Gadigal people of the Eora nation
NSW
The completion of the Parliament of NSW Restoration Project marks a significant milestone in safeguarding an important piece of Australia’s history and architectural heritage. The north wing of the former Rum Hospital (1816) and the Parliamentary Chambers (1843, 1856) were last refurbished in the 1980s and needed extensive works to ensure critical preservation and ongoing Parliamentary use.
Contemporary best-practice heritage conservation techniques and careful integration of new energy-efficient services are showcased in the project. Key works included addressing water ingress issues, structural strengthening, and repairs to the original building fabric, alongside the reconstruction of heritage details. Upgrades were carefully designed to improve visitor engagement and accessibility and provide a high-quality work environment for members and staff, whilst respecting the history and exceptional significance of the place.
The Parliament of NSW Restoration Project has ensured the conservation of one of Australia’s oldest public buildings and Australia’s first Parliament for future generations.
Through a research-led, methodical, and careful approach, the project has uncovered and revealed some of the original parts of the 2002 State heritage listed NSW Parliamentary complex, the oldest public building in continuous use in Australia.
Internally, the removal of intrusive ceilings, reopening of closed windows and exposure of original built fabric gives the spaces more generosity and allows the true character of the Rum Hospital building to be understood. The two Chambers and their furnishings have been completely and expertly restored.
Critical repairs to veranda columns and balustrades were undertaken, as was the rationalisation veranda decking timbers. Combined with a new colour scheme for the Macquarie Street facades, landscaping, and public art reflecting the site’s First Nations significance, the public presence of the Parliament has been transformed.
The team of architects have delivered high quality conservation, rigorously documenting every step undertaken, providing a framework for ongoing management and future work.
The restoration of the Parliament of NSW required design sensitivity and respect for its heritage and social significance. Through a considered and careful design process, the project has enhanced safety, accessibility, and workplace comfort while preserving the building’s historical integrity.
The updated Macquarie Street colour scheme strengthens the visual connection to the Rum Hospital’s south wing, the Mint. This restoration program showcases the heritage expertise and dedication of all involved in delivering this once-in-a-generation project. As a result, there has been renewed public interest, with more visitors now engaging with the People’s Parliament.
Peter Tonkin, Project Director – TZG
Tracey Skovronek, Project Partner – Purcell
Julie Mackenzie, Heritage Director Architect – TZG
Regina Meyer, Design Architect – TZG
Anita Krivickas, Project Associate – Purcell
Calum York, Graduate of Architecture – TZG
Wolfgang Ripberger, Project Coordinator – TZG
Alistair Ravenscroft, Architect – Purcell
Hanna Morgan, Senior Heritage Specialist – Purcell
Linda Mott, Senior Heritage Consultant – Purcell
John Taliva’a, Senior Heritage Consultant – TZG
Brittany Elliott, Graduate of Architecture – Purcell
Challis Smedley, Heritage Consultant – TZG
Jasmin Mattar, Interior Designer – TZG
Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Heritage, Heritage Consultant
AMAC Group, Archaeologist
Adriel Consultancy, Materials Conservation Specialist
International Conservation Services, Conservator
Sophie Brown Conservation & Framing, Wallpaper Specialist
Gyde Consulting, Town Planner
SDA Structures, Structural Engineer
Mott MacDonald, Structural Engineer
Blackett Maguire + Goldsmith, BCA/PCA/Access Consultant
Inclusive Places, Access Consultant
Evolved Engineering, Services Consultant
Steensen Varming Pty Ltd, Services Consultant
Voss Grace + Partners, Fire Engineer
Pulse White Noise Acoustics, Acoustic Consultant
Alison Page, Simon Reece and Rowena Welsh-Jarrett, Artist of Acknowledgement, Ceramic artist, Cultural consultant respectively
MBMpl, Quantity Surveyor
ACB Engineering, Structural Engineer
Site Design+Studios, Landscape Consultant
Timber Inspections Pty Ltd, Timber Specialist
Wilde and Woollard, Quantity Surveyor
Department of Parliamentary Services (DPS), Project Manager
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
