From drab partitions to haute couture host: how a Sydney civic masterpiece was rescued
Summary
A historic sandstone building in Sydney, originally used for land management, has been carefully restored and transformed into a luxury lifestyle and event space called The Lands by Capella. The renovation won a 2026 heritage award for preserving the building’s historic features while adding modern design elements.Key Facts
- The building was constructed between 1876 and 1892, designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet.
- It was once the center of land administration in New South Wales and hosted important events like land lotteries for returned soldiers.
- Over the 20th century, the building’s interior was altered with office cubicles and lost much of its original grandeur.
- The recent restoration project was led by Hassell architects with heritage conservation by Purcell Architecture.
- The restoration revealed original features like three grand staircases and circular corridors hidden for decades.
- The project won a top prize at the 2026 National Trust (NSW) heritage awards.
- The building now offers luxury retail, dining, and spaces for weddings, galas, and conferences.
- It is part of a larger Sandstone Precinct redevelopment that includes a neighboring former Department of Education building converted into a boutique hotel.
Read the Full Article
This is a fact-based summary from The Actual News. Click below to read the complete story directly from the original source.