Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223:front:0:p57
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 170163–173396

Works[43]. held in November 2000[44] .  Issues raised at that time by the Council of the City of Sydney, the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and other stakeholders were addressed prior to the major refurbishment and upgrading works, including the preparation of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP).  That document was subsumed into the Heritage Management Plan: Reserve Bank of Australia (NBRSARCHITECTURE, 2007)[45].  Works undertaken in 2001-2003 were designed to assist the Bank to continue its occupation of the building for fifteen years.

Subsequent works to the RBA Head Office building have been referred to the Minister for advice/approval, or self-assessed by the Bank or independent Specialist Consultants, prior to works being carried out, to minimise likely impacts on the identified Commonwealth Heritage values of the place.

Works undertaken by the RBA, in association with specialist conservators, since 2005 have included:
                  Replacement of lift cars and non-compliant  lift call buttons.
                  Replacement of ground floor glass with safety glass and strengthening of window frames.
                  Replacement of HVAC equipment at the end of its operational life.
                  Upgrading security at Ground floor vestibule and conservation of granite floor.
                  Relocation of reception desk to the location shown in documentary evidence.
                  Preparation of an Inventory of Moveable Heritage Furniture and conservation of heritage furniture items.
                  Replacement of carpet and resilient floor finishes.
                  Replacement of suspended acoustic ceiling panels.
                  Repainting of previously painted walls.
                  Conservation of Boardroom and upgrading of Executive level including the reconstruction of demountable linen panels.
                  Adaptation of open-plan office areas and adaptation of under-utilised spaces.
                  Upgrading of staff amenities throughout the building.
                  Repair of timber parquetry floor in basement strong room.
                  Installation of computer floor over timber parquetry in basement.
                  Minor repairs to Phillip Street secure entrance.

6.7.3            Ongoing Maintenance
The Head Office building of the Reserve Bank of Australia has been subject to a cyclical maintenance programme since it was completed in 1964, and is in good physical condition.  Reports undertaken by consultants in 2014-2018 identify a number of non-compliance issues the Bank must address including façade works to address statutory requirements for wind-loading on windows and the need for thermal breaks in façade components.

    Despite some adaptation of interior spaces and changes to the exterior of the Head Office many of the original finishes have survived intact, particularly at ground floor level and in lift lobbies on various levels.  A number of the building components, such as the heating, air conditioning and ventilation services, were designed with a limited life and were intended to be replaced or adapted when necessary. The RBA has a duty of care to provide a safe and equitable workplace for its