Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office, 65 Martin Place, Sydney Heritage Management Plan 2020
8.0Specific Conservation Policies
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The policies set out in this section are intended to guide to the development and care of the RBA Head Office to maintain its heritage significance and in a manner consistent with the Commonwealth Heritage management principles contained in the EPBC Act 1999. The overall intention of the policies is to:
Retain the character and quality of the original aspects of the RBA Head Office and its various elements, together with its immediate setting.
Permit adaptations and new works which will enable the place to continue in its use as a corporate Head Office for the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Provide an approach to the replacement of deteriorated and redundant fabric.
Draw attention to the need for a co-ordinated approach to conservation decision making in any future actions.
The Head Office building of the Reserve Bank of Australia was included on the Commonwealth Heritage List on the 22 June 2004 for its ability to demonstrate the following Commonwealth Heritage values:
Criterion A (Processes)
Criterion B (Rarity)
Criterion D (Characteristic values)
Criterion E (Aesthetic values)
Criterion F (Technical achievement)
Criterion G (Social value)
Criterion H (Significant people)
The Head Office of the Reserve Bank of Australia was purpose-built between 1962-64 with limited whole-life expectancy, and an expectation that internal planning may be adapted as required and services in particular would be upgraded and replaced as they wore out or became redundant. Services throughout multi-storied office buildings are likely to become functionally obsolete or non-compliant with statutory requirements over time.
7.2 Commonwealth Heritage Management Principles
The EPBC Regulations 2000[47] set out seven Commonwealth Heritage management principles to manage heritage properties to protect heritage values for future generations. The principles must be used when preparing, implementing and reviewing heritage strategies, management plans and any other management arrangements.
The RBA continues to use the following management principles in the preparation of this Heritage Management Plan, the RBA Heritage Strategy 2019-2022, and generally to monitor and guide the management of heritage values identified for the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office building.
The objective in managing Commonwealth Heritage places is to identify, protect, conserve, present and transmit, to all generations, their Commonwealth Heritage values.
Part 8.0 - Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office, 65 Martin Place, Sydney Heritage Management Plan 2020 - Specific Conservation Policies | Zoe
The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should use the best available knowledge, skills and standards for those places, and include ongoing technical and community input to decisions and actions that may have a significant impact on their Commonwealth Heritage values.
The management of listed Commonwealth Heritage places should respect all heritage values of the place and seek to integrate, where appropriate, any Commonwealth, State, Territory and local government responsibilities for those places.
The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should ensure that their use and presentation is consistent with the conservation of their Commonwealth Heritage values.
The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should make timely and appropriate provision for community involvement, especially by people who:
have a particular interest in, or associations with, the place; and
may be affected by the management of the place.
Indigenous people are the primary source of information on the value of their heritage and that the active participation of indigenous people in identification, assessment and management is integral to the effective protection of indigenous heritage values.
The management of Commonwealth Heritage places should provide for regular monitoring, review and reporting on the conservation of Commonwealth Heritage values.
These principles are compatible with those contained in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter (2013), which is the generally accepted as the guide for the conservation of culturally significant places in Australia.
8.0 Specific Conservation Policies
8.1 Policy Recommendations
The identified Commonwealth Heritage values of the RBA Head Office are in part reliant on the character and quality of its surviving building fabric and components. Wherever the issue of removing or altering building fabric[48] from its original form and location arises, a carefully considered study of the effects that such action will have on the Commonwealth Heritage values of the RBA Head Office must be undertaken. Such an assessment will review the attributes of the building fabric or component to be removed or altered, the impact that the action will have on the place/component itself and the resulting impact on the place as a whole.
Under s.341ZC of the EPBC Act, the RBA as a Commonwealth agency must not take an action that has, will have or is likely to have an adverse impact on the Commonwealth Heritage values of the Reserve Bank of Australia Head office unless:
There is no feasible and prudent alternative to taking the action; and
All measures that can reasonably be taken to mitigate the impact of the action on those values are taken.
The recommended conservation policies are set out in italics. They are generally preceded by information on which the policies are based and are followed where appropriate with specific examples of options which might arise from the policies. The policies are ordered in the following sequence:
8.1.1 Basis of Conservation Approach
8.1.2 Future Use of the Building
8.1.3 Co-ordination of the Planning
8.1.4 Continuing Conservation Advice
8.1.5 Statutory Consent
8.1.6 General Maintenance and Repair Principles
8.2.1 Removal of Significant Heritage Fabric
8.2.2 Adaptation and Alterations
8.2.3 Exterior Fabric
8.2.4 Interior Fabric
8.2.5 Services
8.2.6 Integrated Art Works
8.2.7 Views and Vistas
8.2.8 Moveable Heritage
8.2.9 Protection of Commonwealth Heritage values
8.2.10 Review of Heritage Management Plan
8.2.11 Interpretation and Promotion of Commonwealth Heritage values
8.2.12 Access and Security Arrangements
8.2.13 Protocols for the Management of Sensitive Information
8.2.14 Community Consultation
8.2.15 Records of Intervention and Maintenance
8.1.1 Basis of Conservation Approach
Inclusion on the Commonwealth Heritage List does not preclude adaptation of the Head Office building and its spaces to accommodate its re-use and continued viability, provided any works promotes the retention of Commonwealth Heritage values and are consistent with Commonwealth Heritage management principles and best heritage management practise.
