Heritage as an asset

200 George Street

200 George Street, Sydney, is steeped in history. The site was one of the first areas settled by Europeans following colonisation in 1788, and its design celebrates this rich heritage.

GML was appointed by Mirvac to undertake an archaeological investigation as part of the site’s redevelopment, which began during demolition and before the excavation of the carpark. Over four years GML identified, managed and interpreted the significant archaeology and associated heritage issues of this complex development.

With minimal impact to Mirvac’s demolition and construction program, GML fulfilled the high potential of the archaeology of the site for research and education—planning excavation, salvaging artefacts and creatively incorporating them into the heritage interpretation to convey stories from the past to the public.

We also designed hoardings and other communications strategies to meet OEH requirements during project construction, and our proactive approach to Aboriginal due diligence ensured smooth progress through the development approval process.

Alongside project architects FJMT, GML turned the site’s heritage into an asset for the new building.

Artefacts from the site are displayed in the wall of the grand staircase at the entry to the building with a QR code that allows visitors to access more information online. An interpretive ground inlay shows the location of the original foreshore and historical imagery is incorporated into a decorative zinc facade.