H C Coombs Centre for Financial Studies Renewal

Revisiting this 1980s AJC project for the Reserve Bank of Australia, this holistic upgrade of training facilities, courtyards and heritage suites features a new glass entry portal, a rich material palette and artworks from the Reserve Bank archives.

Owned by the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA), this harbourside training centre is named for its first Governor, Dr HC Coombs. The centre’s 5-storey commercial building was originally designed by AJC and completed in 1985, along with conversion of the adjoining heritage house for accommodation.

After 30 years, AJC revisited the project completing a site master plan and transformation in 2021, upgrading all training and function facilities, refurbishing its 30 accommodation suites to luxury hotel standard. Major improvements include a new 30-person training room, a new glass entry pavilion and business lounge, upgraded breakout spaces and courtyards, an additional lift, integrated technology and reconfiguration of the top-floor function centre to better capture Sydney Opera House views.

A palette of Australian timbers, bronze, steel and stone brings richness and depth to the formal spaces with archival and Indigenous artworks curated throughout, reflecting H C Coombs’ legacy as both an art patron and influential advocate for First Nations Australians.

Read more about H C Coombs’ legacy with Frst Nations Australians here.