Australia’s first skyscraper reopens

33 Alfred St, Australia’s first skyscraper, has now been completed after a three-year transformation. Photo: Dexus

Australia’s first ever skyscraper has undergone an extensive three-year renovation and has now reopened for business.

On the steps of Circular Quay, 33 Alfred Street holds a special place in Sydney’s history as the first building to break the city’s 150-foot height limit and was Australia’s tallest building at the time, at 117 metres tall.

Since its inauguration by Prime Minister Sir Robert Menzies in 1962 it has stood as a testament to the city’s post-war growth, architectural innovation and as a hub for business and commerce.

The 26-storey building has undergone an extensive three-year restoration and has now been reopened by NSW Premier Chris Minns, completing the Quay Quarter Sydney office and retail precinct.

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Australia’s skyscraper, 26-storeys high. Photo: AMP Archives

33 Alfred Street’s original heritage charm and distinctive design features were retained, with the building’s iconic golden facade upgraded using 5,000 specially designed panels, increasing natural light, reducing glare and enhancing views of Sydney Harbour.

The floors and building services have also been modernised.

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The building has been redeveloped to achieve 5.5 star NABERS Energy rating for the base building and a 6-Star Green Star – Office As Built v3 rating, with the restoration delivered by Dexus as the development manager and Australian-owned contractor Built.

The first building to surpass Sydney’s 150-foot height limit. Photo: Dexus

Renders from inside the building.

AMP archives of inside the building.

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Dexus’ group chief executive officer and managing director Ross Du Vernet said it has been a “privilege to bring this landmark back to life.”

“The reopening of 33 Alfred Street begins a new chapter for this iconic building as a modern, sustainable workplace for more than 2,500 Sydneysiders,” he said.

The reopening of 33 Alfred Street, which is co-owned by Dexus Wholesale Property Fund and Mirvac Wholesale Office Fund, has direct access to the now completed Quay Quarter Sydney precinct which also features the award-winning Quay Quarter Tower and Quay Quarter Lanes.

The building was transformed over three years.

Together, these offer city visitors access to more than 35 cafes, bars, specialty restaurants, casual dining options and lifestyle, health and wellbeing outlets.

Scott Mosely, Mirvac’s chief executive officer funds management said the transformation is an example of their “commitment to exceptional quality assets with a focus on sustainable design and long-term investment performance.”

“A Sydney icon for over 60 years, this transformation will ensure 33 Alfred Street remains a Sydney landmark into the future.”

Completing the ‘Quay Quarter’ precinct.

The building has been transformed into a “state-of-the-art” office tower spanning around 32,000 square metres. The re-use of the existing structure has minimised landfill waste and extends the life cycle of the building.

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