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75-687: The State Savings Bank Building is a heritage-listed large bank building and commercial offices situated at 48–50 Martin Place , in the Sydney central business district in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales , Australia. It was designed by Ross & Rowe Architects and Consulting Engineers and built from 1925 to 1928 by Concrete Constructions Ltd . It is also known as The Government Savings Bank of New South Wales , Commonwealth Bank building (former) , and CBA Building . After several decades of use by

150-639: A crucial loss of confidence at a critical time in the Depression that was encouraged by media reports. Loss of confidence also arose from the dispute between Federal and State Labor governments and general fear of the policies instigated by NSW Premier Jack Lang . Establishment of the Commonwealth Bank is associated with the philosophy of the Federal Labor government prior to World War I for state control of banking. 48 Martin Place has been consistently used as

225-532: A devastating effect upon the lives of ordinary citizens. The Bank was a significant and conspicuous casualty of the conflict between Federal and State governments over economic policies to relieve the Depression. The closure contributed to division within the Labor party that was brought about by the contentious policies of the New South Wales Labor government under J. T. Lang's Premiership. The collapse represented

300-476: A fall protection system. Removable sections of railing or gates that swing or slide open would be used to open up the area and allow the transfer of material, and then close once the material is removed. However, current ANSI standards require dual-gate safety systems for fall protection. Dual-gate safety systems were created to secure these areas, allowing a barrier to be in place at all times, even while pallets are being loaded or removed. Dual-gate systems create

375-489: A financial centre and public banking facility, and continues to provide evidence of its associations. The restoration of the Bank between 1984 and 1990 was a significant conservation project by an important government institution, reflecting the prosperity and confidence of the banking industry during the 1980s. 48 Martin Place represents an important conservation project, enabling the revival of several trades and skills associated with

450-461: A high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales. 48 Martin Place is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts revivalist architecture – a visual and technical masterpiece. The building is aesthetically distinguished. The façade materials are detailed in rich colours that make the building distinctive amongst the significant streetscape of Martin Place. In particular, the terracotta

525-535: A large television screen during the 2000 Summer Olympics , or the apology to the Stolen Generation in 2008 . An amphitheatre built into the plaza near Pitt Street has hosted music and cultural events, as well as political protests. Some regular civic events now held on Martin Place include: Some events that have occurred in Martin Place include: Film Television Mezzanine Mezzanines may serve

600-771: A mezzanine (and how heavy the mezzanine may be), and to design the appropriate mezzanine. Custom Mezzanines are steel, raised industrial platform structures that are designed specifically to match the space and capacity needs of a given facility. It will, at a minimum, include a stairway for accessing the mezzanine. These structures typically are the strongest in terms of support capacity. Standard Mezzanines are steel, raised industrial platform structures that are completely self-supporting and are sold in predetermined sizes and shapes. These off-the-shelf structures are usually strong (in terms of support capacity) and less expensive than custom mezzanines. Employees in material handling and manufacturing are often at risk of falls when they are on

675-612: A mezzanine to have as much as one-third of the floor space of the floor below. Local building codes may vary somewhat from this standard. A space may have more than one mezzanine, as long as the sum total of floor space of all the mezzanines is not greater than one-third the floor space of the complete floor below. Mezzanines help to make a high-ceilinged space feel more personal and less vast, and can create additional floor space. Mezzanines, however, may have lower-than-normal ceilings due to their location. The term "mezzanine" does not imply any particular function; mezzanines can be used for

750-461: A national Australian icon in popular culture for attracting high-end film and television productions and actors to the area. Martin Place runs between George Street and Macquarie Street , and provides entrances to the Martin Place railway station below street level. Other cross streets include Pitt Street , Castlereagh Street , Elizabeth Street and Phillip Street . The initial "Martin Place"

825-509: A pedestrian way between Castlereagh and Elizabeth Streets. A ribbed barrel dome , embellished with mosaics and stained glass panels depicting prosperous Australian industries at the time of construction, surmounts the passage. Located centrally within the Hall is the Grand Stair, a wide marble staircase with bronze grille balustrade and Queensland maple handrail . The stair converges centrally at

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900-485: A rare example of Inter-War Beaux-Arts architecture demonstrating outstanding technical accomplishment. It is also of exceptional local and State significance. Located at a prominent address on Martin Place, the building played an important role in the development of the economy in New South Wales during the 1920s. The building was constructed between 1925 and 1928 and is one of the most important examples of its style and type within New South Wales and Australia. 48 Martin Place

