Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223:front:0:p33
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 88435–91625

in 1990 including the upgrading of offices and basement areas, removal of asbestos requiring the stripping of all internal finishes, upgrading of building services and fire protection facilities, new ceilings, lighting and carpets and the extensive restoration and re-cladding of the external facade of the building.[33]

Detailed records of all changes to the place are kept in the Bank's archive together with extensive photographic records of each stage of the building's development.

Modifications to original building fabric and the internal planning of spaces since 2002 have been generally associated with changes to functional and operational requirements of the Reserve Bank of Australia, including:

                    eastern end of the ground floor was modified from a banking chamber to form the public exhibition area, c1991.
                    Upgrade of lift cars including finishes and emergency communications equipment, c2002.
                    Construction of two new passenger lifts from Levels 16 to 20, c2000.
                    The Staff Cafeteria and associated areas — level 16, modified c2000.
                    The Auditorium - level 3, removed c2000.
                    The Residential Flats — level 16, removed in c2000. (Previously included in CHL to demonstrate Criterion B.)
                    The two Squash Courts on levels 18 & 19, removed in c2000. (Previously included in CHL to demonstrate Criterion B.)
                    The staff recreation area on level 20, adapted c2000.
                    The firing range on level 18, removed 2000. (Previously included in CHL to demonstrate Criterion B.)
                    The archives research and storage areas on level 6, spaces adapted as office c2002.
                    Upgrading of non-compliant services throughout the building including data and communications equipment.
                    Adaptation of ground floor level including upgrading of reception desk, two chair platform lifts, security barriers and creation of museum and auditorium.

Figure 38 - Diagrams showing previous changes to the exterior of the RBA Head Office building, c2004.  Source: RBA Archives.

4.5                Archaeological Potential
The construction of the RBA Head Office building (1962-64) and subsequent addition (1975-79) required the demolition of earlier buildings and extensive excavation to facilitate the construction of three levels of basement accommodation.  Given the level of previous excavation the Reserve Bank of Australia site we conclude the site has no potential for the discovery of archaeological relics. This conclusion is consistent with the assessment contained in the Archaeological Zoning Plan for Central Sydney – 1992[34] prepared for the Council of the City of Sydney, which identifies the site as an 'Area of No Archaeological Potential'.

4.6                Significant Views
The Reserve Bank of Australia Head Office building has landmark qualities as a significant component of the eastern section of Martin Place.  The north elevation of the building forms the visual boundary of the public space, and is visible in limited oblique views along