Transforming Heritage into Hub of Learning
The New South Wales government has approved a $350 million transformation of the 1950s MLC building in North Sydney into a tertiary education campus. The approved proposal involves refurbishing the building’s 14-storey Miller Street wing and replacing the Denison Street wing with a new 22-storey education building.
“This project not only aims to protect the architectural heritage of 105 Miller Street, but also facilitates its long-term relevance and competitiveness by transforming the building into a world-class tertiary institution, in the centre of North Sydney CBD,” said Investa’s environmental impact statement.
The project includes retention of the exceptional aspects of the building and sympathetic additions required to fund ongoing conservation. The refurbished Miller Street wing will be adapted for tertiary learning spaces, corridors, and supporting infrastructure. A new ground-floor retail and student hub space will be established, and the basement reconfigured to include parking, end-of-trip facilities, and refurbished squash courts.
Key Features:
– Refurbishment of the 14-storey Miller Street wing
– New 22-storey education building on Denison Street
– Ground-floor retail and student hub space
– Reconfigured basement with parking and facilities
– Retention of heritage characteristics
The NSW Department of Planning, Housing and Infrastructure’s assessment report notes that the proposal balances conservation of a heritage item with the need to deliver a modern education building that meets current building standards and reduces flood risk.
Image Courtesy: Architecture, AU
