The
Art Deco Society of NSW was initially formed in response to the scandalous
demolition of one of Sydney's finest Art Deco buildings, the Rural Bank
in Martin Place, Sydney. Thus from the very start we have been acutely
aware of the fragile status of Sydney's Art Deco treasures, and have endeavoured
to ensure their survival, by educating the public about the social, historical,
and architectural importance of Sydney's Art Deco buildings. However, we
must always maintain our vigilance, as a recent case indicates.
In 2001, Sydney faced one of the greatest ever threats to its Art Deco heritage. The City of Sydney Council (under Mayor Frank Sartor) proposed the demolition or massive unsympathetic renovation of the Art Deco Maritime Services Board building (home to the Museum of Contemporary Art).
The
Art Deco Society established a support network and website in order to
fight this proposal, as well as organising public meetings, letters of
protest, and participation in public demonstrations. In June 2001 we gained
our wish - the plan was dropped in the face of larger than expected public
outcry - and a greater affection for the MSB Building than the City of
Sydney Council had previously known. The efforts of the Art Deco Society
of NSW, as well as other heritage societies (in particular the National
Trust of Australia) has proven to Sydney that the voice of many can influence
the machinations of the few. In a time of rampant overdevelopment which
has seen part of the vista of Circular Quay ruined forever, knowing you
can make a difference is a heartening thought.
For historical purposes we have kept the website of this campaign online. Go to Save the MSB/MCA Building
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