Investa Plans $365M Adaptive Reuse of North Sydney Landmark
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A development application has been submitted by Investa Custodian (2) Pty Ltd as Trustee for the 105 Miller Street North Sydney Trust. This $365 million development, lodged on 5 January 2025, proposes the refurbishment and adaptation of the State heritage-listed MLC Building at 105-153 Miller Street for commercial and retail use.
Designed by Bates Smart and completed in 1957, the MLC Building holds historic significance as North Sydney’s first high-rise office tower. However, the building has been vacant since 2022 due to its inability to meet modern standards. This redevelopment aims to address the building’s structural, functional, and aesthetic challenges while ensuring its long-term relevance.
The Current State of the MLC BuildingOver its 67-year history, the MLC Building has experienced significant wear and deterioration. Structural assessments reveal that many elements are no longer compliant with contemporary standards. The façade materials, for instance, fail to meet current weatherproofing and thermal efficiency requirements. Moreover, asbestos-containing seals in the windows require professional removal and replacement.
The building’s infrastructure is also outdated, with essential systems such as air conditioning, electrical switchboards, and fire safety equipment reaching the end of their operational lives. Frequent flooding in the basement adds to the challenges, creating hazards for occupants and threatening the building’s infrastructure.
Internally, the fit-out no longer aligns with the needs of modern office tenants. The existing layouts, ceiling heights, and facilities are outdated and unsuitable for contemporary businesses, making the space difficult to lease without substantial upgrades.
Proposed Changes to the SiteThe redevelopment plans include both restoration and modernisation. The Miller Street wing, an integral part of the building’s heritage, will be retained and adapted for modern use. Key upgrades to this wing involve raising the ground floor to mitigate flooding and creating a double-height lobby with retail spaces. The façade, including its curtain wall and terracotta tiles, will be fully restored to align with the original design.
The Denison Street wing, by contrast, will be replaced with a 22-storey structure that provides new office and retail spaces. The wing’s design incorporates modern materials and sustainable features while complementing the heritage elements of the existing structure.
Enhancing Public Spaces
The proposal includes significant upgrades to public spaces around the site, aligning with North Sydney Council’s vision for a pedestrian-friendly CBD. The Miller Street forecourt will feature improved landscaping, accessible pathways, and new seating areas to enhance pedestrian connectivity. Amphitheatre-style steps will connect the building to Brett Whiteley Plaza, creating a versatile and inviting public domain.
Fine-grain retail spaces along Denison Street aim to activate the streetscape, aligning with plans for a future pedestrianised retail laneway in this area. These upgrades aim to improve both the aesthetic and functionality of the public domain.
Sustainability FeaturesSustainability is a central focus of the project. The redevelopment targets:
- 5-Star Green Star Buildings certification.
- A Net-Zero Statement, reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
- NABERS benchmarks, including a 5.5-Star Energy rating and a 3-Star Water rating.
The building will incorporate energy-efficient systems, passive thermal design, and effective waste management strategies during construction and operation. These measures aim to deliver a more environmentally responsible and future-proof structure.
Balancing Heritage and ModernisationPreserving the building’s heritage is a priority for this redevelopment. The restoration of the Miller Street façade and the retention of internal squash courts reflect this commitment. Salvaged materials, including terracotta tiles, will be repurposed to ensure continuity between the old and new designs.
However, the proposal also seeks planning variations to accommodate the redevelopment. These include a floor space ratio (FSR) of 7.3:1 and a maximum height of 151m for the Denison Street wing. These variations are justified by the project’s ability to fund heritage conservation and improve public spaces.
The Team Behind the ProjectThis ambitious redevelopment involves contributions from a skilled project team:
- Developer: Investa Custodian (2) Pty Ltd
- Architects: Bates Smart
- Urban Planner: Beam Planning
- Landscape Architects: 360 Degrees
- Sustainability Consultants: Inhabit
- Heritage Consultants: Curio
- Structural Engineers: Enstruct
Source: Urban Digest
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