Grosvenor Place: A Sydney icon standing the test of time
Every city is marked by its skyline and the many buildings that create it. In Sydney, the locals easily identify Grosvenor Place at 225 George Street as one of the city’s most iconic commercial sites.
For more than three decades, this striking tower has stood at the northern edge of the CBD, bridging the modern skyline with the heritage of The Rocks. It is a building that has not only shaped Sydney’s commercial identity but has also remained a prestigious address for generations of leading businesses.
“Grosvenor Place has always been a prestigious address, recognised for both its architectural pedigree and its location at the gateway to Circular Quay and The Rocks,” says John Derrick, executive director of Grosvenor Place.
“When it opened in the late 1980s, it redefined the standard for premium office space in Sydney, and it continues to do so today. It is significant not just as a workplace, but as a piece of Sydney’s urban history, a true landmark that reflects the city’s global outlook, celebrates modern design, and offers tenants a strong sense of identity.”
An architect got his chance to shine
When Harry Seidler was commissioned to design Grosvenor Place in the early 1980s, Sydney was emerging as a global financial centre. Seidler saw an opportunity to create a commercial building that was as functional as it was beautiful. Previously, Seidler had built a reputation on his modernist residential designs, and this project allowed him to elevate his status as a leading Australian architect even more.
Completed in 1988, Grosvenor Place rose 44 storeys above George Street in a bold twin-crescent form, framing spectacular views of the Opera House and Harbour Bridge. Inside, its vast, column-free floors, which span up to 2000 square metres, set a new standard for office design.
A prestigious Sydney address throughout the years
From the moment it opened, Grosvenor Place attracted attention as a premier corporate address. Its location on George Street and moments from Circular Quay placed tenants at the heart of Sydney’s hum.
The tower quickly filled with high-profile firms in finance, consulting, and law. Its soaring lobby, adorned with American modernist artist Frank Stella’s Pillars and Cones artwork, set the stage for this commercial address as something a little different. Surrounding heritage buildings, carefully restored and integrated into the precinct, added dining, hospitality, and character, blending history with modern commerce.
Despite its age, Grosvenor Place remains relevant. Through constant upgrades, it has kept pace with changing workplace needs, offering end-of-trip facilities, swanky common areas, and sustainability initiatives that earned it a place among Sydney’s green-minded commercial leaders.
“[Seidler’s] vision was to create a timeless workplace that balanced form, function and elegance. The building’s sweeping curves and use of Italian granite not only make it architecturally striking but also allow for incredible harbour and city views from almost every floor,” says Derrick.
“The vast plaza and public domain surrounding the building are equally important, creating a generous, open space that feels welcoming in the heart of the CBD. Even today, the design remains ahead of its time. Its flexible, efficient floorplates and abundant natural light provide an enduring foundation for contemporary workplaces.”
Tenancy in today’s market
Today, Grosvenor Place is home to a diverse mix of global and national businesses from energy providers to financial services and innovative tech firms. Its flexible floor plans allow tenants to tailor spaces to their needs, while its heritage-infused precinct provides cafes, bars, and restaurants that make it a lively community hub.
The building also prides itself on the community, with more than 60 curated events from art installations to weekly live music on offer, free weekly wellness classes and a dedicated building app to connect the tenants within the building.
“The building attracts a diverse mix of leading organisations, from multinational corporations and financial services firms to innovative tech companies and boutique professional practices,” explains Derrick.
“Grosvenor Place appeals to tenants who value more than just an office address; they are drawn to the prestige of the building, the high-quality amenities, and the commitment to sustainability and workplace experience. It’s a place where global brands sit comfortably alongside dynamic local enterprises, all benefitting from a premium CBD location.”
For businesses seeking to join this community, rare leasing opportunities are now available. Current offerings range from 596 square metre suites to whole floors of up to 2866 square metres, giving occupiers the flexibility to scale while enjoying panoramic harbour views, premium fitouts, and on-site amenities.
