THE FLORENTINE-STYLE archways and colonnades of the historic ‘Sydney’ and ‘Melbourne’ buildings have long graced the entrance into the city of Canberra, two grand sentinels flanking the main thoroughfare welcoming visitors and residents alike. These buildings, with a long history and a special place in the heart of those who’ve lived here, are now having a makeover, led by a new gourmet dining precinct on the Sydney side.
The work of renowned architect Sir John Sulman, the elegant design of these twin buildings was inspired by Brunelleschi’s Foundling Hospital in Florence, a notable example of Renaissance architecture. They offered a touch of grandeur in an emerging city and – wrapping around two
