Martin Place Sydney: The Civic Heart of the City

Martin Place is a major connector of Sydney’s central business district in New South Wales as it flows from one side of Sydney city to the other, Australia. It has been described as the “civic heart” of Sydney, as it is home to many heritage buildings, monuments, and events that reflect the history and culture of the city.

The Origin of Martin Place

Martin Place was named after Sir James Martin (1820-86), who was the Premier of NSW when the General Post Office (GPO) was being built in 1872, and later the Chief Justice. 

The construction of Martin Place was done in several phases, starting from 1863 when the GPO building began. The section between Pitt Street and Castlereagh Street was created after a fire in 1891 destroyed many buildings in the area. The section between Castlereagh Street and Macquarie Street was not completed until 1935.

The Landmarks of Martin Place

Martin Place is surrounded by many iconic landmarks that showcase the architectural and artistic diversity of Sydney. Some of the notable landmarks are:

• The General Post Office (GPO): The GPO is a grand building in Classical Renaissance style, built of stone quarried from Pyrmont. It was completed in 1887 and features a clock tower, a colonnade, and relief figures by Tomaso Sani. The GPO was the symbol of Sydney’s prosperity and status for decades, until the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Sydney Opera House took over.
• The ANZAC Cenotaph: The Cenotaph is a simple granite block flanked by bronze statues of a soldier and a sailor, created by sculptor Bertram MacKennal. It was erected in 1929 as a memorial for the Australian and New Zealand Army Corps (ANZAC) who fought in World War I. It is the site of Sydney’s annual Anzac Day dawn service, which has been held since 1927.
• The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA): The RBA is the central bank of Australia, responsible for monetary policy and issuing currency. It is located in a modernist building designed by Sydney Ancher and completed in 1964. The building features a bronze sculpture by Bim Hilder, depicting the Australian coat of arms.
• The Westpac Place: The Westpac Place is the headquarters of Westpac, one of the largest banks in Australia. It is a contemporary skyscraper designed by Johnson Pilton Walker and completed in 2006. It is the tallest building on Martin Place, standing at 166 metres. It has a distinctive curved glass facade and a public plaza with artworks by Fiona Hall and Janet Laurence.

The Events of Martin Place

Martin Place is not only a place of buildings, but also a place of activities and events that celebrate the vibrancy and diversity of Sydney. Some of the regular civic events that take place on Martin Place are:

• The Sydney Festival: The Sydney Festival is an annual arts and cultural festival that showcases local and international artists and performers. It is held every January and features music, theatre, dance, circus, and visual arts. Martin Place is a major opening night site for the festival, hosting spectacular light and sound shows.
• The Vivid Sydney: The Vivid Sydney is an annual festival of light, music, and ideas that transforms the city into a creative playground. It is held every May and June and features innovative installations, projections, and performances. Martin Place is one of the venues for the festival, displaying stunning visual art displays and interactive experiences.
• The Christmas Tree Lighting: The Christmas Tree Lighting is an annual event that marks the start of the festive season in Sydney. It is held every November and features a giant Christmas tree, decorated with lights and ornaments, in the centre of Martin Place. The event also includes live entertainment, carols, and fireworks.

Martin Place is a unique and iconic part of Sydney, that reflects the past, present, and future of the city. It is a place where history, culture, and commerce meet, and where people can enjoy the beauty and diversity of Sydney. Martin Place is truly the civic heart of the city.