Melbourne Building.
The Sydney and Melbourne Buildings have a special place in the hearts of Canberrans. These heritage-listed buildings are an integral part of Canberra’s cityscape which showcase our city’s historical architecture.
Following laneway upgrades completed last year, the next stage of restoration for the iconic Sydney and Melbourne Buildings will be the repainting of the buildings’ façades.
A consistent restoration process presents unique challenges due to the buildings' complex ownership structure. With around 100 separate land titles and no common management body, addressing deterioration is difficult.
However, the City Renewal Authority has stepped in to offer support through a grant program designed to assist each building owner.
As of July 2024, all owners of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings have been offered grants to fund the façade restoration. Out of 24 grants offered, 11 property owners have accepted their grant offer so far.
Sydney Building.
“After thorough and detailed consultation with each of the building owners, we’re almost ready to get underway,” Craig Gillman, the Authority’s chief executive officer, said.
“The ownership structure combined with informal and uncoordinated building refurbishment has been recognised as the main cause of the deteriorating condition of the buildings and their inconsistent appearance.”
“These grants will ensure that the façades are restored to their original glory and painted in colours that are consistent with the original cream and white colour scheme used when the buildings were constructed.”
It’s anticipated that the repainting of the building façades will begin in spring 2024 and take the owners approximately 18 months to complete.
To aid the building owners, the Authority has also developed detailed guidelines, including façade condition assessments, paint specifications, and a step-by-step guide for obtaining necessary permits.
Melbourne Building in the 1950s.
Through working in partnership with each building owner, we’re helping to preserve Canberra’s architectural heritage and ensuring the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings continue to be a cherished part of the cityscape for years to come.
For more information about the restoration of the Sydney and Melbourne Buildings, check out the project webpage.
We acknowledge the Ngunnawal people as traditional custodians of the ACT and recognise any other people or families with connection to the lands of the ACT and region. We acknowledge and respect their continuing culture and the contribution they make to the life of this city and this region.
