50 Martin Place
Heritage building reimagined as a modern workspace
Sunday 3 November 2024
10am –5pm
About the building
Building information
When 50 Martin Place first opened in 1928 as head office for the Government Savings Bank of NSW, it was the city’s tallest, most expensive building, and boasted the world’s largest banking chamber.
It has since been transformed by JPW architects for Macquarie Group. In 2015, the banking chamber’s intricate Neoclassical detailing, including marble and scagliola (stylised plaster) columns were restored.
Above, a new steel-framed glass-leaved atrium was installed, filling the space with light and drama. The stunning dome was designed as a fifth facade to be seen from neighbouring buildings as a shimmering lantern. 50 Martin Place is a building of high cultural, social and economic significance for Sydney, and the refurbishment broadens its significance by establishing a new benchmark for sustainable design through building reuse.
Experience the historic banking chamber and the Warrane exhibition on the ground floor, then travel in the glass elevators to access the rooftop terrace and to view art from the Macquarie Group Collection.
50 Martin Place was built by and for the Government Savings Bank of NSW, between 1925 and 1928. In 1984, the Commonwealth Bank made 50 Martin Place its head office, sparking a major refurbishment beginning in January 1985.
In 2012, Macquarie Group acquired 50 Martin Place as the new location for its global headquarters, reinvigorating the building to reflect the company’s contemporary philosophy around workplaces while respecting the heritage of the building and the land on which it was built.
The restoration included the preservation of the building’s heritage features, upgrading the infrastructure to create a six Green Star building, enhancing the building by widening the atrium to allow more natural light to permeate, and adding an elegant domed roof and circular glass lifts. Winning multiple awards, the design sought a balance between the building’s past and present to create an office that supports the company’s future, and is now integrated with the new 1 Elizabeth building to create a single campus for all Sydney-based staff.
1928. Adaptive reuse: 2015
ArchitectH E Ross and H Ruskin Rowe, Ross & Rowe
Johnson Pilton Walker (JPW) lead architect (2012–14, alterations and additions)
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects, heritage architect
Clive Wilkinson Architects and BVN (interiors)
Client: Macquarie Group
AwardsProperty Council of Australia - Australian Development of the Year 2016
AIA - Harry Seidler National Award for Commercial Architecture, 2015
AIA (NSW) - Sir Arthur Stephenson Award for Commercial Architecture, 2015
National Trust - Best Adaptive Re-use of a Heritage Building 2015
COLORBOND Award for Steel Architecture, NSW Architecture Award, 2015
Commendation, Sustainable Architecture Award, NSW Architecture Awards, 2015
Outstanding Construction Award, Master Builders Association of NSW Awards, 2015
Find out more about this building here
50 Martin Place
50 Martin Place, Sydney
Entry details
Sydney Open access includes the historic banking chamber on the ground floor, travel in the glass elevators to access the rooftop terrace and art from the Macquarie Group Collection and explore the connectivity between Macquarie Groups new global headquarters at 1 Elizabeth
10am –5pm
4.30pm
Need to Know
Photography restrictedVisitors are kindly asked to refrain from photographing the entrance reception area and the art collection
