181-187 Hay Street, Sydney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids 181-187 Hay Street |
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Corporation_Building_Sydney.jpg)
181-187 Hay Street, also known as the Corporation building, pictured in 2016
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| Location | 181-187 Hay Street, Sydney central business district, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1893–1895 |
| Architect | George McRae |
| Architectural style(s) | Federation Anglo-Dutch |
| Owner | City of Sydney |
| Official name: Municipal Building; Corporation Building | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 693 |
| Type | Council Chambers |
| Category | Government and Administration |
| Builders | Daniel McInnes |
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181-187 Hay Street is a special old building in the Sydney central business district, New South Wales, Australia. It used to be a place where the local council worked. People also call it the Municipal Building or the Corporation Building.
This building was constructed between 1893 and 1895. Today, the City of Sydney owns it. It is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register, which means it is an important historical site that needs to be protected.
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What is the History of 181-187 Hay Street?
The First People of Sydney
The land where Sydney now stands belongs to the Eora people. They are the original Aboriginal people who lived along the coast around Sydney. The Cadigal and Wangal groups are the traditional owners of the land in the City of Sydney area.
We don't have written records of the language they spoke. There's a discussion about whether they spoke a separate language called "Eora" or if it was a dialect of the Dharug language. Even today, some areas like Blackwattle Bay still have plants and animals that were part of their traditional life.
When Europeans arrived in Sydney, the Cadigal and Wangal people faced many challenges. However, their descendants still live in Sydney today. Many Aboriginal people from all over the state have moved to Sydney suburbs like Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe, and Redfern since the 1930s. New laws in the 1960s allowed more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney.
Why Was the Building Constructed?
In 1892, people decided to replace some old storage buildings at the Haymarket. They wanted a new building that would fit in with the nearby markets. The main goal for the new building was to provide good public toilets. This was needed because more people were coming to the markets. The building also had small shops and offices. You can still see signs of these different uses today. It's one of the few public toilets from that time that are still standing.
Who Designed and Built the Building?
The famous architect George McRae designed the building. He also designed the Queen Victoria Building around the same time. Daniel McInnes was chosen to build it, and work started on 16 February 1893. The new Corporation Building was finished in 1895.
How Has the Building Changed Over Time?
In 1913, the nearby Belmore markets were turned into the "Hippodrome," which later became the Capitol Theatre. Some of the original clay decorations from the market building were moved to the first floor of 181-187 Hay Street.
During the 1920s, as the market use stopped, new shop fronts were added to the building's outside walls. In 1935, the original roof-like structure over the entrance was replaced with the one we see today. The first structure had cast iron supports and was built in 1894.
After a fire in 1974, the roof was replaced with metal. Since then, many changes have happened inside and outside the building. For example, the central stairs were removed, and walls on the first floor were taken down. A corner of the building under the tower was also changed, and new stairs and concrete floors were put in.
What Does 181-187 Hay Street Look Like?
181-187 Hay Street is a special example of the Federation Anglo-Dutch style of architecture. This style is known for its detailed designs and rich textures. The building is in the Haymarket area of Sydney.
It has unique features, including colorful clay, sandstone, and red brick details. The outside of the building is mostly still the same, even though some openings were filled in after the 1920s and the awning was replaced in 1935. However, the inside has changed a lot, with only a few original parts left.
The building is on a corner, facing three streets, which makes it stand out. The main corner has a small round tower with a cone-shaped roof. It is an important part of the area, along with the Capitol Theatre and the Haymarket Chambers. These buildings show Sydney's history and architecture from around the turn of the 20th century.
What is the Building's Condition?
The original building was mostly made of brick and timber. But over time, the inside materials have changed. Now it has strong concrete floors and stairs. Many dividing walls on the upper level have been removed.
Some important original features inside include:
- Timber panels around an old roller shutter.
- Details of the skylight (which is now hidden).
- Original cast iron columns.
The building seems to have been damaged by a fire in the 1970s. This fire affected the roof and the inside finishes. Many of the changes made after the 1970s are considered "intrusive" because they don't match the original style.
When Were Changes Made to the Building?
- 1893-1895: The building was used by the City Council for market management and as a public toilet.
- 2000: The building was updated and started being used as a Chinese community center.
Why is 181-187 Hay Street a Heritage Site?
The Corporation Building is part of a recognized Heritage Streetscape. It is important for its history, beauty, and social meaning. It's a rare example of a small, fancy Federation Anglo-Dutch style building. This style is known for its detailed brickwork and unique designs.
Along with the Haymarket Chambers, Capitol Theatre, and Palace Hotel, it forms an important historical area. These buildings show the growth and success of Sydney around that time. They are connected to the markets, the railway station, and large shops like Anthony Hordern and Company.
The Corporation Building and the Capitol Theatre are the last remaining parts of the Belmore Market area. It's a very good example of market architecture from the late Victorian period.
The building is also an early and important work by George McRae, the City Architect. He designed many buildings in Sydney, including the famous Queen Victoria Building.
181-187 Hay Street was officially added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 2 April 1999.
Images for kids
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Detail, 2007