Policy 1 The future conservation and development of the place should be carried out in accordance with the Commonwealth Heritage management principles set out in the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as amended, and the principles of the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance 2013 (Burra Charter).
Policy 2 This Heritage Management Plan should be accepted as a management tool to assist the RBA to conserve, monitor and protect the identified Commonwealth Heritage values of the RBA Head Office building in a manner not inconsistent with Commonwealth Heritage management principles.
Policy 3 The information, policies, recommendations and options identified in this Plan should be accepted by the Reserve Bank as the primary guide to future conservation of the place.
Policy 4 The Reserve Bank of Australia will register this Heritage Management Plan as a legislative instrument for the purposes of the Legislation Act 2003, as soon as practicable to meet obligations under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999.
8.1.2 Future Use of the Building
The Head Office building was purpose-built to accommodate the contemporary functions and activities of the newly formed Reserve Bank of Australia and to house specific staff representing the different aspects of the Bank’s operations. The building was substantially enlarged by 1980 and extensively refurbished in 1995 to meet pressure for increased demand for space and improvement in safety and services. The Workplace Department of the Reserve Bank are responsible for identifying redundant or under-utilised spaces within the building, implement an ongoing review of accommodation requirements within the organisation, and oversee the upgrading of existing services to ensure staff facilities and office environments are consistent with modern office environments. The Workplace Department reviews proposed changes in relation to fit-outs for commercial tenants within the current building envelope, which enable the overall viability of the Head Office building.
Current and future changes to the internal planning and use of the building are only made as part of a co-ordinated plan for the whole building and take into consideration the identified levels of significance of the affected areas.
Policy 5 The policies set out in this Plan should be applied irrespective of the use to which the building or its parts are put now or in the future.
Policy 6 The Reserve Bank of Australia Head office building can be adapted to suit the exisiting or proposed use of the place by the RBA subject to an assessment of likely impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values and approval under the EPBC Act where appropriate. New works are to be compatible with the original design intent, materiality, quality and identified Commonwealth heritage values.
Policy 7 Proposed changes to any one part of the building should only be considered in the context of a co-ordinated plan for the whole building.
8.1.3 Co-ordination of Planning
Decisions regarding changes to any part of the Head Office building of the Reserve Bank of Australia should be considered in the context of the whole to ensure that adverse outcomes are minimised.
Policy 8 A co-ordinated process of decision-making including heritage conservation advice should be established to guide future planning for the place.
8.1.4 Continuing Conservation Advice
This Heritage Management Plan has been prepared as a guide to the future care and development of the place but it will be relatively ineffective unless interpreted and implemented by persons with relevant conservation expertise. In addition to offering appropriate advice on the way in which proposals may be made compatible with the identified significance of the place, an experienced professional can recommend which proposals may have sufficient impact to warrant special study, further public scrutiny or statutory consent.
Policy 9 Relevant and experienced conservation advice should be provided to assist in future changes to the place as part of the planning mechanisms of the Reserve Bank organisation. RBA personnel responsible for planning and decisions that may affect the significance of the place are to be trained in ongoing heritage management and be familiar with RBA obligations under the EPBC Act and consistent with the RBA Heritage Strategy 2019-2021.
Where technical advice is required and work is to be carried out to spaces or fabric identified as having exceptional or high heritage significance, it is important to choose consultants and contractors with proven relevant expertise and experience of working on heritage buildings, rather than selecting service provision based on cost alone. Specialist advice may be sought in relation to, but not limited to, architectural and design, structural engineering, services (HVAC), hydraulics, fire safety, documentation, maintenance, building contractors, in addition to curatorial advice on fixed artwork and community consultation.
Policy 10 Consultant advice and contractual work involving changes to Commonwealth significant aspects of the place should be limited to firms or persons with proven expertise in the relevant fields. If consultants chosen to carry out services lack the specialist expertise consideration should be given to employing additional persons to provide conservation advice.
8.1.5 Statutory Consent
The Reserve Bank of Australia is a Commonwealth Government Agency and as such is not required to seek approvals from either Local or State authorities. An approval for all major works to the building is however required to undergo a process of review through the Parliamentary Works Committee that allows those authorities and any other interested parties to voice any concerns. Nevertheless, a policy of general consultation is pursued by the Bank to allow local authorities to be informed of major works proposed for the place that may have a substantial impact on any primary heritage values of the place.
Policy 11 The likely impacts of works to the place may be self-assessed. Where works are likely to impact heritage values of the place or there is uncertainty, works are to be referred to the relevant Minister for advice, and approval where appropriate consistent with the requirements of the EPBC Act.
