The precinct spans two heritage-protected buildings. Shelley’s Warehouse, a tobacco and alcohol warehouse built in 1909 and a five-storey electricity substation owned by the City of Sydney, built in 1930.

This five-storey substation was vital for powering the wharves and trams, ensuring a steady power supply throughout the city. Behind its unassuming facade, was an array of voltage-lowering motors, circuit breakers voltmeters and amp meters. After its closure in 1985, the substation, along with its neighbouring building, fell into disrepair.

Purchased by Built in 2017, the construction company enlisted specialist heritage architects fjcstudio and design firm YSG Studio to breathe new life into the two buildings. The space was sustainably reimagined to leverage the iconic architectural features and preserve the rich heritage fabric, including 14-metre-high ceilings, grand ornate windows and original machinery.

This history building is now finding new life as a dynamic and innovative performance and events venue in the heart of Sydney’s CBD - known as Machine Hall.

Discover more about how this under-utilised heritage building was reactivated for the future.