975-405: A sequence of grand interiors. The Banking Chamber is detailed in an extravagant neo-Classical style, displaying substantial use of marble , and scagliola on tremendous stylised columns. The banking staff occupy the central space, which features marble, bronze and glass partitions. The main entrance is from Martin Place with access available from both Castlereagh and Elizabeth Streets, and also at

1050-601: A strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons. The State Savings Bank building is an important financial institution and Sydney has been the National Headquarters since 1913. 48 Martin Place was originally constructed as a Head Office (for the Government Savings Bank of NSW) and is significant now as the Head Office for

1125-527: A wide array of purposes. Mezzanines are commonly used in modern architecture , which places a heavy emphasis on light and space. In industrial settings, mezzanines may be installed (rather than built as part of the structure) in high-ceilinged spaces such as warehouses. These semi-permanent structures are usually free-standing, can be dismantled and relocated, and are sold commercially. Industrial mezzanine structures can be supported by structural steel columns and elements, or by racks or shelves. Depending on

1200-530: A wide variety of functions. Industrial mezzanines, such as those used in warehouses, may be temporary or semi-permanent structures. In Royal Italian architecture , mezzanino also means a chamber created by partitioning that does not go up all the way to the arch vaulting or ceiling; these were historically common in Italy and France, for example in the palaces for the nobility at the Quirinal Palace . A mezzanine

1275-565: Is 25 Martin Place , designed by Harry Seidler . Martin Place has a large collection of buildings of various styles, from neo-classical to contemporary. Several buildings located at Martin Place have been demolished: Other features of Martin Place include: There are a number of heritage-listed buildings in Martin Place, including: George Street, Elizabeth Street, and Castlereagh Street, which cross Martin Place, are all major bus routes in Sydney's CBD . In addition, Martin Place railway station

1350-515: Is a pedestrian mall in the Sydney central business district , New South Wales , Australia . Martin Place has been described as the "civic heart" of Sydney. As home to the Reserve Bank of Australia , the Commonwealth Bank , Macquarie Bank , Westpac and other corporations, it is also a centre of business and finance. The Sydney GPO is also located on Martin Place. Martin Place has become

1425-420: Is a well documented and researched building. In addition to the original drawings, a remarkable surviving source of information, much of the research potential was investigated and recorded in the recent conservation work (1984-1990). Considering the thoroughness of the previous conservation work, the building is unlikely to yield additional information. The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of

1500-416: Is aesthetically distinguished not least because of its contrast to the traditional masonry materials of the surrounding buildings. The roofscape has been designed to integrate service elements with the neo-Classical design of the remainder of the building, with respect for the high visibility of the roof. Internally, the extensive use of Australian marbles and scagliola provide rich appeal. The building reflects

1575-453: Is an excellent example of the continuing American influence on the design of large commercial buildings in Sydney and contains many features of turn-of-the-century American financial institutions. The direct contact with American architecture is significant. The building was commissioned by the first president of the Government Savings Bank of NSW at 48 Martin Place, W. H. O'Malley-Wood, and Commissioners H. D. Hall and J. H. Davies. The building

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1650-459: Is an intermediate floor (or floors) in a building which is open to the floor below. It is placed halfway ( mezzo means 'half' in Italian) up the wall on a floor which has a ceiling at least twice as high as a floor with minimum height. A mezzanine does not count as one of the floors in a building, and generally does not count in determining maximum floorspace. The International Building Code permits

1725-416: Is associated with political figures James Dooley (former Premier of NSW) and J. T. Lang (former Colonial Treasurer), who along with O'Malley-Wood laid the foundation stones in 1922. 48 Martin Place represents the finest work of the significant architectural and engineering firm of H. E. Ross and Rowe. The surviving comprehensive documentary record of the original sketch, design and construction drawings enhances

1800-485: Is located underground. Also nearby are St James railway station (near Macquarie Street end) and Wynyard railway station (near George Street end). The new Sydney Metro City & Southwest line includes a Metro station located underneath the existing train station and opened in August 2024. From its origins as a narrow laneway, Martin Place has over time become the "civic heart" of Sydney. Apart from its central location,