8.1.6 General Maintenance and Repair Principles
The Workplace Department of the Reserve Bank of Australia currently maintains the building consistent with Commonwealth Heritage management principles, and implements a cyclical maintenance program. The building shall continue to be repaired and maintained provided the works do not adversely impact the identified Commonwealth Heritage values of the place. Processes for these activities should be formalised within the existing RBA asset maintenance plan to provide information regarding specialised action to be taken when dealing with significant building fabric and objects, including permanent sculptural works. All persons working on aspects of the building that have identified cultural heritage significance should be made aware of the significance of the place and of the area or aspect of the place which is to be affected.
Policy 12 A detailed Asset Maintenance Plan should be prepared to guide future preventative and special repairs and maintenance to fabric of the Head Office building of the Reserve Bank of Australia.
Policy 13 Specific guidelines for dealing with areas and aspects of particular cultural heritage significance should be provided for the use of administrative staff and staff carrying out maintenance and repair to ensure that significance is not lost.
Policy 14 Maintenance and repair of sculptural works should be scheduled and undertaken by suitably experienced conservators when required.
Policy 15 Where unforeseen significant heritage fabric or relics are discovered during the course of works, works will cease where practicable until the subject fabric has been viewed and assessed by a suitably experienced heritage consultant, and their conservation recommendation implemented..
Policy 16 A maintenance register will be maintained, recording changes to the place in accordance with the requirements of the EPBC Act.
8.2 Additions to the RBA Head Office building
The Reserve Bank of Australia purchased additional allotments of land to adjoining its south boundary with the intention of extending the building. In 1967 the RBA commissioned architectural drawings for an addition extending the full height of the building, including additional basement areas and the construction of a service spine extending up to Level 7.
The Bank has previously investigated other options to accommodate its operations and staff, but intends to upgrade its current building to maintain its association with the existing building, and its relationship with other financial institutions in the immediate area.
8.2.1 Removal of Significant Heritage Fabric
In the past, areas of original and early building fabric have been removed with a resultant loss of cultural heritage significance for the place. Where practical, fabric which represents the original design intent and is part of the primary significance of the place should be retained and conserved.
Policy 17 Before any original or early fabric is considered for removal, a detailed assessment of the impact of the action will be undertaken and the effects of the removal evaluated against the identified Commonwealth Heritage values of the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office building.
8.2.2 Adaptation and Alterations
The Reserve Bank Head Office building has undergone considerable change and adaptation to accommodate the changing needs of the agency as well as the need to provide upgraded services to meet the needs on ongoing operations within the building. Such changes are a normal part of the developing character of any building in use and need not affect the identified significance of the place.
Future adaptation and alterations to the fabric of the building or its component parts should however take into consideration the assessed significance of that part or component. Unnecessary changes should be avoided and alterations should consider the original design intent as well as the continuation of design excellence established by the original design.
Policy 18 Adaptation and alterations to the building should be guided by an understanding of the original fabric and it’s Commonwealth Heritage values. Adaptations and alterations that have a strong adverse impact on identified aspects of the building’s significance should be avoided.
Policy 19 Internally, compatible contemporary design solutions that are sympathetic to the original design intent and identified heritage values are to be preferred over simple reproduction of earlier forms and details.
Policy 20 Minor structural changes, including partial removal of floor slabs and columns are acceptable subject to assessment of potential impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values, the extent of the proposed works and consent under a EPBC Act approval if required.
Policy 21 Future additions to the RBA Head office should be located to minimise visual impacts on its main façade (north elevation) and its presentation to Martin Place.
8.2.3 Exterior Fabric
The external design and appearance of the Reserve Bank Head Office building is representative of mid-twentieth-century architectural and civic design in the City of Sydney. The building has, on several occasions, undergone extensive change to its original fabric and detail. The building has been enlarged to the south, the podium and roof modified and the original marble facade panels have been over-clad with imported grey granite facings. Nevertheless, the building retains much of its original aesthetic quality and character.
The overall external form of the northern section of the building should be retained (Criteria A, D &F) although further additions and alterations are acceptable to the south elevation, podium and roof, subject to consent authority approval of detailed documentation. Additions to the external building envelope should take into consideration potential adverse impacts on views of the RBA Head Office building from pedestrian areas in Martin Place. The original podium form should also be maintained. Future changes to the primary facades should be carefully considered to ensure retention of the original design intent.
Tower and Podium
The podium details, while partially modified, retain the overall form and general character of the original design. When necessary, the Reserve Bank of Australia may need to adapt the entrance to increase security for building occupants or to facilitate access compliant with the Building Code of Australia. Minor adjustments can be made to the main podium and entrance to the Head Office provided they do not visually distract from the established architectural character of the building or its setting, are designed by a suitably qualified heritage architect and are assessed for likely impacts on heritage values prior to the works being carried out.
Policy 22 Changes to the exterior of the tower and podium likely to have an impact on the identified Commonwealth Heritage values of the place are to be assessed in accordance with the process set out in the Heritage Strategy 2019-2022, and referred to the relevant Minister for advice and approval under the EPBC Act.
