Treasury Building, Sydney facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Treasury Building, Sydney |
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The former Treasury Building, Macquarie Street façade and portico, pictured in 2008.
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| Former names |
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| Alternative names | InterContinental Hotel, Sydney |
| Etymology |
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| General information | |
| Status | Complete |
| Type |
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| Architectural style |
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| Location | 117-119 Macquarie Street, Sydney, New South Wales |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 33°51′47″S 151°12′45″E / 33.8629516672°S 151.2124395890°E |
| Construction started | 1849 |
| Renovated | 1982 – 1985 |
| Technical details | |
| Material | Sandstone; timber joinery; iron & stone palisade fence. |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect |
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| Architecture firm | Colonial Architect of New South Wales |
| Official name | Intercontinental Hotel former Treasury Building; Colonial Treasury; The Old Treasury; Treasury Building |
| Type | State heritage (built) |
| Criteria | a., c., d., e., f., g. |
| Designated | 2 April 1999 |
| Reference no. | 355 |
| Type | Other - Government & Administration |
| Category | Government and Administration |
The Treasury Building in Sydney is a very old and important building. It used to be a place where the government handled money and other official business. Today, it's part of a big hotel called the InterContinental Hotel, Sydney.
This building is located in the heart of Sydney, where Macquarie and Bridge streets meet. It was built in different stages between 1849 and 1919. Many famous architects helped design it, including Mortimer Lewis, Edmund Blacket, Walter Liberty Vernon, and George McRae. They used styles like Victorian Neo-Classical and Italian Palazzo, which were popular back then.
Over the years, the building was home to many important government offices. These included the NSW Treasury (which manages the state's money), the Audit Office (which checks spending), and even the Premier's Department (the office of the state's leader). In 1981, the building was sold and turned into the hotel you see today.
Contents
History of the Treasury Building
Early Construction and Purpose
Work on the Treasury Building began in 1849. This was just before the big gold rush started. The building was designed by Mortimer Lewis, who was the main architect for the government at the time. It was built in the old garden of the very first Government House in Sydney.
By 1851, the first part of the building was finished. It had two main entrances. One faced Bridge Street and was for the Audit Office. The other faced Macquarie Street and was for the Treasury. The design was inspired by a famous club building in London. The two offices inside were separated by a wall.
Additions and Changes Over Time
In 1853, another architect, Edmund Blacket, added a coach-house and stables to the north side of the building. These were used for horses and carriages.
Later, in 1873, the Treasury office grew and took over the Audit Office's space. More temporary buildings were added. Between 1896 and 1900, Walter Vernon, another government architect, built a large, fire-proof "Strong Room." This was to keep important documents safe. He also added a "Link Building" to connect the Strong Room to the main building.
During these changes, parts of the old stables were removed. But in 1983, during renovation work, archaeologists found remains of Blacket's 1850s stable block. This helped us learn more about the building's past.
The front entrance on Macquarie Street, with its grand columns, was also added around 1900. From 1916 to 1919, the Bridge Street side of the building was changed and made bigger for the Premier's Department. This department stayed there until 1967.
Later Uses and Renovation
After 1967, the Police Department used the Bridge Street section. The Ministry of Transport used the Macquarie Street side. By 1981, the building was not in good shape. It was empty and needed a lot of work.
To save this historic building, it was sold in 1981 to the InterContinental Hotel group. Between 1981 and 1985, a huge renovation project took place. A new 31-story hotel was built next to the old Treasury Building. The historic parts of the building were carefully restored. This project helped preserve an important piece of Sydney's history.
What the Building Looks Like
The former Treasury Building has beautiful old-fashioned designs. It's made mostly of sandstone, which gives it a classic look. It also features timber (wood) joinery and an iron and stone fence. The building's size and details show the amazing craftsmanship of its time. It stands out in central Sydney and adds to the city's historic feel.
Why This Building is Special
The Treasury Building is very important to New South Wales. It is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register. This means it's officially recognized as a special place that needs to be protected.
Historical Importance
- It shows how government buildings were designed and used in the 1800s and early 1900s.
- It tells the story of many important government architects and their work.
- It was home to the NSW Treasury and the Premier's office for a long time.
- The building's renovation in the 1980s was a big achievement in saving historic places in Sydney.
Architectural Beauty
- The building is a great example of 19th and early 20th-century public architecture.
- Its design, especially the original part by Mortimer Lewis, is a top example of the "Italian Palazzo" style in NSW. This style was inspired by buildings in London.
- The additions by Walter Vernon are also impressive. They show a unique mix of styles from the late Victorian era.
- The building's look, materials, and location make Macquarie and Bridge Streets very beautiful.
Community Connection
- Even today, people remember the building for its past as the Treasury and a government office. It's a part of Sydney's history that many people know.
Hidden Discoveries
- When the building was renovated, archaeologists found parts of an old stable block from the 1850s. This shows that the site can still teach us more about its past.
Rarity and Representation
- The original part of the building is a rare and excellent example of the "Italian Palazzo" style in NSW.
- Overall, the Treasury Building is a top example of the grand sandstone public buildings built in New South Wales during the 19th and early 20th centuries.