1875-448: Is now the centre of the city's official war commemoration ceremonies. The extensions of the street gave it new significance in the civic scheme of the city, forming a broad and open connection between George Street, the original "High Street" and commercial axis, and Macquarie Street, the ceremonial avenue and governmental axis. People still gather on the plaza today to participate in significant events, for example to watch live broadcasts on

1950-589: Is one of the finest banking institutions in Australia and the finest in New South Wales. The cultural significance of 48 Martin Place and its setting will be maintained through its association with the Commonwealth Bank of Australia. The building was listed on the (now defunct) Register of the National Estate between 1978 until the register's abolition in 2007; and is listed on the City of Sydney local government heritage register. The Government Savings Bank building

2025-494: Is sometimes referred to as the "money box building" (although more often that nickname refers to the Commonwealth Trading Bank Building , on the corner of Pitt Street and Martin Place, which had been depicted on money boxes since 1922 and remained the image on the majority of money boxes). As at 6 July 2000, The Government Savings Bank building at 48 Martin Place is culturally significant at a National level as

2100-544: The Commonwealth Bank was constructed on the corner of Moore Street and Pitt Street. In later years, other banks followed with a range of impressive buildings (see " Architecture " below). In 1921, Moore Street was renamed as part of Martin Place. Conscription rallies for World War I took place here. In 1927, a Cenotaph commemorating the WWI dead was erected. Soon after, the Sydney Municipal Council proposed to extend

2175-522: The Commonwealth Bank of Australia , including as its headquarters from 1984, it was purchased by financial services company Macquarie Group in 2012, refurbished, and now serves as Macquarie's global headquarters as 50 Martin Place. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 17 November 2000. The successful growth and development of the Government Savings Bank of NSW over several decades necessitated relocating

2250-413: The span and the run of the mezzanine, different materials may be used for the mezzanine's deck like fibre cement boards. Some industrial mezzanines may also include enclosed, paneled office space on their upper levels. There are three basic types of industrial mezzanines: custom, standard or modular. A structural engineer is sometimes hired to help determine whether the floor of the building can support

2325-403: The 'People's Bank' for the average citizen who could deposit small sums and gain interest, including children via school savings accounts. The institution operated a wide network of offices and branches throughout suburban and rural New South Wales. The Government Savings Bank is directly associated with much of the suburban development of the 1920s in New South Wales by providing home loans through

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2400-686: The ANZ bank, the National Mutual building, and the CML building, were saved from destruction after the NSW Builders Labourers Federation placed green bans to enforce National Trust preservation orders. The closure of the street to traffic was partly timed to coincide with the construction of Martin Place railway station under the eastern section of the street. Martin Place was closed between Macquarie and Phillip Streets from January 1972 to facilitate

2475-532: The Advances for Homes Department. This assisted subsequent prosperity within the building industry and associated services. In 1931, the Government Savings Bank of New South Wales was the largest savings bank within Australia and the second largest in the British Empire. The distinguished location, scale and majestic style of the new Head Office signified the optimism and confidence of the 1920s following World War I,

2550-632: The Australian Heritage Commission, the Commonwealth Bank decided, in early 1984, to make 48 Martin Place Head Office for the organisation. The restoration programme was undertaken in three stages between 1984 and 1990: The Government Savings Bank of New South Wales building fronts Martin Place on the south, Elizabeth Street on the east and Castlereagh Street on the west. The building is an extensive eleven-storey structure plus mezzanine above ground, with three basement levels. Externally

2625-500: The Bank's operating hours. The reinforced concrete frame was a large-scale concrete structure used relatively early within Australia. The strong rooms located within the columns display a significant degree of technical innovation. 48 Martin Place has strong associations with creative achievement within Australia and the building has lost little of its design and technical integrity. The visual/sensory appeal and landmark/scenic qualities remain as strong as they were initially. 48 Martin Place

2700-561: The Bank. Construction eventually commenced in February 1925 and 48 Martin Place was completed late in 1928, and was officially opened by the Premier of New South Wales, the Hon, T. R. Bavin, on 13 December 1928. The roof provided panoramic views over the harbour and the city in 1928, and the whole building symbolised the optimism and forward thinking of the 1920s prior to the great Depression, in addition to

2775-473: The City following World War I . It was during the Bank's administration of W. H. O'Malley Wood (President) and H. D. Hall and J. H. Davies (Commissioners) that 48 Martin Place was erected. During a ceremony on 13 March 1922, three foundation stones for the building were laid by The Hon. James Dooley MLA – Premier of New South Wales , The Hon. J. T. Lang MLA – Colonial Treasurer , and Mr O'Malley Wood – President of

