201 Castlereagh Street, or The Church of Scientology, restored
Some Sydneysiders may have walked past 201 Castlereagh Street in the past, noting the small 'Scientology' signs if they paid attention. However, this subtlety will be no longer, after a complete upgrade to the building and the introduction of large ‘Church of Scientology’ branding.
The beautiful 1908-built structure has had two storeys added, where initially three were proposed, and has had a number of its heritage features restored. The brick pilasters and bronze-glazed glass curtain have been brought up to the modern day. The building overlooks Hyde Park.
The $12 million lump sum contract, awarded to Kane Constructions in March 2013, had a vision of additional commercial offices and spaces, as well as new lifts, wet areas, a lobby and building services.
They worked with Nix Management and WMK Architecture to deliver the project.
The launch of the completed building, on 3 May, saw 2,500 Scientologists attend. Official information says that the building’s congregation is ‘ever growing’ and that it serves as a hub for “people of all faiths and cultures across New South Wales”.
Launching the building with an address was David Miscavige, the ecclesiastical leader of Scientology.
“There’s a new sign in the southern night skies and it points to something never seen before—your Ideal Org of Sydney. That it opens directly in the wake of what is a whole new Scientology world lends it even more significance. Because for all the help you thus far extended to the millions, you now possess the means—in this, our Golden Age—to uplift this city and this nation with the unqualified freedom of Scientology,” said Miscavige.
Attendees include Federal Member of Parliament Julie Owens, Australian Human Rights Council president Sev Ozfowski, Young Offenders Support Service programme manager Kalisi Bese and Aboriginal elder of the Dunghutti people Bill Allen.
Those who attend the newly refurbished building are provided with a Dianetics and Scientology introduction.
The Church of Scientology, Sydney, moved to the site in the 1980s. This year is the 60th anniversary since the formation of the Church of Scientology. Fundraising for this project through Ideal Org has occurred for some time, with online discussion as to when the building would be brought up to standard.