Policy 23 Minor external adaptation of door openings in the tower and podium are acceptable provided it does not adversely affect views to or from the Reserve Bank Head Office building from Martin Place, and likely heritage impacts are assessed prior to changes being carried out.
Policy 24 Consideration should be given to the reconstruction of the RBA corporate emblem by Gordon Andrews on the western elevation of the RBA Head Office builidng.
Walls & Columns
The walls and columns of the building on all of its facades were originally clad with a combination of Wombeyan marble and black granite. This aspect of the building’s design was the object of both praise for its quality and use of Australian materials and criticism for its extravagance. The building was extended using the same materials and maintained a unified appearance, and in the 1990s, when areas of the cladding began to fail, the building was clad over with imported grey granite that maintained the general aesthetic but slightly reduced the overall texture of the building.
Policy 25 Any further work to the facades of the building should match as closely as possible the existing detailed relationships of cladding and framing and the present materials.
Doors, Windows & Grilles
The pattern and detail of the existing doors, windows and grilles on the building facades are an integral part of the original design and its subsequent modification. Minor alterations to original door and window openings are acceptable provided they do not significantly affect the visual perception of the original design aesthetic.
Policy 26 Before considering any changes to the pattern of fenestration on the building an assessment of the potential impacts of such changes should be undertaken to ensure that they do not significantly affect the appearance or character of the place.
Policy 27 Any new doors, windows or grilles should respect the appearance, proportions and materiality of the original components existing façade to minimise visual impacts on the exterior of the RBA Head office building.
Roof
The roof of the RBA building was designed as a ‘floating’ plane generally devoid of significant plant and equipment. Roof works carried out in c2001 included the construction of lift overruns associate with two new lifts servicing Levels 16 to 20 together with safety barriers. Some further minor modification of the roof area is acceptable provided this approach is maintained.
Policy 28 Additional structures or equipment can be located at roof level provided they are set back from the building edge sufficiently to avoid breaking the skyline in important views from pedestrian areas in Martin Place.
Policy 29 Any new major items of equipment or structures on the roof should where possible be contained in simple enclosures screened from view of overlooking buildings.
Garden
The garden adjacent to the Macquarie Street boundary was designed to contain examples of Australian native flora. The original plants and trees have progressively been replaced with exotic species, and are no longer consistent with the original design philosophy of the building and its setting. Restoration of the original concept is desirable where possible, taking into consideration the microclimate of the garden, the pollution and water requirements of any new plantings.
Policy 30 Future changes to the Macquarie Street Garden area should consider the original design concept as an opportunity to regain significance.
8.2.4 Interior Fabric
The internal character of the building is an area of secondary heritage significance with all of the spaces and finishes of the original design having been substantially modified in the 1990s refurbishment to provide safe working environments, meet changing needs and replace worn and damaged finishes. Further changes to aspects of the interior of the building should be guided by an assessment of the potential significance of the individual parts and components. Change for change sake is not an acceptable approach to the conservation of this building. Spaces identified as underutilised or redundant following changes to banking operations or servicing requirements, may be adapted subject to a separate review of the potential reuse and likely impacts on heritage values, and recommendations as to whether the action should be referred for advice and approval under the EPBC Act. Where possible, adaptation of spaces should be in keeping with the original design intent, but should be clearly discernible as new work.
The special form and details of the surviving original fabric of the ground floor public areas and entrance foyer are an important part of the original design intent and, though now partly modified, should be retained and conserved.
The principal interior spaces throughout the building including the general offices, the lift interiors, the staff recreation areas and the executive areas have been remodelled in recent years. Where any original fabric and details survive intact, they should be conserved and supported by sympathetic design solutions. Where new designs are proposed, they should be sympathetic to the original design intent but contemporary in design.
Interiors Generally
Apart from the refitting for safety and servicing, all of the original interior spaces of the building have been modified by later alterations and refitting of the various departments to meet contemporary standards. A few significant portions of the building have however maintained their original character and are therefore significant components of the places cultural heritage value. These areas have been identified elsewhere in this report and are confined to public and circulation areas and the executive areas of the upper floors.
The future treatment of all interiors of the building should aim to maintain the original design character without reproducing exactly the lost building fabric. Where possible building fabric ranked as having ‘Exceptional’ or ‘High’ heritage significance in this report is to be retained and conserved.
Policy 31 All areas of the interiors identified in this report as having ‘Exceptional’ or ‘High’ heritage significance are to be retained in situ and conserved. Conservation may include adaptation for contemporary use but should maintain those aspects identified for their significant contribution to the place as a whole.
Policy 32 New interiors created within the building should have consideration for the original design intentions but may be a contemporary interpretation of that intent using compatible materials and sympathetic design.
Floor Finishes
The RBA Head Office building contains a number of floor finishes, laid over a reinforced concrete substrate. Original granite and marble floor finishes have generally been retained in situ and repaired, however other original floor finishes have been replaced or covered since 1965.
