This project is an outstanding exemplar for the preservation and reinvention of a treasured artefact for contemporary life in our city - (Ken Maher, Hassell Fellow & Life Fellow of the Australian Institute of Architects)

The redevelopment of a neglected bank building at 50 Martin Place required attention to heritage requirements to deliver a sympathetic, yet contemporary and stylish new global financial headquarters for the Macquarie Group. The unique, ambitious structural design involved close collaboration between engineers, architects and the construction team to address heritage requirements; geometry of existing building; building height limit; tight program deadlines and budget; and maintaining existing bank operations during the project.

An important example of 1920s architecture, the new structure features a glass-domed addition that houses a range of staff and client facilities over two additional levels, high speed glass lifts for client use from the banking chamber to roof top areas, and a large light-filled central atrium incorporating interconnecting stairs between floors.

This iconic building showcases innovation and creativity in design and engineering solutions and is also considered a masterpiece of sustainable innovation with maximum Green Star ratings.

Client: Macquarie Bank Ltd

Architect: JPW

Builder: BVN, Brookfield Multiplex

Value: $100M

Completion: 2014

Sector: Commercial/Industrial

Services: Heritage, Structural

Awards

  • NSW Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) – Excellence in Urban Renewal
  • 2016 RLB Australian Development of the Year
  • 2016 RLB NSW Development of the Year
  • 2016 SAS International Award for Best Development
  • 2016 JLL Award for Sustainable Development Existing Buildings
  • 2016 ACSE Unusual Projects Winner
  • 2015 AIA Harry Seidler National Award for Commercial Architecture
  • 2015 AIA NSW Sir Arthur Stephenson Award for Commercial Architecture
  • 2015 AIA NSW Colourbond Award for Steel Architecture
  • 2015 AIA NSW Commendation Award for Sustainable Architecture
  • 2015 Winner National Trust Heritage Award
  • 2015 MBA Outstanding Construction Award
  • 2015 MBA Best Use of Glass
  • 2015 MBA Restoration of a Historic Building
  • 2014 Architecture& Design Best Roof Structure for Light
  • 2014 ACSE Commendation Large Projects
  • 2013 MBA NSW Awards