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 on Saturday, January 13 Sydneysiders were invited to take one last wander through the building as it currently stands before it closes next month. Sirius architect Tao Gofers, aka the man behind the design, lead us through the 79-unit tower, up to the top floor still inhabited by the final remaining resident, 91-year-old Myra Demetriou.
It was 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 has also provided public housing for decades — allowing people on low incomes to live in the centre of this expensive city and enjoy harbour views.
Images: Kimberley Low. Words: Jasmine Crittenden.