Where possible new floor finishes should continue to reflect the hierarchy of spaces and finishes throughout the Head Office building as described in 1966:
Space
1966 floor finish
Ground floor forecourt, entrance:
Narrandera grey granite
Vestibule and lift lobby:
Narrandera grey granite
Ground floor public space areas and Level 11 Boardroom:
Wombeyan grey marble
General office areas and executive areas:
Heavy duty Australian wool carpet
Vaults, basement areas, cafeteria and lounge areas:
Jackson River block parquetry
Policy 33 Granite and marble floor finishes installed on the ground floor vestibule, ground floor public spaces and Boardroom are to be retained in situ and conserved as evidence of the original architectural design intent.
Policy 34 Johnson River block parquetry located in the vaults is to be retained in situ and conserved as evidence of the original architectural design intent. New floor finishes can be installed over original timber floor subject to an assessment of the likely impacts on heritage values, physical damage of the block parquetry and reversibility of the action.
Policy 35 Other floor finishes can be retained, adapted or replaced with new finishes compatible with the original design intent. Fabric proposed for removal should be assessed, consistent with the process outlined in Significant Impact Guidelines 1.2 (Commonwealth of Australia, 2013) and the endorsed Reserve Bank of Australia Heritage Strategy 2019-2021, for likely impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values and photographed in place prior to its removal. The design of replacement floor finishes should be selected to achieve a co-ordinated aesthetic result.
Walls
There are few areas of original wall finishes remaining within the building. Marble and granite wall finishes are significant and should be retained and conserved. Wombeyan marble was used extensively for walls at the ground floor vestibule and lift lobby. Walls of lift lobbies located from the Mezzanine to Level 16 were finished with Ulam (Rockhampton, Qld) marble. Other areas of the building feature walls and counters of Footscray basalt and Gepps Cross slate.
Early descriptions of the finishes describe ‘Demountable Timber Panelling’ and ‘Demountable Wall Linings’ located between Levels 4 and 15 (inclusive), to allow the areas to be re-configured periodically, and in the 1990s sections of demountable walls were removed to create large open-plan offices.[49] Executive suites and the Boardroom were subdivided with brick walls and removable wall panelling.
Demountable linen fabric wall coverings have been replaced at least once and no longer represent the original fabric, although they are important in demonstrating the original design intent and maintaining the architectural character of spaces located at Levels 11 and 12. There are no surviving original vinyl wall finishes remaining in any part of the building.
Some original timber panelling has been retained at Levels 11 and 12, and in isolated office and lift lobbies within the building. Works carried out in 2014 included the relocation of timber panelling at Levels 11 and 12 to suit the re-configured floorplan.
Policy 36 All surviving original stone wall cladding has significance for the place in interpreting the original design intent and character and should be retained and conserved as part of any programme of continuing maintenance and repair.
Policy 37 New wall tiling where selected should be compatible with the established character of the building.
Ceilings
All of the original feature ceilings throughout the building have been previously removed or modified. General office areas have replacement metal pan ceilings with a square proportion. Suspended plasterboard ceilings installed in, or after 1979, have been retained in basement, storage and utilitarian spaces throughout the building.
Policy 38 Surviving ceilings installed on or before the opening of the RBA Head Office building in January 1965, including the anodised aluminium ceiling above the ground floor vestibule and public spaces, are be retained and conserved as evidence of the original design intent and detailing.
Policy 39 Suspended acoustic ceilings throughout the building date from 1979 and afte, andr can be retained or replaced, subject to an assessment of likely impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values. The design of new ceilings is to take into consideration the original design intent, should consider the overall character of the building to enhance the architectural character and design intention of the original building.
Policy 40 Consideration should be given to the replacement of exisiting ceilings in spaces identified as having ‘Exceptional’ or ‘High’, including the Boardroom and Governors Suite. The design of new ceilings is to take into consideration the original design intent, should consider the overall character of the building to enhance the architectural character and design intention of the original building.
Policy 41 Luminaires, air-conditioning grilles and fire detection items in the ceilings can be replaced when required or to meet statutory requirements. The design of replacement ceilings should take these elements into consideration to achieve a co-ordinated aesthetic result.
Policy 42 The appearance of the ground floor foyer is highly visible from both Martin Place and Macquarie Street, and its original architectural character should be maintained whenever changes are made to ceilings or services integral to it.
Windows
Windows throughout the building are presently compatible with the original design character. Where changes may be proposed, windows of similar character should be utilised. Detailing of sills, reveals and spandrels etc should be also followed.
Policy 43 Details of windows that are replaced or new windows inserted into the Head Office building should closely match the original glazing suite and its surrounding details.
Doors & hardware
Many doors throughout the building are surviving fabric from the initial construction phase and have significance for their quality of design and finishes. This is particularly true of the full height leather covered doors in executive areas and those doors with specifically designed Black Bean timber frames and reveals that match furniture in the building. Much of the original stainless-steel hardware throughout the building survives, although much of it has been repaired and/or adapted for present day security and compliance.
