Protesters Are Lodging a Bid to Buy Sydney's Iconic Sirius Building

We're only one month into 2018, and it is already proving an eventful year as far as Sydney's Sirius building is concerned. Locals had a final chance to tour the iconic '70s-era building a few weeks back, and a farewell party for the structure's last remaining resident was held yesterday, all in the lead up to the impeding sale of the building. As part of the gathering for 91-year-old Myra Demetriou, however, Save Our Sirius campaigners revealed they'll be lodging their own purchase bid.

"The government wants $100 million dollars for this building," SOS chairperson Shaun Carter said, as reported by the Sydney Morning Herald. "We think that's too much but we'll pay [it]."

Launching a plan that'll endeavour to harness community support and even contributions from local organisations, further details are yet to be revealed, in what mounts as the latest chapter in the fight to save the Brutalist, box-like structure that stands tall by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Previous efforts include public rallies and crowdfunding campaigns, and even court intervention against the New South Wales government. It was put up for sale in December.

If the Sirius is bought by developers, the 79-unit tower is highly likely to be demolished to make room for new apartments. As well as wiping out a crucial part of '70s architectural history, it'll also mean saying goodbye to an important public housing initiative, allowing people on low incomes to live in the centre of this expensive city and enjoy harbour views.

With the situation certain to keep developing over the coming months, take a look through our gallery of the building as it currently stands.

Via: Sydney Morning Herald. Images: Katherine Lu / Kimberley Low.