Once public housing, now Sydney's most exclusive address - Inside the $150M SIRIUS transformation

Overlooking the Opera House and Sydney Harbour Bridge, the SIRIUS penthouse is a commanding presence in the skyline and a striking symbol of how Sydney's urban past and luxury future have collided.

Located in the historic Rocks precinct, the SIRIUS building was originally constructed in the late 1970s by the Housing Commission of New South Wales to rehouse displaced working-class residents from The Rocks and Millers Point.

The Brutalist concrete structure, designed by architect Tao Gofers, became a symbol of public housing advocacy and architectural defiance, a rare example of government-built social housing with multimillion dollar harbourfront views.

Despite its cultural and architectural importance, the SIRIUS was never granted heritage protection.

In 2015, the Baird Coalition government announced its sale as part of a broader strategy to fund new public housing, sparking fierce community opposition, including from Gofers himself.

The building was sold in 2019 for $150 million to SIRIUS Developments Pty Ltd, owned by JDH Capital, with proceeds reportedly allocated to support housing for approximately 630 people.

Over the past five years, SIRIUS has undergone a major transformation led by BVN Architecture, reshaping it into a 76-apartment luxury development with retail and public space integration.

Once a stark symbol of utilitarian design, the building now features copper-clad rooftop extensions, glimmering swimming pools, lush hanging gardens, and interiors styled by both BVN and Kelly Hoppen Interiors.

Green spaces throughout the project were envisioned by 360 Degrees Landscape Architects, with Richard Crookes Constructions delivering the build.

Crowning the development is the SIRIUS penthouse, a sprawling residence offering more than 430 square metres of internal living space, coupled with a 40-square-metre private terrace. The home delivers expansive, uninterrupted views of Sydney Harbour from nearly every room.

View.com.au property expert and buyer's agent Simon Cohen said of the property: "It's got the best views in Sydney, and the finishes and level of detail are incredible."

"My three favourite things about this property are the cantilevered pool looking right over the Sydney CBD, a massive terrace overlooking the Harbour Bridge and Opera House and the incredible master bedroom."

Inside, the design is meticulous: a custom kitchen with artisan joinery, marble surfaces, and appliances by Wolf and Sub-Zero forms the heart of the home.

There are four luxurious double bedrooms, each with an ensuite, and a master suite that includes a lounge, study, steam shower, and bespoke walk-in wardrobe.

Additional features include a second living room, private elevator, dual entry, stucco finishes, and a private swimming pool on title, along with three-car secure parking.

Residents enjoy access to a 24/7 concierge, a high-end gym, heated pool, sauna, and elegant communal lounges and meeting rooms, all within the building.

The SIRIUS penthouse is now offered as a freehold, strata title residence and while the building's transition from public housing to luxury address remains controversial, its architectural transformation is undeniably one of the most significant in recent Australian urban history.