Policy 44 Leather finished doors forming part of the Boardroom and Governors Suite are to be retained in location and conserved. Where adaptation of the building results in the removal leather finished doors, doors are to be salvaged for future re-use. Salvaged doors are to be labelled, protected and stored together with door furniture and hardware for future re-use on site. In the event of doors being relocated within the RBA Head Office, they are to be installed in a manner compatible with the original design intent and detailing. r.
Policy 45 Surplus, damaged or deteriorated leather covered doors can only be disposed of, if it is not considered a significant action after a self-assessment or alternatively through an EPBC Act approval.
Policy 46 Hardware may be replaced to meet statutory or functional requirements provided it matches the material and finish of the original and does not detract from the overall architectural character of the affected space or the building interior generally.
Lift Lobbies
The lift lobbies throughout the building are partially intact and generally represent the original design character and finishes. Changes to the lobbies have been to ceilings, carpets, lighting and colours of the lift doors.
Policy 47 Where possible retain all surviving lift lobbies, including marble wall cladding. Timber panelling is to be salvaged and stored for re-use or incorporated in proposed fitout. Other design elements may be varied, but should be generally compatible with the original design intention shown in photographs dated 1966 or earlier.
Lift Cars
The lifts throughout the building have been completely refitted and do not represent the original design character.
Policy 48 The refitting of the existing lifts is an acceptable action and should be carried out in a manner that is visually compatible with and integrated with the general character of the surviving lift lobbies.
8.2.5 Services
Services within the Reserve Bank Head Office building have undergone considerable change during the history of the place to meet demands for changing technology and demands on the building arising from changing functions and use. This process is normal and typical of late twentieth- century buildings that rely heavily on mechanical and electrical services for their effective operation. Further changes should take into consideration the original design intent, architectural character and significance of affected spaces.
Policy 49 The design, location and installation of new and replacement services within the RBA Head Office will be assessed by an independent heritage specialist to determine likely impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values of the place prior to works being carried out.
Policy 50 New services within the RBA Head Office building should take into consideration the original design intent in determining their design, location and installation. Installation is to be carried out to minimise visual and physical impacts on spaces and building fabric identified as having ‘Exceptional’ or ‘High’ heritage significance in Section 5.6 of this Heritage Management Plan.
Policy 51 Where and when necessary, technical services can be upgraded or replaced as required to enable the Head Office of the Reserve Bank of Australia to continue to carry out their Charter under the Reserve Bank Act 1959, as amended, and continue to occupy the place subject to an assessment of likely impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values and where appropriate advice and consent approval under the EPBC Act
8.2.6 Integrated Art Works
A number of art works were specifically commissioned for inclusion in the Reserve Bank building at the time of its original construction and are integrated into the building fabric. Integrated artworks that demonstrate Commonwealth Heritage values (Criterion F and H) include:
The main Foyer (Ground Floor level) wall mural sculpture by Bim Hilder.
The Podium plaza sculpture by Margel Hinder, together with its original design maquette for the sculpture.
The brass lettering text of the Bank’s charter set on a black granite wall in the main foyer.
Commemorative plaque for the completion of the building.
The Bank emblem originally located on the western parapet wall (exterior) of the building, constructed in cast aluminium with green enamelled finish designed by Gordon Andrews, has been removed from the Phillip Street elevation.
Policy 52 The commissioned public art works displayed in the Reserve Bank building should be retained and conserved as an integral public component of the building. Professional advice on the care and maintenance of the art works should be sought.
Policy 53 A continuing programme of public exhibitions of the Bank’s collections should be part of any curatorial policy for the Bank.
8.2.7 Views and Vistas
The Reserve Bank of Australia head office building occupies a prominent site at the corner of Martin Place and Macquarie Street, Sydney, and in close proximity to several buildings identified as having heritage significance, including buildings identified as demonstrating Commonwealth Heritage values and National Heritage values. It is an important element in the important historic streetscapes of Martin Place and Macquarie Street (Criterion E). It forms a gateway feature at the eastern end of one of the cities principal pedestrian thoroughfares. Changes to the RBA building should take into consideration the impact of the works on significant views from surrounding streets and areas including Queen Square, Phillip Street or the Domain.
The RBA Head office building is visible in some views from Hyde Park Barracks, which is included on the National Heritage List (Place ID 105935) and is part of the World Heritage Listing of ‘Australian Convict Sites’. Under the EPBC Act, the Reserve Bank is obliged to protect Commonwealth Heritage values and National Heritage values of other places in the vicinity.
Policy 54 Additions to the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office building should be located to minimise adverse visual impacts on views to the building from Martin Place and Macquarie Street.
Policy 55 Views from the pedestrian level of Martin Place and Macquarie Street to the ground floor foyer of the RBA Head Office building are to be retained in keeping with the concept of openess and transparancy underpinning the design of the building.