2850-437: The Commonwealth Bank, an institution of national importance. In 1990, operations were relocated from 120 Pitt Street , the original Head Office. 48 Martin Place provides evidence of the significance of banking to the community, especially in a government and business sense. The building was designed to represent the status of banking institutions in the public esteem through the instruments of government and politics, and reflected

2925-466: The Government Savings Bank and the Commonwealth Bank were successors. 48 Martin Place is associated with prosperous industries within New South Wales at the time of its construction. Stained glass panels within the Grand Hall depict the "basic sources of wealth" as they were seen in the 1920s, which were ultimately connected to banking. The Government Savings Bank promoted thrift, playing an important role as

3000-409: The Government Savings Bank's Memorial Window and Tablet located on the northernmost wall. Walls of marble and the sumptuous detail create a remarkable architectural space. The Safe Deposit area in the basement level is remarkably intact. Great barrel domes create a magnificent groined ceiling of three bays supported by marble pilasters . The ceilings are decorative, and brass pendant lights hang from

3075-622: The Senior Executive Officers. The prestige of their design and location is directly connected with people who hold authority within the Bank. Social significance can be attributed to these rooms as they continue to be used by Senior Executives. The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales. The building demonstrates superior technical accomplishment, utilising innovative and unique design and engineering features and technical innovations, including

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3150-492: The Venetian-Italianate-style General Post Office was completed) the widened street was officially opened and named "Martin Place", in honour of New South Wales premier and Chief Justice James Martin. The General Post Office occupied the entire southern frontage of the street. Both Moore Street and Martin Place became prominent centres of business and finance in Sydney. In 1913, the headquarters of

3225-426: The amalgamated site were 45 metres (148 ft) to Martin Place on the south, 59 metres (194 ft) to Elizabeth Street on the east and 63 metres (207 ft) to Castlereagh Street on the west. In addition to its potential for development at the required scale, the site was undoubtedly favoured for its proximity to an established civic district and central location amidst the emerging retail and financial districts of

3300-646: The belief in the stability and endurance of the Australian economy and the pre-eminence of the Sydney CBD financial centre. The project instigated by the President and Commissioners of the Government Savings Bank was remarkable in scale and cost, providing a considerable boost to employment and the building trade in NSW in the 1920s. The building is associated with the emergence in the 1920s of large construction companies. The project

3375-498: The building displays monumental civic scale in the Beaux-Arts architectural style, and precise symmetrical detailing utilising classical motifs. The Classic inspiration for the building is evident in the columns used on the exterior: The great Ionic columns on the Martin Place façade unite the six central floors, with the remaining floors serving as base and frieze . Above the base storey, strongly expressed with red granite facing,

3450-415: The centre of each dome. Mosaic spandrels above marble walls are framed by the ceiling vaults and depict wreaths and festoons in rich green and red against a neutral setting. The whole is framed by a green and red leaf and berry motif on deep yellow mosaic tiles. The floors are white marble with decorative black border tiles. While the lettable office space on the upper floors has been extensively altered,

3525-450: The cladding is pink terracotta blocks arranged in small tessellated effect. Terracotta cladding is also used on the Martin Place columns. At the upper levels, ornate terracotta detailing is included on the cornice , entablature and pilaster capitals . At roof level, the building has a Classical attic storey and dentilated cornice. 48 Martin Place has tremendous civic presence, portraying an image of massive solidity. The rich colour of

3600-509: The cultural or natural history of New South Wales. The Beaux-Arts style is rare in Australia, with no identifiable distribution pattern evident, and the building exhibits uncommonly rich detailing and unique use of materials. 48 Martin Place is a rare example of an early 20th century financial institution within the country, remarkable in its setting within the Martin Place streetscape and in exceptional condition. The technique of using façade terracotta as formwork and also special features such as

3675-399: The extensive conservation works undertaken throughout 1984-1990 is provided below: After its purchase by the Commonwealth Bank in 1931, the image of the building was sometimes used on money boxes issued by the Commonwealth Bank to children. The money boxes were rectangular shape, roughly reflecting the dimensions of the bank building, and printed with the building's exterior. As a result, it

