Stay in the heart of Sydney.

Long before Cliveden, an earlier building at this address became Australia’s first building specially set aside as a synagogue. The Sydney Hebrew Congregation worshipped here until the York Street Synagogue opened in 1844. The premises later became a liquor warehouse and then the Federal Electrical and Engineering Works.

In early 1913, May Gibbs worked from a “Little Studio” at 4 Bridge Street. Before the creator of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie became a household name, this city address formed part of her creative life. Her studio belonged to the earlier site, before today’s Cliveden was completed.

Designed by Edward John Kerr, the new Birts Building—now Cliveden—brought reinforced-concrete construction and Federation Free Classical character to Bridge Street. Its early tenants included importers, shipping businesses, wheat merchants and mining companies: a snapshot of a city built on maritime trade.

During the First World War, 4 Bridge Street served as NSW Red Cross headquarters. The August 1916 NSW Red Cross Record features the address, connecting the building with volunteers, relief work and the practical business of supporting people through wartime.

International affairs also passed through these doors. The German Consulate-General occupied the building in the 1930s, including under the Nazi regime. Historical accounts describe anti-Nazi demonstrations at the address as war began in Europe in 1939. This was a diplomatic tenancy, rather than the identity of the building itself. In 1951, the Norwegian Consulate-General was also documented here.

Strata subdivision was approved in 1982, followed by substantial refurbishment in 1985 that converted many offices to residential use. In a CityHub essay, a former resident recalls living here from 1996 to 2004 among students, bohemian neighbours and short-stay visitors. His account also describes poor security and adult businesses in some apartments. These are personal recollections, not an official heritage assessment, but they capture a less polished chapter in the changing CBD.

Cliveden remains a mixed residential and commercial heritage building, with a rooftop pool and a distinctive place in Sydney’s streetscape. Listed locally as heritage item I1678, including interiors, it carries the story of Bridge Street’s commercial and maritime life. Its enduring character comes from adaptation: a city address that has kept changing with Sydney.