Chief Secretary's Building facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Chief Secretary's Building |
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The building as viewed from Bridge Street and Phillip Street
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| Former names | Colonial Secretary's Building |
| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type | Government administration |
| Architectural style |
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| Address | 121 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°51′49″S 151°12′44″E / 33.8635°S 151.2123°E |
| Current tenants |
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| Construction started | 1873 |
| Completed | 1886 |
| Opened | 1881 |
| Cost |
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| Renovation cost | A$32 million (2005) |
| Client | Colonial Secretary of New South Wales |
| Owner | Government of New South Wales |
| Technical details | |
| Material |
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| Floor count | 5 |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect |
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| Architecture firm | Colonial Architect of New South Wales |
| Developer | Government of New South Wales |
| Renovating team | |
| Architect | Government Architect's Office |
| Awards and prizes |
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| Official name | Chief Secretary's Building; Colonial Secretary's Building |
| Type | State Heritage (built) |
| Criteria | a., c., d., e., f. |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 766 |
| Type | Other – Government & Administration |
| Category | Government and Administration |
The Chief Secretary's Building is a historic government building in Sydney, Australia. It was originally known as the Colonial Secretary's Building. This grand five-storey building is located at 121 Macquarie Street, 65 Bridge Street, and 44–50 Phillip Street. It was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet. Construction happened in two main parts. The first four levels were finished between 1873 and 1881. Later, between 1894 and 1896, Walter Liberty Vernon added the fifth level and the famous dome.
This beautiful sandstone building was once the main office for the government of the colony. It has been used by the Government of New South Wales ever since. Even today, the office of the Governor of New South Wales is located here. The building also houses the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales. Some of its large rooms are now used as courtrooms.
...(this) pile of a building like a veritable 'poem in stone' adorns the northern portion of Macquarie Street.
Contents
A Look Back: The Building's History
In 1856, New South Wales gained "responsible government." This meant it could make more of its own decisions. With this change, new government departments were created. They needed more office space. Many departments were spread out in different buildings, some even in old houses.
The Colonial Secretary was a very important political leader. Often, the Premier (the head of the government) also held this job. Because of this important role and the need for more space, plans for a new building were made. The chosen location was very special. It was close to Government House and Parliament House. This showed how important the Colonial Secretary's office was.
Building the Grand Structure (1860s-1890s)
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By 1869, enough money was available to start building. The goal was to create a grand new office for the Chief Secretary. It would also house the Works Department. James Barnet, the Colonial Architect, designed an impressive multi-storey building. It would be shaped like an "L" and face Bridge Street.
Construction began in 1873. The first part of the building, including the main structure, was completed by 1881. However, the building cost much more than first expected. After it was finished, officials found they still needed more space. Many departments were cramped or spread out.
To solve this, an extension was planned in 1889. This new section would face Phillip Street. It was designed to be six storeys tall. While this extension was being built, another one was approved. This new section would connect to the first extension.
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By the early 1890s, the building was still not big enough. Walter Liberty Vernon, the new Government Architect, suggested a clever solution. He proposed adding two new floors by raising the height of the existing building. This included adding the famous mansard roof and a central dome. This work was finished in 1893. The dome was originally covered in aluminium, which was very rare for buildings at that time.
Changes Over Time (1890s-1990s)
For many years, changes to the building were small. They were made as needed, like adding ladies' restrooms. This showed that more women were joining the workforce. The 1920s saw more minor changes, such as new stairs and roof extensions.
After World War II, the building was updated to modern standards. In the 1960s, the Public Works Department moved to a new building. This allowed the Chief Secretary's Building to be renovated for new uses. New occupants included the Divorce Courts and other government offices.
By the 1980s, people realized how important this building was to Sydney's history. A big project was started to restore its beautiful stonework. This restoration was completed in 1990.
What the Building Looks Like
The Chief Secretary's Building has two main parts that are connected. The original part, facing Macquarie, Bridge, and Phillip Streets, is four storeys tall. It has a copper and slate roof and a copper-covered dome. The newer part, facing Phillip Street, is five storeys tall with copper roofs.
The original building was designed in the Victorian Free Classical style. This style features strong basement walls, arched openings, and wide balconies. When Vernon added to the building, he used the Victorian Second Empire style. You can see this in the iron-crested roofs and the dome.
Barnet used different levels of decoration throughout the building. The most fancy decorations are in the main hallways and entrances. The most important rooms in the corners of the building also have rich details. Simpler decorations were used in other areas.
Amazing Architecture and Art
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The building was designed by James Barnet between 1873 and 1880. Its style is sometimes called "Venetian Renaissance." Later, Walter Liberty Vernon added the fifth floor and dome in the 1890s. Barnet wasn't happy about these additions. He felt they changed his original design, which was inspired by the Palazzo Farnese in Rome. The dome was covered in aluminium in 1895–1896. This was one of the first times this metal was used on a building anywhere in the world!
The building has nine life-size statues. Six are outside, and three are inside. They are placed to show the purpose of different parts of the building. The entrances are labeled in sandstone to guide visitors.
- The main entrance on Macquarie Street is labeled "Colonial Secretary". This part of the building has statues representing Mercy, Justice, and Wisdom. Inside, there is a marble statue of Queen Victoria.
- The central entrance on Bridge Street is called "Public Entrance". Inside, you'll find a female figure representing New South Wales, with a merino sheep at her feet.
- The Phillip Street entrance is labeled "Secretary for Works". It features a bust of Queen Victoria. Outside, there are statues representing Art, Science, and Labour. Inside, there is a statue of Edward VII when he was the Prince of Wales.
The marble statues inside were made by Giovanni Giuseppe Fontana. The sandstone statues outside were created by Achille Simonetti.
Inside, you can see beautiful Australian Red Cedar wood, fancy tiles, and decorated ceilings. The building's design and furnishings were greatly influenced by Sir Henry Parkes, the first Colonial Secretary.
The Executive Council Chamber, also known as the Cabinet Room, is a very important historical room. Many meetings that led to the Federation of Australia happened here. This room is well-preserved with old furniture and paintings.
Between 1988 and 2005, the building underwent major restorations. These were done with great care. Today, the building is open to the public. You can see historical displays and even look through glass lift shafts to see how the building was constructed.
Why This Building is Important
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The Chief Secretary's Building is very important to Australia's history. It shows the story of how the government of New South Wales grew. It was built for the Colonial Secretary, a powerful leader who made decisions that affected everyone in the colony.
After 1856, the Premier of New South Wales often held the Colonial Secretary's job. This shows how important the office was. Famous leaders like Henry Parkes worked here. They helped shape important changes, including the Federation of Australia.
The building's size and beautiful design show how important the government departments were. Its continuous use by the government also shows how society has changed. For example, the addition of ladies' restrooms shows more women joined the workforce.
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Architecturally, it's one of Sydney's most important buildings from the late 1800s. It shows the amazing work of two great architects, Barnet and Vernon. It stands out in Sydney's historic streets. Its location near Government House and Parliament House also highlights its importance.
The building is also special because of its technical achievements. The use of corrugated aluminium on the dome in 1895–1896 was one of the earliest uses of this material in the world. This makes it a rare example of early metal cladding.
The Chief Secretary's Building is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it is protected for its historical, architectural, and social value.
A blue plaque was placed on the building on 6 August 2024. It honors Kathleen M. Butler, who was called the 'Godmother of Sydney Harbour Bridge'. She used to work in this building.
See also
- Australian non-residential architectural styles
- History of New South Wales
- History of Sydney
- Architecture of Sydney
Images for kids
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The building's Bridge Street entrance
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