Document ID: chunk:federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223:front:0:p17
Version: federal_register_of_legislation:F2021C01223
Segment Type: other
Provision Reference: 
Character Range: 45216–48236

patterns of the special facilities has changed dramatically. This change in functional requirements has been reinforced by changes in corporate culture. Increasing flexibility within organizations, coupled with focus on competitive practice has altered the attitudes and structure of the workplace and its relationships.

Demand for these specialised facilities within the Bank has reduced to the point where their retention is no longer supported. These spaces are now identified as valuable for their potential to provide additional workplace accommodation and flexibility rather than as specialised areas of restricted contribution essential to the organisation's principal objectives.

3.5                Consolidation of Banking Services and additions to the Building
In early 1964 the Reserve Bank purchased "Washington House"[12], a three-storey commercial and residential building that adjoined the eastern section of its southern boundary for 160,000 pounds.  Documents indicate the RBA intended demolish the building and construct an alternative access to the basement areas to improve cash delivery services within the original Head Office building, and preliminary plans for a new vehicular entrance from the Macquarie Street side were prepared.

Following the acquisition of a second building, "Federation House" in 1967, the Bank commissioned the Commonwealth Department of Works to document additions to the south side of the Head Office building [13].  The RBA Governor formally approved the south extension located on Number 2 Site on 18th March 1975.  Demolition of both Washington House and Federation House was completed by 5th June 1975.

Works involved substantial additions on each floor to incorporate the adjacent site to the south.  The effect of the changes was to increase the depth of the building by nearly one third increasing its presence on both Macquarie Street and Phillip Street (See Figure 8) and to provide additional service areas at basement and podium levels were also provided.

The works were designed to maintain the rhythm of the original window and stone façade on the east and west elevations, giving the Reserve Bank an increased presence in Macquarie Street and Phillip Street without increasing the height of the building.

Figure 8 – Diagram showing the Phillip Street elevation.  The shaded area indicates the location of the addition constructed in the late 1970s, and the dedicated services/plant spaces   Note the addition accommodating the services finished at Level 7.
Source: Currency No. 5 Vol 17 May 1976 p12

3.6                Building Refurbishment
By the late 1980s it was apparent the original Wombeyan marble cladding of the external facades was deteriorating due to a combination of weathering and pollution, and asbestos was detected throughout the building.  Works began on an extensive program to repair the façade and internal refurbishment works were to upgrade staff facilities to meet standard office requirements to allow the Bank to continue