Governor Phillip Tower

Completed in 1994, the property development complex occupies an elevated site in the north-east area of the central business district.

The elevated site was prominent, overlooking Sydney Cove, and the building was at the centre of its colonial government and commerce for the first 60 years.

In the 1970s and 80s criticism grew over the hole in the prestigious centre of Sydney's finance district, an area of imposing sandstone buildings and colonial history, with several modern premium office towers interspersed.

In 1982 a development application for a high rise office building was approved but archaeological investigations in 1983 revealed parts of the footings of First Government House.

A new-found awareness around Australia of the nation's history was emerging at the time, and the suggestion of a high rise office building on the top of such a significant historical site met with wide opposition.

From many prominent angles, and significantly from most Sydney Harbour viewpoints, it appears as the tallest building on the skyline by a large margin; however, this is perspective illusion.

It has identical façade treatments but its form and massing are significantly different with no dramatic roof structure, and it has staggered, rather than sheer lines.

First Government House Plaza is an open-air public space and part of the Museum of Sydney, situated at Bridge Street end.

Nor is it post-modern New York deco pastiche...one of the most interesting and important building developments that Sydney has seen...and adding a great deal of intellectual content and game-playing.” said architectural critic Francesca Morrison.