Former Rocks Police Station

by Welsh + Major

Through this project Welsh + Major were tasked with redefining a former police station located in Sydney’s most historical region, the Rocks. To bring new meaning to the space the design would have to seamlessly blend the past and the present whilst maintaining the significant historical nature of the building.

Designed in early 1880’s in the form of a Palladian city gate by Government Architect James Barnet, the building operated as a police station until 1974. After 35 years of varying uses and vacancy, Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority engaged Welsh + Major to design adaptations and additions to enable the building to be used as a restaurant or cafe. The project is the perfect combination of traditional and modern design and through this Welsh + Major have been able to breathe new life into a building etched in Sydney’s rich history.

Welsh + Major have created a robust and elegant new dining room and entry that has been introduced to the building on its Nurse’s Walk frontage, at the same time maintaining the heritage elements of the entry way. The pedestrian walk way from Sydney’s most historically significant street has been activated to provide an accessible entry point for the public. The former exercise yard has been transformed into a commercial kitchen for café and restaurant purposes.

New dining rooms are created in the former holding cells, charge rooms, muster room and offices. Elegantly detailed elements using brass, copper, glass and black painted steel set the building to re-engage with The Rocks in a way quite different from its’ original intent. Welsh + Major have been able to transform the dark and intimidating police station environment into a light and welcoming space perfect for formal events and celebrations.

In 2014 Welsh + Major were formally recognised for their stunning design and inspired vision by the Australian Institutes of Architects NSW Chapter and presented with the heritage award for that year.

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