The original 1891 building, designed by NSW colonial (government) architect James Johnston Barnet, as a direct response to the dock-worker strikes in what is now Darling Harbour. The building today still contains ground floor lock-up cells, a central atrium, and the riot police muster rooms. The site is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register.
In the 1920s, the building was extended by government architect Richard Wells. The police station was abandoned in the 1960s but was purchased and refurbished in the 1980s, with further internal refurbishments in the early 2000s. In the late 2000s, it became the home of Gaffa, marking its most significant change since the 1980s.
The renovation and extension process took over five years, involving close collaboration between clients, Gaffa Gallery, architects, Supercontext, builder, Sheeth Construction and local authorities, including the fire brigade, council, and heritage bodies. The aim was to preserve the building’s history while making it suitable for public use.
The project included integrating a new lift shaft into the existing structure, extensive conservation works to the interior and exterior, repainting, introduction of modern building services and a rooftop extension created a new public space among the city’s skyline.
The City of Sydney’s support has been crucial to the project’s success, recognising both the building’s historical significance and Gaffa’s prominent role in the city’s arts and culture scene.
Level 19, 100 William Street Sydney NSW 2011 Australia
