THREE SYDNEY LANDMARKS GAIN TOP HERITAGE PROTECTION

THREE SYDNEY LANDMARKS GAIN TOP HERITAGE PROTECTION
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Sydney landmarks – the Queen Victoria Building, Sydney Town Hall and Luna Park – were today listed on the State Heritage Register.

Premier Kristina Keneally, Planning Minister, Tony Kelly and Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore made the formal announcement at Sydney’s Town Hall.

“These three sites embody the history and identity of Australia’s global city,” Ms Keneally said.

“This will also ensure that they are protected and can be enjoyed for generations to come,” she said.

“It is impossible to think about Sydney without these three landmarks.”

“Luna Park is a Sydney’s cultural icon which is an excellent exampleof amusement park and fantasy architecture in the Art Deco style of the
1930s, which provides colour and life alongside the harbour.”

Background:

The Queen Victoria Building (built 1893-1898) occupies a full city block with its main address on George Street, Sydney and has no known equal in Australia for its architectural style, scale, level of detailing and craftsmanship. It was originally constructed as the city’s central markets and was regarded as an ambitious civic project for its era. It was named in honour of Queen Victoria in celebration of her diamond jubilee in 1897. Saved from demolition in the early 1980s, it has been now restored to its original glory and is today a prestigious retail centre.

The Sydney Town Hall (1869-1889) is used for City of Sydney meetings and administration and is the venue for major civic events, cultural activities, benefit concerts and rituals and is used as a meeting place for political protests and rallies. The building with its clock tower and steps has been a highly visible symbolic Sydney landmark throughout its history. It represents the most elaborate and exuberant work of Second Empire Style architecture in Australia with its corner towers, domed pavilions, a hierarchy of decorative orders, columned and pedimented window treatment, Venetian windows and elaborate decoration. The building’s exterior and interior exhibit a quality of materials, technological advances, fine design and craftsmanship.

Luna Park was built on the site used during the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge to become one of Australia’s best known amusement parks. Following restoration, it was re-opened in January 1995 and remains one of Sydney Harbour’s major landmarks, a city icon, which in its 'urban frivolity' juxtaposes with the nearby Harbour Bridge and Opera House. Luna Park is unique as a great and rare surviving example of an amusement park and fantasy architecture in the Art Deco style of the 1930s.

Taken from the Luna Park Newsletter