3750-513: The façade materials makes the Bank a most eminent landmark amongst its neighbours. It is a magnificent example of Beaux-Arts revivalist architecture, and a visual and technical masterpiece. The style was used to express the wealth and stability of financial institutions emphasising the qualities of: Extensive conservation works have restored the principal public areas to near original condition internally. The Banking Chamber, Grand Hall and Safe Deposit area are impressive in scale and detailing and form

3825-420: The heritage industry. The building represents the ability of older buildings to maintain original functions at a time of major institutional and technological change in banking. The intactness of the original Bank building retains the ability to demonstrate the original customer service procedures and the hierarchy of the management structure. Many such features were preserved during the restoration. 48 Martin Place

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3900-406: The importance of 48 Martin Place, the Commonwealth Bank commissioned Australian Construction Services late in 1980 to develop proposals for the conservation and upgrading of the building. Various building elements, in particular the facade, were examined over several subsequent years. Research also included the removal of one window of each type from the south-east corner of the building to investigate

3975-410: The importance of this association. 48 Martin Place represents a building constructed within the final phase of use of the combined skills of architecture and engineering within the architectural profession. The building was directly associated with the firm after completion when Ross and Rowe moved their practice into the building. The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or

4050-884: The job. Recent figures show approximately 20,000 serious injuries and nearly 100 fatalities a year in industrial facilities. Falls of people and objects from mezzanines are of particular concern. In many industrial operations, openings are cut into the guardrail on mezzanines and elevated work platforms to allow picking of palletized material to be loaded and unloaded, often with a fork truck, to upper levels. The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) and International Building Council (IBC) have published regulations for fall protection and The American National Standards Institute (ANSI) has published standards for securing pallet drop areas to protect workers that work on elevated platforms and are exposed to openings. In most cases, safety gates are used to secure these openings. OSHA requires openings 48 inches or taller to be secured with

4125-469: The lift shaft penetrating the ceiling. A widened atrium penetrates the office floors above, and the roof has been renovated with the addition of a large glass elliptical dome . As at 6 July 2000, the physical condition is excellent. The archaeological potential is low. The building had no major building construction since completion in 1928. The major changes that had occurred in the building since its construction until 1984 are listed below: A synopsis of

4200-404: The materials and wealth of natural resources available within NSW and Australia at the time of its construction. 48 Martin Place displays high quality craftsmanship and high quality materials throughout. The building displays tremendous civic presence through its monumentality and consistent use of classical motifs. It is prominently located over the width of an important city block. The place has

4275-533: The mechanical fire escape, albeit retained in a non-working state, provides a major source of information. The main Safe Deposit Vault door and small-scale emergency doors employed the most up-to-date technology of the time, and have not required replacement since their installation. The technology extended to the treatment of the retracting floor around the main door, used to allow the door to swing freely for opening and closing, and also to keep it in place during

4350-532: The mechanical fire stair and Martin Place hydraulic door are rare within Australia. [REDACTED] This Misplaced Pages article contains material from Commonwealth Bank , entry number 1427 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 13 October 2018. Martin Place Martin Place

4425-613: The method of detailing and the condition of the metal and working mechanisms. Following the relocation of the Commonwealth Taxation Department in 1983, who had occupied the floors above the Banking Chamber since the 1930s, the Commonwealth Bank took the opportunity to engage in a major restoration project for this notable city property. After a series of feasibility and design studies were undertaken by Australian Construction Services, with input from Mr Peter Freeman of

4500-435: The northern end of the building, between the Grand Hall and the Banking Chamber. The lofty ceiling is coffered and treated in a decorative manner, achieved by use of Wunderlich pressed metal panels fixed to the concrete slab. The arrangement had been detailed to give efficient and reflected light. Large bronze lamps supply artificial light reflected off the ceiling, providing diffused general lighting . The Grand Hall forms

4575-496: The operation to larger premises capable of not only accommodating the current requirements but also future ones. Between 29 November 1920 and 21 September 1921 the Commissioners of the Bank purchased five adjoining strips of land (comprising seven properties) between Castlereagh and Elizabeth Streets. The properties had frontages of 85 metres (280 ft) to both streets and a total cost of £ 298,500. The eventual dimensions of

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4650-493: The presence of the General Post Office and its attached telegraph office meant that this was the location where important news first arrived in the city. As a result, in earlier decades this was a focal point for gatherings to await or celebrate significant events. The cenotaph was sited on Martin Place outside the General Post Office because this was where crowds gathered in the city at the end of World War I . Martin Place

