It extended both to the north and to the south of the present boundaries, to include Cadman's Cottage, and a portion of the land on which the former City Coroner's Court now stands.

[1] The Home had its origins in a benevolent movement dedicated to the elevation of the Sailors' condition and character, and by the 1860s such institutions were considered essential to any sizeable British port.

It provided clean, comfortable and inexpensive board and lodging for sailors and other persons of all nationalities employed in sea-going ships and vessels.

The northern wing was completed in 1864 and the building made provision for the future construction of Weaver & Kemp's extensive scheme.

[1] A bequest in 1916 enabled the Carss Wing to be added to the Home, and in 1925 Sydney City Council approved plans for a major extension designed by Spain & Cosh.

An L-shaped structure, the new wing, completed in 1926, abutted the 1864 building and presented a Federation Free Classical facade to George Street.

[1] In 1980–81, plans were prepared by Hall, Bowe and Webber Pty Ltd Architects to adapt the building for use by the Marionette Theatre of Australia, approved by Council in 1983.

In 1993 conservation works were completed by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority reversing many of the 1983 changes and the Heritage and Information Centre opened in the building in the following year.

In 1983 the 200 seat Marionette Theatre was opened following conversion for an auditorium, foyers, rehearsal rooms and workshops involving substantial structural changes and incorporation of stringent fire requirements, costing over $0.5m.

[1] As at 31 March 2011, the Sydney Sailors' Home and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values.

[1] The Sailors' Home is significant primarily because it provides an important historical record of changing attitudes to social welfare in the 19th and 20th centuries.

[1] The construction of the 1860s block as part of a grand overall scheme highlights both an awareness of the growing importance of Sydney in the mid 19th century, and a competitive desire to match the "mother country" amongst the Colony's citizenry.

The Home's long association with Cadman's Cottage, The Mariners' Church, Circular Quay and the general fabric of The Rocks area (and in particular the hotels), render the building historically significant.

[1] The Sailors' Home is significant primarily because it provides an important historical record of changing attitudes to social welfare in the 19th and 20th centuries.

[1] The construction of the 1860s block as part of a grand overall scheme highlights both an awareness of the growing importance of Sydney in the mid 19th century, and a competitive desire to match the "mother country" amongst the Colony's citizenry.

The Home's long association with Cadman's Cottage, The Mariners' Church, Circular Quay and the general fabric of The Rocks area (and in particular the hotels), render the building historically significant.

[1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The 1920s additions by Spain & Cosh are a remarkable example of contextual design[5][1] This Wikipedia article was originally based on Sailor's Home (former), entry number 1576 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence, accessed on 14 October 2018.