Lloyd Rees Fountain, Martin Place

Unique IDPC-000026Alternative titleMatrix FountainMartin Place WaterfallCreator/ArchitectClarke Gazzard Pty LtdTypeFountainDescriptionThe Lloyd Rees Fountain in Martin Place is a waterfall style of fountain, unusual in that the water continuously cascades over a wall rather than incorporating the more traditional jet features of fountains.

It was designed in the early 1970s by architects Clarke Gazzard Pty Ltd as part of the Stage 2 redevelopment of Martin Place into a pedestrian precinct between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets. It was intended that both a terrace restaurant and the waterfall be built in the space.

In mid 1975 Council announced that they were abandoning the projects due to financial constraints. Australian artist Lloyd Rees (1895-1988), a passionate advocate for beautiful and refreshing public spaces within the city, established the Martin Place Waterfall Committee with other members of the public to raise the funds to build the waterfall fountain.

The Committee guaranteed funding to the sum of $75,000 on the proviso that the Council would build the fountain. Council accepted the offer and committed to building the waterfall to a cost of $100,000, employing contractors Melocco Brothers Pty Ltd for the project.

Total funds raised by the Committee were $68,967.51, including a $5000 State Government grant. Final costs for the project were $101,506.33. Rees offered to cover the difference but Council voted to absorb the additional costs.

The waterfall was officially opened by Lord Mayor Alderman Leo Port M.B.E. in a short lunchtime ceremony on 16th December 1976. Dr Lloyd Rees turned the key to start the water flowing. Dr Rees' contribution to the development of the fountain is noted in a plaque on the site.

In a letter to the Lord Mayor in 1977, Rees described the waterfall as 'a refreshing and beautiful addition to our city'.

The waterfall has earned the nickname 'Matrix Fountain' after it featured in the 1999 movie The Matrix. It also appears in the 2006 film Superman Returns.

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Subject tagsFountains

Photograph

Lloyd Rees Fountain, Martin Place, 1997

Lloyd Rees Fountain from above, Martin Place, 1997

Amphitheatre Fountain, Martin Place, Pitt Street Sydney, 2004

Commonwealth Bank of Australia building, Martin Place Sydney, 2009

Fountain in Martin Place Sydney, 1983

Lloyd Rees Fountain, 1997

Martin Place pedestrian plaza, Castlereagh Street Sydney, 1980s

Martin Place looking east from Castlereagh Street, 1980

Item

Plan - Bronze Plaque of Stage 2 Waterfall, Martin Place Sydney, 1976 [M]

City Engineer's Cards: Martin Place Waterfall

File - Provision of a fountain, Martin Place, between Pitt and Castlereagh Streets Sydney, 1975

File - Martin Place - Stage 2 redevelopment to pedestrian zone including waterfall, 1974

Plan

Plan - Hydraulic plan, Martin Place stage 4, Martin Place Sydney, 1976

Lloyd Rees Fountain, Martin Place, 1997 (A-01216381)

Key dates and actions

Date constructed/createdBetween 1st January 1976 and 1st December 1976Date opened16th December 1976

Relationships

CollectionOrnamental fountains

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Lloyd Rees Fountain, Martin Place