8.2.8 Moveable Heritage
The Reserve Bank of Australia possesses a collection of furniture, including tables, chairs, credenzas and desks, acquired or commissioned as part of the original fit-out or the 1970s additions to the building. Significant furniture associated with the RBA Head Office, or held by the RBA, has been assessed as part of a separate report held by the Reserve Bank of Australia.
The 1960s and 1970s furniture has generally been refurbished, resulting in the replacement of the original wool coverings and upholstery. Those surviving articles of furniture purchased or designed specifically for the building, having heritage significance, should be retained.
The Reserve Bank of Australia maintains an art collection and numismatics collection which, although associated with the institution generally, may not be specifically associated with the Head office building located at 65 Martin Place, Sydney, but may be protected under other statutory legislation such as the Archives Act 1983. Those collections, acquired under successive governors, may have historic, artistic, monetary or ethnographic significance in their own right apart from their association with the RBA. Artworks, apart from fixed wall murals and sculptures, and numismatics collections are not addressed specifically in this Heritage Management Plan.
Policy 56 Fixed artworks and artworks/objects with a specific association with the original character of the Reserve Bank Building should be retained and conserved and appropriately displayed within areas of the building for which they were commissioned or purchased.
Policy 57 RBA professional staff with appropriate qualifications and experience will, as part of their roles at the Bank, prepare a curatorial plan and advise on specialist collections and the engagement of specialist consultants as appropriate.
Policy 58 The Reserve Bank of Australia should seek specialist advice in relation to the conservation, display or disposal of non-fixed artworks and numismatics in its ownership.
Policy 59 The surviving furniture and associated articles of the original fit-out form an integral part of the place and assist in the interpretation of the original design intent. These items should be retained and conserved pending the preparation of a curatorial policy for the building’s contents.
Policy 60 Where appropriate original furniture associated with specific areas of the building should be retained in those areas. Removed items preferably should be stored or displayed elsewhere within the building.
8.2.9 Protection of Commonwealth Heritage Values
The Head Office of the Reserve Bank of Australia demonstrates Commonwealth Heritage values, and is currently included on the Commonwealth Heritage List that is attached to statutory protection under the Environmental Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999. Should the property be sold, the Reserve Bank of Australia shall ensure the ongoing protection of fabric that demonstrates Commonwealth Heritage values, including the exterior of the Head Office building, the surviving original; materials and detailing of public and circulation spaces in the building.
Policy 61 In the event the Head Office building of the Reserve Bank of Australia is transferred from Commonwealth agency ownership, the building should be nominated for inclusion on the NSW Heritage Register to ensure ongoing statutory protection of its demonstrated heritage values.
Policy 62 Subsequent listing on any heritage inventory should reflect the information contained in this assessment and any other information confirmed from existing archival collections.
Policy 63 Integrated artworks and significant heritage fabric of the Head office are to be retained in situ in the existing building regardless of who owns the building situated at 65 Martin Place Sydney.
Policy 64 The Reserve Bank of Australia should follow the process set out in their Heritage Strategy 2019-2021 should it divest the Head Office building from its ownership. The process shall ensure the ongoing protection of the statutory Commonwealth Heritage values identified for the Head Office building, and the fabric that demonstrates these values.
Policy 65 The design of modifications and additions to the exterior of the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office building must take into consideration likely impacts on Commonwealth Heritage values and National Heritage values demonstrated by the Bank building and other places located nearby.
8.2.10 Review of Heritage Management Plan
This Heritage Management Plan must be reviewed regularly in a manner consistent with that set out in Section 341X of the EPBC Act. The reviewer must publish a notice inviting public comment and taking those comments into consideration in relation to the effectiveness of the plan in protecting the Commonwealth Heritage values of the place, and whether it is consistent with Commonwealth Heritage management principles.
Policy 66 This Heritage Management Plan must be reviewed at least once in every five-year period in a manner consistent with that set out in Section 341X of the EPBC Act, but no later than September 2024.
Policy 67 Any review of, or amendments to, this Heritage Management Plan must be undertaken by the person occupying the position Manager, Facilities (Workplace Department) in association with a suitably experienced heritage consultant. The Heritage Review Panel is responsible to ensure these revisions occur and the required consultation is programmed and implemented.
Any amendments to this Heritage Management Plan should address the issues set out in the regulations of the EPBC Act, including:
Identification of those undertaking the review and the procedures used;
An assessment of whether the plan addresses the matters prescribed in the regulations including the Commonwealth Heritage management principles;
An assessment of the effectiveness of the plan in protecting and conserving Commonwealth Heritage values;
Recommendations for the improved protection of values where necessary;
Outline how new and changed information that may have come through monitoring, community input and further research will be incorporated into the revised management plan; and
Details of any significant damage or threat to the heritage values.
Policy 68 This Reserve Bank of Australia may, in writing, amend this plan or revoke and replace this plan provided they follow the procedures contained in section 341S of the EPBC Act.
