The Queen Victoria Building is an elegant multilevel retail outlet, which stands proud in the heart of Sydney's central business district. As the city of Sydney has developed and extended over recent years, all further constructions seem to consider that The Queen Victoria Building, and the nearby Town Hall building are central to the needs and wants of Sydney goers.
flickr image by
Ryan Wick
A common practise for locals is to meet on Town Hall steps, and then continue with coffee or lunch at nearby city cafes. A stroll through the arcades and galleries that make up The Queen Victoria Building is considered essential, even if it is simply a pathway to another destination. Town Hall underground railway station also opens up to the basement of The Queen Victoria Building, and office workers commuting to and from Sydney city each day can be easily persuaded into some last minute retail therapy.
The Queen Victoria Building is named after Queen Victoria from England and was built in 1898 as a monument dedicated to her. At that time Australia was in a recession and the elaborate features were included so the government could employ a diverse range of tradesmen and craftsmen, and give them employment in a worthwhile project. The site at the time was used for the Sydney Markets, and the Queen Victoria Building was constructed to replace it with a shopping centre that also provided work for a range of other men and women in retail services.
The Queen Victoria Building is a unique and special icon for any person who resides in Sydney. If you venture into the city it is hard to avoid, and almost beckons you to enter. The building plays a key role in the lives of Sydney siders today, yet the building also has a long and interesting history that tells stories about Australia's relationship with England.
Corner of George and Druitt Streets (02 9264 9209)
