Yahoo Finance Australia's most expensive building revealed – but it's not what you expect
So you thought Sydney's Opera House was the most expensive building in Australia?
We wouldn't blame you if you did. It is after all, one of the most iconic and famous buildings of the 20th century and on every tourist's must-see list.
The Opera House was completed in 1973 at a cost of $102 million, which in comparison to the cost of some of the newer buildings in Australia is paltry (though these other buildings are more commercial in nature rather than 'cultural' or 'touristy').
The quality, standard and cost of construction of new buildings is a good measure of the growth and development of a country's economy applying the simple logic of demand and supply.
It also speaks volumes of the willingness of investors to develop within a region and the ability of a country to house such projects. Needless to say that such expensive building are state of the art.
Here's a look at the top 10 most expensive buildings in Australia.
This list is in descending in order try – so guess number one before you get to it.
10. ANZ Centre, Melbourne
Floors: 11
Height: 55m
Year of completion: 2010
Cost: $370 million
Touted as one of the most 'open and permeable banking headquarters in the world', the ANZ Centre is not only welcoming to customers, but also a great 'urban campus' for collaboration and interactive activity.
This building is also said to be a benchmark of global environmental sustainability. Care to visit and try your luck at incidental connections?
9. QV1, Perth
Floors: 38
Height: 163m
Year of completion: 1991
Cost: $400 million
Designed by internationally renowned architect Harry Seidler AC, QV1 was the largest single building project in the central business district at the time that it was completed.
It is a modernist tower located at the western end of Perth’s most prestigious terrace. Over the last two decades, the roof of the building has been used as a base from which to launch fireworks shells in the city's annual Lotterywest Skyworks fireworks display on Australia Day.
It is believed that to this day QV1 remains one of Australia’s most iconic and beautiful office buildings. You could see and decide for yourself.
8. Deutsche Bank Place, Sydney
Floors: 39
Height: 240m
Year of completion: 2005
Cost: $450 million
At this thirty-one-storey building, one can experience flexible, column-free office space and an 'urban room' in the city's crowded central business district.
The view across the harbour from the top is said to be maximised. You'll have to get to the top to experience it first hand.
7. 100 Mount Street, North Sydney
Floors: 38
Height: 149m
Year of completion: 2019
Cost: $467.5 million
Want a panoramic view of the Sydney Harbour and the Sydney Opera House all while experiencing Sydney’s history of excellence in architecture and structural engineering? Then 100 Mount Street, North Sydney is your best bet.
You can also access the cafe, restaurant and the new retail at the lower street level while enjoying the day light controlled interiors.
6. Brookfield Place, Perth
Floors: 45
Height: 244m
Year of completion: 2012
Cost: $500 million
Set within the Brookfield Place office complex in Perth, Brookfield Place is a skyscraper which is currently the second tallest building in Western Australia.
The building included the restoration of the surrounding historic Newspaper House Group of Buildings, consisting four heritage-listed buildings which were constructed between 1910 and 1932.
And what's more? Brookfield Place is Perth’s go-to destination for venue and space hire for events of all sizes in the heart of the CBD making it a hot property.
5. Olderfleet, Melbourne
Floors: 40
Height: 165m
Year of completion: 2020
Cost: $542 million
Olderfleet is a contemporary commercial tower that brings the new and old to life.
With its 40-storey commercial tower integrated with three of Melbourne’s significant heritage buildings, Olderfleet sets a new standard for future-focussed workplace within the heart of the city.
4. ANZ Bank Centre, Sydney
Floors: 46
Height: 195m
Year of completion: 2013
Cost: $800 million
This glass style building is mostly for commercial use with the ANZ Bank signing up for naming rights and a large amount of floor space.
The building also houses a private penthouse located on two levels, levels 43 and 44, with a rooftop pool and terrace which is accessible by a one-stop private lift. Wonder who has the privilege of staying there!
3. Myer Centre, Adelaide
Floors: 18
Height: 75 m
Year of completion: 1991
Cost: $1 billion
This is the largest shopping centre in Rundle Mall and hosts the largest Myer department store in South Australia.
The North Terrace facade of the Myer Centre includes two heritage buildings — Shell House (constructed 1931) and Goldsbrough House (constructed 1935).
Myer Centre features its own carpark with nearly 500 spaces, an underground food court and over 80 specialty retailers. Sounds like a shoppers paradise built with utmost care.
2. Chifley Tower, Sydney
Floors: 50
Height: 241 m
Year of completion: 1992
Cost: $1.2 billion
This skyscraper occupies one of the most expensive sites in Sydney bought for $306 million by the Bond Corporation in 1988, owned by Australian businessman Alan Bond.
This tower is named after former Australian Prime Minister Ben Chifley and is primarily used for commercial purposes housing mostly financial institutions, law firms and corporations.
A giant steel pendulum keeps the the tower from moving in the wind. Dare to pay a visit on a windy day?
1. Royal Adelaide Hospital, Adelaide
Floors: 11
Height: 41m
Year of completion: 2016
Cost: $2.44 billion
Is it a hotel? Is it a mall? No it's a hospital and only one the best in all of Australia!
One would expect that the most expensive building in Australia would be fancier than a medical care centre, but you'll be surprised to discover the advanced high tech facilities at the 800-bed Royal Adelaide Hospital simply known as 'the Rah'.
It is owned by the state government as part of Australia's public health care system and provides a comprehensive range of the most complex clinical care.
Yes, it would be exciting to check it out for all its high tech systems, but hope you don't have to visit unless it is inevitable.
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