen as an important part of the Sussex Street area. It is a great example of how commercial buildings were designed during the early Victorian period.

These warehouses, along with the Corn Exchange building nearby, are some of the last remaining examples of the old warehouse and business area in Sydney. They show how important warehouses were for Sydney to grow as a trading city in the mid to late 1800s. The buildings were carefully designed and built with good materials. Even though they were changed for the Four Points Hotel in 1985, they still show their original style.

139-153 Sussex Street was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on April 2, 1999. It met the following important requirements:

Important Part of History

The buildings were originally warehouses built around 1855. They were used for shipping and trade along the coast. This means they are linked to the history of transport, farming, and trade in New South Wales. They also show how the Sussex Street area was mainly used for storage, warehouses, and markets because it was so close to the wharves in Darling Harbour.

Showing Creative Design

These buildings are a great example of the business architecture from their time. Their elegant design makes them an important part of the historic Sussex Street group of buildings.

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