Giving new life to an iconic Sydney skyscraper

Project

33 Alfred Street

Sydney’s very first skyscraper, 33 Alfred Street, is getting a facelift with a multi-million-dollar refurbishment for client AMP Capital.

Built has been engaged to fully refurbish the building including improving the services and sustainability features and restore the status of 33 Alfred Street as one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings, while retaining its important heritage character and significance.

Value: Undisclosed

Client: AMP Capital

Architect: Johnson Pilton Walker

Completion date: Q1 2024

“The refurbishment will restore the status of 33 Alfred Street as one of Sydney’s most iconic buildings, while retaining its important heritage character and significance,”

Kylie O’Connor, Global Head of Real Estate, AMP Capital.

Works include a new high performance, full height glass façade that retains the distinctive gold glass tartan-like design, while maximising daylight and views for new building occupants. There will also be new front-of-house areas including concierge facilities, intuitive wayfinding and high-quality food and beverage retail.

Its targeted sustainability credentials include 6 Star Green Star (Office Design and as Built) and 5.5 Star NABERS Energy.

Part of the upgrade includes creating direct access between 33 Alfred Street and the newly developed Quay Quarter Sydney precinct. Quay Quarter Sydney, which was developed by AMP Capital, is an exciting new precinct in the heart of Circular Quay that spans two city blocks and offers the world-class Quay Quarter Tower, high-end residential and vibrant retail lanes where tenants and locals can meet, shop and socialise.

The renewal of 33 Alfred Street will be the most comprehensive upgrade of the building since its completion in 1962, more than 60 years ago.

33 Alfred Street was the first building in Sydney to break the city’s 150-foot height limit and was Australia’s tallest building at the time, at 117 metres and 26 storeys. According to Urbis, 33 Alfred Street is of heritage significance for its history, aesthetic and representative values and for its rarity and research potential.

The upgrade is expected to reach completion in the first quarter of 2024.