air quality, Sydney Administering ports and shipping facilities-Includes maladministration. Extensive restorations between 1988 and 2005 were performed with a degree of care that set new standards. Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures. Heritage-listed as a building of both state and national cultural significance, it falls within the group of early buildings on Macquarie Street collectively called ‘a poem in stone’. These works were completed the following year. Physical condition is good. animals, Threatened Constructed 1873-1880, the building was designed by colonial architect James Barnet. The Commissioner for Roads complained that he was inconvenience having so many officers so far away. Its main occupant is the Industrial Relations Commission of New South Wales; several of the larger rooms are now courtrooms. [15][1], The building may have some archaeological potential to yield information about the use of the site as the Government Domain and the grounds of the first Government House. Download Foursquare for your smart phone and start exploring the world around you! October 28, 2018 — 1.50pm At Phillip Street - a five storey sandstone building with copper roofed mansards. [1], Because of the dual political/administrative connections of this office it was associated with several outstanding and prominent figures in both the social and political life of NSW and, because of the significance of that state, Australia. and download data, Understanding We have created a browser extension. The International Exhibition provided Sir Henry Parkes with a perfect opportunity to indulge his passion for art, both as a private connoisseur and a public collector. In 2006 the NSW Government Architect’s Office won a National Trust Heritage Award for its renovations of the Chief Secretary’s Building –, “In a masterly way that respects absolutely the heritage significance of the building, the Government Architect’s Branch in 2006 completed renovations of the building that have resulted in a state-of-the-art office environment being inserted seamlessly into the skin and onto the skeleton of Barnet’s sumptuous creation. The Chief Secretary's building is of national significance by reason of its historic, social, architectural, aesthetic and scientific values. An important example of late 19th-century architecture, the building and its artworks, which include grand statuary, allegorical figures and international decorative arts, are a fitting metaphor for the aspirations of the colonial government. James Barnet, the Colonial Architect, designed an impressive multi-storied building to occupy the six lots in an "L" shaped portion of the block fronting bridge Street in the period. [8] The room is very well preserved, with period furniture, paintings of a young Queen Victoria and James Cook, and bronzes of several British Prime Ministers including Palmerston. A Chief Secretary functions as the central point of interdepartmental coordination at the departmental level and is classified as being in the Apex Grade. (Jackson Teece Chesterman Willis 1994:33). CMP endorsed by Heritage Council 3 November 1994 for a period of five years, expires 3 November 1999.. CMP endorsed by Heritage Council 27 June 2003 for a period of five years, expires 27 June 2008. protected areas, Park The Chief Secretary's Building in Macquarie Street, Sydney. By mid-1875 over £15,500 had been spent on the new building. a national park, Types It represents two works of great importance in the professionals careers of two outstanding nineteenth century architects. NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment, Parks, reserves and [11][1], The original building comprises levels 1 to 4 was constructed between 1873 and 1881. [1], Barnet adopted a scheme of decoration that involved variations from floor to floor and a further variation within each floor. As early as 1882 alterations, their extant and nature unknown, were carried out in the building to a cost of £992. [1], During the later years of the nineteenth century, while some former responsibilities were removed from the authority of the Colonial Secretary, it remained a pre-eminently prestigious and important political position. recognition, For local By mid-1892 £45,097 had been spent on the various works which were finally completed in 1893 for a total cost of £54,926/2/9. This was investigated by Vernon because even with the additional work the Public Works Department could not be accommodated in the building. More alterations were required in 1883 at a cost of £11,037 and in 1884 for £760. Archaeological evidence of the most eastern extension of First Government House may be located under the street and footpath to the west of the Chief Secretary's building. Austere, simple decoration was given to the range of rooms facing south into the Phillip Lane courtyard.[5][1]. CMP Interpretation Strategy withdrawn from further review 5 October 2005. or respective copyright owners. It is a rare, though not unique, example of such offices on this scale. The Chief Secretary’s Building served as the seat of government administration for 120 years, and following a refurbishment, today houses a variety of tenants including the Justice Department of NSW and the NSW Industrial Relations Commission. 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