Last Tour of the Sirius Building

Overview

There's no missing the iconic Sirius building, with its Brutalist, box-like design standing tall by the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Alas, despite public rallies and crowdfunding campaigns to save the building, and even court intervention against the New South Wales government's plan to sell it off, it was put up for sale in December. For the city, that means farewelling the distinctive structure as we know it.

What Sirius' future holds is uncertain — though, sadly, it's likely to be bought by developers, and then demolished to make room for new apartments — but Sydneysiders can take one last wander through the building as it currently stands. Before it closes in February, The Historic Houses Association of Australia and the Save Our Sirius Foundation have organised a final public walkthrough. Sirius architect Tao Gofers, aka the man behind the design, will lead attendees through the 79-unit tower, up to the top floor still inhabited by the final remaining resident, 91-year-old Myra Demetriou, until next month.

It's a historic chance to take a last tour of a historic site, which not only proves an important part of '70s history and a great example of Brutalist architecture, but also provided public housing — allowing people on low incomes to live in the centre of this expensive city and enjoy harbour views. The last hurrah takes place at 10am on January 13, and snapping up a ticket early is recommended, as it's certain to be popular.

Images: Barton Taylor, Katherine Lu.