Balancing the use of heritage assets with the needs for restoration and preservation protects the history, culture and identity of our cities.

City Tattersalls Club is a landmark heritage building within Sydney’s CBD.As part of the Redevelopment package of works, major conservation and restoration is underway at:

• 194 Pitt Street (former Symonds building) – circa 1914
• 198-200 Pitt Street (East and West) City Tattersalls Club – circa 1924
• 202 – 204 Pitt Street (East and West) (former Tattersalls Club) – circa 1890

194 Pitt Street

The former Symonds Building has aesthetic and heritage significance, exemplifying the Federation Free style of building that contributes to the commercial streetscape of Pitt Street. The building’s design is associated with architect Gordon McKinnon.

Formerly part of the family business Symonds’ Furnishing Ltd., and then occupied as Merivale & Mr John for almost three decades – the first specialty fashion boutique in Australia.

198 – 200 Pitt Street

The City Tattersalls Club was purpose-built in 1924, and has been in use for almost a century. With a rich history in Australia’s horse racing culture, the building is associated with architect, E.L. Thompson.

The building’s Club Bar is a rare, largely intact example of an art deco bar interior by Sidney Warden. The Lower Bar served as the Club’s ‘settling room’ – on settling day, it was crowded with bookmakers brandishing large wads of banknotes to settle with each other. The Vault Room (attached to the rear of the Lower Bar) contains secure vaults which were used to store Bookies takings. These vaults will be restored and displayed within the club.

202 – 204 Pitt Street

The former Tattersalls Club at 202 – 204 Pitt was purpose-built for the Tattersalls Club in 1891 (who operated it for 37 years). It was then purchased by the City Tattersalls Club in 1975.

The building’s design is associated with Sheerin & Hennessy, and Robertson & Marks who undertook alterations and additions – most notably the rear ballroom (1914). The Corinthian Room (formerly the Saloon Room circa 1891) and Billiard Room (1914) are highly significant spaces, and will be restored through revitalisation works.

Sitting atop 202 Pitt Street is an impressive horse sculpture, known as the rampant horse. 2500mm tall x 2500mm long x 665mm deep and carved out of sandstone, the original feature has been a strong symbol for the club, given its bookmarking and horse racing roots. Now an important part of their legacy, our team of experts are working to restore the original sculpture and develop a replica. Learn more here.

Heritage report credit: Fiona Binns, Urbis.

Preserving Sydney’s rich design and architectural history.

Sydney’s built environment represents the very best of our past. It also provides a huge opportunity for local communities through restoration and sustainable development.

A loved landmark in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, the City Tattersalls Club’s rich design and 127-year history adds a distinctive identity to the city’s skyline.

In collaboration with Urbis and RJC Group, RCC’s dedicated project team sought pragmatic and creative solutions to balance the use of heritage assets with the need for restoration and preservation. In accordance with the approved Urbis Salvage Plan and Protection Strategy, an array of heritage salvage and protection works were initiated at project commencement.

One such heritage asset is the impressive horse sculpture, known as the rampant horse, which sat atop the former City Tattersalls Club at 202 Pitt Street. Standing an impressive 2500mm tall x 2500mm long x 665mm deep and carved out of sandstone, the original feature has been a strong symbol for the club, given its bookmarking and horse racing roots. Now an important part of their legacy, our team of experts are working to restore the original sculpture and develop a replica.

Removed from the parapet in 2003 due to condition reasons, the rampant horse has since been in storage for 12 years awaiting restoration. Planned repairs include the reconstruction of the missing front leg from the knee joint to the hoof – once complete, a mould will be taken for the replacement statue. While the materiality of the replica has not yet been decided, options include GRC, fibreglass, bronze, brass or copper. Structural investigations of the original sculpture will take place to determine if it can be reinstated as a display within the Club.

Following this, the City Tattersalls Club Redevelopment team will focus on the below highly significant heritage areas;

• The Low Bar
• The Corinthian Room
• The Sydney Room and
• Billiard / Ballroom

Through the delivery of history-rich social infrastructure such as the City Tattersalls Club, we hope to leverage Sydney’s historic associations while maintaining its unique architectural and design integrity.