ADAPTIVE RE-USE

Over recent decades vast numbers of non-residential buildings throughout Australia have moved beyond their original use.  Breathing new life into redundant or outdated historic buildings and places has become an important sector of the property development and management sectors.  The most important aspect of adaptive re-use is to retain the distinctive qualities of the building or place while introducing new features or upgrading existing uses.

GBA Heritage has extensive experience working on a wide range of public and private sector buildings and places. Exploring, advocating and guiding their creative transition we ensure that such places retain their heritage significance and remain as productive entities in contemporary society.

Amalgamated Holdings purchased the former Gowings Store, a multistorey retail centre dating from the 1920s, located next to their famous State Theatre in Market Street, Sydney.  Their intent was to create a new city hotel by integrating the upper levels of the two heritage-listed buildings.

GBA Heritage became an important member of the project team from the very beginning, exploring options and opportunities with the client, project manager, architects, interior designers and engineers, ensuring the continuing support of heritage agencies, and providing advice throughout the construction phase.  The completed project was awarded the Greenway Conservation medal by the Australian Institute of Architects in 2013.

Selected project

QT Hotel / Former State Theatre and Gowings Building – Market Street, Sydney | Architect: Woodhead Sydney & Woodhead Perth | Photography: Simon Wood Photography