The City of Sydney has purchased one of Circular Quay’s most important heritage buildings, Customs House
Lord Mayor of Sydney, Clover Moore said the move would ensure the building would remain in public hand.
It was acquired from the Commonwealth Department of Finance which has leased and managed the building since 1994.
“Customs House is one of Australia’s finest buildings and I’m delighted it will remain in public hands,” Cr Moore said.
“From 1845 to 1990, Customs House was the gateway to Australia, welcoming goods and people through its doors,” she said.
“Four years after the Australian Customs Service moved out, the city began leasing and managing the building, transforming it into a wonderful public space.”
She said the building welcomed a million visitors each year.
“It’s a cultural centre, public library, exhibition space and provides commercial offices, cafes and space for events,” the Lord Mayor said.
“It’s also home to an ever-evolving scale model of our city centre which is loved by children and visitors.”
She said the City would now look at ways to improve the building to ensure it remains a valuable community asset for generations to come.
