Metcalfe Bond Stores facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Metcalfe Bond Stores |
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Metcalfe Bond Stores, viewed from the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in 2008.
The road below is Hickson Road with Campbell's Stores pictured at left. |
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| Location | 68-84 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1912–1916 |
| Architectural style(s) | Federation Warehouse |
| Owner | Property NSW |
| Official name: Metcalfe Bond Stores; New Metcalfe Bond Stores | |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Designated | 10 May 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1562 |
| Type | Warehouse/storage area |
| Category | Maritime Industry |
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The Metcalfe Bond Stores is a historic building located at 68-84 George Street in The Rocks, a famous part of Sydney, Australia. It was built between 1912 and 1916.
This building was originally a "bond store." This means it was a special kind of warehouse where imported goods could be stored safely. Taxes (called "duties") on these goods didn't have to be paid until they were taken out of the store.
Today, the Metcalfe Bond Stores are no longer a warehouse. They have been changed into shops and offices. The building is also known as the New Metcalfe Bond Stores. It is owned by Property NSW, which is part of the Government of New South Wales. Because of its importance, it was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.
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A Look Back: The History of Metcalfe Bond Stores
This building stands on land that was once a garden and orchard. This garden belonged to Robert Campbell, an important figure in early Sydney. He received this land in 1814.
Later, parts of the land were used as a stone quarry. The stone wall you can see along George Street today might be from the mid to late 1800s. In 1900, the government took over the land. This happened after a serious health issue (the bubonic plague) in the area.
How the Metcalfe Bond Stores Were Built
In 1912, an older warehouse used by a company called Upward & Co. was knocked down. This was to make way for a new road called Hickson Road. Upward & Co. needed a new place to store their goods.
The company was started by John Upward. He was born in London and came to Australia in 1862. He worked for a shipping company and later took over their bond store business, calling it Upward & Co.
In August 1912, John Upward leased a large piece of land from the government for 50 years. A key rule of the lease was that a building worth at least £10,000 had to be built there.
The Metcalfe Bond Stores were built in two parts. The northern section was finished in 1912, and the southern section was completed in 1916.
Changes Over the Years
After John Upward passed away in 1918, his son, Leonard, took over the company. Upward & Co. continued to use the building even after their 50-year lease ended in 1962. They stayed on as tenants until 1972.
In 1970, the building's ownership went to the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (SCRA). This group started changing the old warehouse into offices, art galleries, shops, and restaurants in 1972.
One of the most famous businesses to move in was the "Pancakes at the Rocks" restaurant. Another popular spot was "W Kennedy's Old Spaghetti Factory." This restaurant opened in early 1973 and was a huge hit. Even famous people like the "Rolling Stones" band visited and were photographed there in 1973!
More changes happened in 1984. A shopping area (an arcade) was added on the ground floor. This arcade was later extended to connect to another building nearby. In 2011, the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority did more big upgrades. They improved things like lifts, stairs, toilets, and other building services.
What the Metcalfe Bond Stores Look Like
The Metcalfe Bond Stores are actually two buildings right next to each other. They both look like simple warehouses. They have strong timber (wood) posts and beams inside. The outside walls are made of red bricks. You can see some darker bricks used for outlines.
The Northern Building (1912)
This part of the building is at 66-76 George Street. It has three floors facing George Street and five floors facing Hickson Road. It has seven sections (called "bays") along its length. The top edge of the roof (the "parapet") is covered in a smooth finish called stucco. The windows on the ground and second floors have a rounded, semi-circular shape.
The Southern Building (1916)
This part is at 78-84 George Street, next to the older building. It also has three floors facing George Street and five floors facing Hickson Road. This section is longer, with nine bays. The parapet at the top has a stepped design. All the windows here are rectangular. There are also two clear lines (called "string courses") between the first and second floors. The brickwork on this part is a bit fancier. Even though they were built at different times, the two buildings look good together. They have the same height and a similar feel.
The building is designed in a style called "Federation Warehouse." It has five floors and a roof made of corrugated iron. The floors inside are made of timber.
Building Condition and Changes
The Metcalfe Bond Stores have been well-maintained over the years.
Here are some of the main changes and updates:
- 1912-1916: The building was constructed.
- 1926: Some changes were made by Walter Gawne & Sons, a building company.
- 1973: The SCRA completed major renovations. This allowed a large restaurant to open. The SCRA's own offices also moved into the building.
- 1975: More work was finished. The building was then fully used for offices, a music center, restaurants, and a shopping area.
- 1986: The shopping area (Metcalfe Arcade) was made longer. It now connected to the entrance of 88 George Street.
Why Metcalfe Bond Stores Are Important
The Metcalfe Bond Stores and their location are very important to the history and culture of New South Wales. The building also adds to the special heritage of The Rocks area itself.
The building has a simple, pleasing design. It fits in well with other early 20th-century buildings on George Street North. It looks similar in size, materials, and window style to nearby buildings like the ASN Co Building and Harrington's Buildings. It also forms a great background when you look at Campbell's Stores from Campbell's Cove or Sydney Harbour.
Its change into shops and offices in 1973 was also a big deal. It showed new ideas about how to save and reuse old buildings. This was one of the first projects like this done by the SCRA.
The Metcalfe Bond Stores were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002. This means it meets certain important standards.
Historical Importance
The Metcalfe Bond Stores and its site are important because they show us about the history of New South Wales. The building and its location also play a big part in the history of The Rocks area.
Design and Achievement
The Metcalfe Bond Stores building has a simple and attractive design. It has a nice rhythm and texture. It's a landmark because it's part of a group of important early 1900s buildings on George Street North. It matches other buildings in size, materials, and windows. It's also a visible background from Campbell's Cove and Sydney Harbour. Its conversion into shops and offices in 1973 was a key moment. It showed new ways of thinking about saving old buildings.