8.2.11 Interpretation and Promotion of Commonwealth Heritage values
The history of the Reserve Bank of Australia is interpreted to the general public through a permanent museum exhibition located on the ground floor level of the Head Office building, at 65 Martin Place, Sydney. The exhibition draws on a range of archival material, including documents and furniture, held in the Reserve Bank of Australia Archives. The museum is opened to the public during business hours.
Policy 69 The Reserve Bank of Australia will maintain a public museum and interpretative exhibition including the history of the Reserve Bank at their Head Office, Martin Place Sydney, and ensure it is accessible to the general public during business hours.
Policy 70 The Reserve Bank of Australia will continue to include a heritage section on its existing website to promote the Head Office building and provide information sufficient to allow the public to understand the significance of the place and describe statutory Commonwealth Heritage values demonstrated by the place.
8.2.12 Access and Security Arrangements
The Reserve Bank of Australia is a financial organisation, primarily responsible for formulating and implementing monetary policy within Australia. The building located at 65 Martin Place houses the Head Office of the Reserve Bank of Australia, including offices for the Governor and Board of the Reserve Bank. Much of the work carried out within the building relates to information and documentation that is commercially sensitive, and is not freely available to the general public.
The ground floor level of the Head Office contains a banking chamber where financial transactions take place. The Reserve Bank of Australia has a duty of care to its staff to ensure a level of security in areas where coinage and paper money is stored or transactions take place. Entry to sections of the building is therefore restricted, and entrance to levels other than the ground floor is by appointment only.
Policy 71 The Reserve Bank of Australia may adapt the ground floor entrance and banking chamber to meet security requirements following an assessment of likely impacts, provided the changes do not visually detract from the architectural character of the original space or adversely affect the Commonwealth Heritage value of the place.
Policy 72 The vehicular entrance to the loading bay and basement areas of the Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office can be adapted to meet security requirements subject to an assessment of likely heritage impacts on the Commonwealth Heritage values demonstrated by the place.
8.2.13 Protocols for the Management of Sensitive Information
The Head Office of the Reserve Bank of Australia, as a banking institution, undertakes monetary transactions and therefore requires storage of cash holdings. The building houses a number of secure areas, including strong rooms and offices that have restricted access. The current configuration of some floors and office areas is not generally available for security reasons.
Policy 73 Where an action to either the secure executive area or strongroom area is required to be referred to the Minister for consideration under the EPBC Act, the Reserve Bank of Australia should request plans of the affected area are not disclosed to the general public.
8.2.14 Community Consultation
The Reserve Bank of Australia is prominently located at the southwest corner of the intersection of Martin Place with Macquarie Street Sydney. Martin Place is identified as significant heritage streetscape by the Council of the City of Sydney, and the RBA building has been identified as a significant architectural element within the Sydney Central Business District. Works that are likely to impact the appearance of the building generally, or its’ presentation within Martin Place will involve community consultation.
Policy 74 The Reserve Bank will identify and liaise with stakeholders where proposed changes to the Head Office building will have a visual impact on views within Martin Place.
Stakeholders are likely to include:
Australian Heritage Council, [https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/organisations/australian-heritage-council](https://www.environment.gov.au/heritage/organisations/australian-heritage-council)
NSW Department of Environment and Heritage (Heritage Council), [https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/heritagesearch.aspx](https://www.environment.nsw.gov.au/heritageapp/heritagesearch.aspx)
The Council of the City of Sydney, [https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au](https://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au)
Interest groups such as the National Trust of Australia, [https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/](https://www.nationaltrust.org.au/nsw/) : Australian Institute of Architects, [https://www.architecture.com.au/](https://www.architecture.com.au/) and the National Archives of Australia,
Owners of heritage-listed buildings in the vicinity.
Where appropriate the Bank will identify and consult with the Indigenous people with rights and interests in a place or collection that are considered to have Indigenous heritage values. The publication titled Engage Early Guidance for proponents on best practice Indigenous engagement for environmental assessments under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act),Commonwealth of Australia, 2016, will be used by the Bank as a guideline when consulting in particular with indigenous groups.
Policy 75 The Reserve Bank will, in keeping with best-practice Commonwealth Heritage values, and where appropriate liaise with stakeholders on issues relating to the identification, management and use of places or associated items consistent with the community consultation process contained in the Reserve Bank of Australia Heritage Strategy 2019-2022 or the current version.
8.2.15 Records of Intervention and Maintenance
Maintenance works that may affect the statutory Commonwealth Heritage values of the Head Office are to be referred to the Head RBA Workplace Department and its heritage consultant for approval prior to carrying out any changes. Records of intervention and maintenance are to be retained consistent with the Reserve Bank of Australia Heritage Strategy 2019-2021.
Policy 76 The Head of the Workplace Department will ensure existing maintenance files for the Head Office building are upgraded to include the following information:
Identification of the location of the repair works.
Signature of person authorising works, and statement verifying the works would not adversely impact on the identified Commonwealth Heritage values or the fabric or a Statement of Heritage Impact where appropriate.
Description of the works including photographs where necessary.
Name of the contractor or person undertaking the works.