MLC Centre, Sydney gets a new name as part of a $170 million transformation

The iconic MLC Centre will be known as 25 Martin Place as new retailers were unveiled today as part of the first stage of the circa $170 million transformation.

The new name, 25 Martin Place, celebrates the location in the heart of Sydney’s thriving CBD and will showcase new and contemporary luxury retail, dining and cultural spaces.

A highlight of the vibrant entertainment precinct will be a new dining experience that overlooks Martin Place, creating an al fresco setting for visitors to socialise and connect. The first of the new retailers will open their doors later this year with the arrival New Zealand Restaurant Good Group’s Botswana Butchery, Nour Group’s Aalia and Japanese restaurant, Kazan.

This will coincide with the re-opening of the Theatre Royal Sydney with the Australian launch of the musical, Jagged Little Pill, inspired by Grammy Award winner Alanis Morissette.

International luxury fashion house Valentino will unveil a new Australian flagship in time for Christmas. Taking one of Sydney’s most prestigious retail addresses, Valentino will present a luxury fashion experience spanning two levels across 765 square metres on the corner of Castlereagh and King Streets.

Dexus CEO, Darren Steinberg said: “Together with our capital partner, Dexus Wholesale Property Fund, Dexus is making a significant investment in a great city asset to ensure 25 Martin Place continues to contribute to the CBD for years to come.

“This transformation into a vibrant CBD destination will generate new jobs, support the culture of the city, and contribute to Sydney’s day and night economy, helping to drive economic growth into the future.”

On completion, it is estimated 25 Martin Place will generate over 300 new retail, hospitality, and theatre jobs and attract tens of thousands of locals and tourists to the centre of Sydney daily.

Minister for Jobs, Investment Tourism and Western Sydney, The Hon Stuart Ayres MP said: “The NSW Government is investing heavily in initiatives which breathe new life into this part of the city centre and 25 Martin Place is the perfect complement to the soon to be re-opened Theatre Royal and the neighbouring Metro Station currently under construction. As well as creating hundreds of quality job opportunities, it will improve the quality of the work day for so many of us who will eat and shop here each week.”

City of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore added: “The word “iconic” is often over-used, but in this case the word is justified. Seidler’s distinctive 25 Martin Place has been a Sydney landmark since the 1970s and now, after extensive renovation, will re-open as a symbol of our city’s renewal. The refurbishment of the 1,100 seat theatre is especially welcome, with the beautiful new transparent foyer beckoning passers-by to step in from King Street. 25 Martin Place has something to offer shoppers, tourists, diners, office workers and theatre goers – a wonderful revival that will help keep our city’s heart beating as we emerge from the impacts of the pandemic.”

25 Martin Place will deliver approximately 6,000 square metres of new and improved retail space across four levels, offering over 50 different retailer experiences, and is supported by the existing office tower, the project includes:

• New luxury and premium retail on Castlereagh and King Streets
• A new plaza food and beverage precinct fronting onto Martin Place
• Improved connectivity for workers and visitors with a new commercial tower entrance from Castlereagh Street

Established in 1978 by visionary architect Harry Seidler, 25 Martin Place has been an architectural icon of Sydney’s CBD. At the time, the building was the tallest skyscraper in the Southern Hemisphere, an outstanding white beacon of concrete, granite and glass that propelled the Sydney skyline into the future. Over 40 years on, 25 Martin Place celebrates its new identity for a new generation of customers, while still in keeping with the building’s integrity and legacy.

Working with Harry Seidler and Associates, architect Woods Bagot has built on Harry Seidler’s original design principles to deliver a contemporary precinct and revitalised public spaces for Sydney’s CBD.