4725-414: The prestige, security and strength of the Bank. The location, size and grandeur of the building confirmed a belief in the stability and endurance of the Australian economy in general, and the distinguished place of New South Wales in that development in particular. At the time of its construction, the building was the most expensive in Australia, having been constructed at a cost of £ 1,500,000. Recognising

4800-434: The south side of the laneway. The building was constructed in stages, and when the design changed to provide for a main façade on the longer north side (instead of facing George Street to the west), there were concomitant proposals to widen the existing laneway into a street connected to Moore Street. A fire which destroyed properties to the north of the laneway provided the impetus for the construction, and in 1892 (a year after

4875-462: The stability and confidence of the era which were considered as an important part of banking. While the building itself remains a symbol and the importance of banking is still acknowledged, current community values and the regard for politics and large institutions in general have changed. The Martin Place Executive offices on Level 2 were designed for and originally occupied by the Commissioners and

4950-543: The stair chambers. The building was purchased by Australian financial services company Macquarie Group in March 2012 along with an adjoining building, with suggestions that the State Savings Bank building itself might be refurbished and on-sold. Instead, Macquarie refurbished the building and it now serves as the company's global headquarters. In the ground floor banking hall, Macquarie installed two circular glass lifts with

5025-451: The stairways connecting the upper floors are largely intact. The stairs within the chambers are terrazzo , and balustrades are bronze with timber handrails. Original timber framed hydrant covers with frosted glazed panels and timber and brass mail chutes, no longer in use, have been retained within the stair chambers, along with the floor levels detailed in decorative tiles on the walls. Windows with deep reveals are located at each level of

5100-534: The station's construction. The station opened in 1979. Leo Port , the Lord Mayor of Sydney was an advocate of civic design, and was partly responsible for the pedestrianisation of Martin Place and Sydney Square. In May 1980, Queen Elizabeth II and her husband Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh made a royal tour through Martin Place. A number of the street's older buildings were demolished in this period to make way for modernist buildings. The most prominent of these

5175-434: The street further east towards Macquarie Street . However, the plan was delayed by concerted opposition from landowners of the buildings that would have to be demolished to make way for the extension. One of the buildings demolished to make way for the extended Martin Place was St Stephen's Presbyterian Church, on the east side of Phillip Street, which was replaced by the present church on Macquarie Street in 1935. The extension

5250-410: The use of terracotta blocks as permanent formwork over a majority of the façade. The Martin Place entry doors display significant technical innovation, being hydraulically operated vertical action doors housed in special cavities in the basement. The mechanical fire escape operating from Level 1 and incorporating a false sill and keystone is the only known example within Australia. The physical evidence of

5325-434: Was built in several phases. Until the late 19th century, only the section between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street existed in anything resembling the present form, as a short street named Moore Street . Between Pitt Street and George Street there was only a small laneway (similar to nearby surviving laneways such as Angel Place or Hosking Place). In 1863, construction began on the present General Post Office Building on

5400-426: Was finally completed in 1935, resulting in the Martin Place stretching from George Street to Macquarie Street seen today. The increasingly important role of Martin Place as the "heart" or "town square" of Sydney (see " Events " below) led to calls for the street to be pedestrianised. This was done progressively from 1971 until 1979, when the whole street became a pedestrian mall . During this period three properties,

5475-406: Was instrumental in the expansion of Wunderlich within New South Wales, who effectively established a new Australian industry for the creation of terracotta blocks. The Government Savings Bank was directly associated with critical political and financial events of the Depression period. As a major financial institution representing small investors, the collapse of the Government Savings Bank in 1931 had

5550-428: Was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 17 November 2000 having satisfied the following criteria. The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales. The building at 48 Martin Place represents the importance of the savings bank movement established in New South Wales, which founded the pattern for the other Colonies, and of which both

5625-472: Was the section between George Street and Pitt Street, officially opened 1892, and was named in honour of Sir James Martin , the three time Premier of New South Wales and Chief Justice of Supreme Court of New South Wales . Closed to traffic in stages from 1971, Martin Place is surrounded by many heritage buildings and features the 1927 World War I Sydney Cenotaph , water fountain, entertainment area, railway access and pedestrian seating. Today's Martin Place

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