davince tools generated - university of sydney

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TANK STREAM TUNNELStage 1 - Preliminary Assessment of

Significance and Issues

Prepared forSydney City Council

September, 1995

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CONTENTS PAGE

1.0 INTRODUCTION 11.1 Background To The Study 1

1. 1. 1 Phase 1 - Significance and Issues 11.1.2 Phase 11 - Policy and Implementation 21. 1.3 Exclusions/Limitations 2

1.2 Author Identification 31.3 Acknowledgements 31.4 Location 31.5 Background History And Description 31.6 Discussion Of Definition 6

2.0 CONCEPT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE 72.1 Concept Of Cultural Significance 72.2 Basis Of Assessm ent 82.3 Evaluation 82.4 Preamble To The Summary Statement Of Significance 242.5 Summary Statement Of Significance 24

3.0 PRELIMINARY ISSUE IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS 25

4.0 IDENTIFICATION OF FUTURE DIRECTIONSAND WORK REQUIRED 334.1 Future Directions 334.2 Recommendations 334.3 Preliminary Findings Relevant To The GPO Site 33

5.0 APPENDICES 35

IIIII 1.0 INTRODUCTION

GODDENMACKAY

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1.1 BACKGROUND TO THE STUDY

This study has been commissioned by Sydney City Council as Phase 1 of thepreliminary stage in the determination of an appropriate set of management andinterpretive measures for the Tank Stream and particularly the section of the TankStream within the GPO development site.

In the case of the Tank Stream, questions of appropriate procedure andresponsibility are complicated by the uncertain alignment and extent of the TankStream Tunnel and the legal obligations of property owners, notwithstanding itslisting on the Register of the National Estate and coverage by a conservationinstrument made pursuant to the New South Wales Heritage Act. In view of thiscomplexity, identification of the key values of the entity and the major factors thatpertain to its conservation and management is an essential initial phase of thework proposed. Following this first stage, which would involve formal assessmentof significance and identification of issues, the scope of work needed for policydevelopment and preparation of implementation recommendations can bedetermined with greater certainty.

On this basis, the project task program has been presented in two stages.

1.1.1 Phase 1 - Significance and Issues

This phase of the study has been made up of the following corn ponents:

• collation of readily available data. Sources consulted include:

Sydney Water Corporation;Published historical works, (eg Aird);National Trust of Australia (NSW);Heritage Branch of the Department of Urban Affairs and Planning;Australian Heritage Commission;Sydney City Council;

• review of this material;

• establish the provisional significance of the place on the basis of this reviewusing State Heritage Inventory criteria;

• preliminary identification of issues, based on limited consultation and review ofthis material;

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1.1.3 Exclusions/Limitations

• indication of further studies and actions required.

• synthesis of key issues;

- discuss and resolve the key values of the Tank Stream,- focus on major conservation and management issues;

preparation of a summary statement of significance;

identification of further work required.

• physical inspection and documentation;• primary research;• comprehensive consultation, (except via the proposed workshop);• design of proposed solutions;• detailed development of an interpretation plan.

Further it must be acknowledged that an enormous body of additional historicalresearch is required as well as physical inspection and survey of the whole tunneland former tunnels. This study is a starting point only.

GODDENMACKAY

• preparation of other implementation recommendations;

• identification of appropriate consent conditions for affected properties;,

• outline of interpretation strategies;

• development of a preliminary conservation policy, (using The ConservationPlan methodology);

The project, as outlined, is an overview which responds to the current urgentneeds and is based on readily available data. It does not include items such as:

•

•

• a short seminar/workshop held at Sydney City Council on Friday, August 4,1995 with a select list of participants, to:

The proposed Phase 11 of the study which has yet to be addressed is outlinedbelow:

1.1.2 Phase 11 • Policy and Implementation



GODDENMACKAY

1.2 AUTHOR IDENTIFICATION

This study has been prepared by Richard Mackay and JiII Sheppard of GoddenMackay Pty Ltd.

1.3 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

The study team wishes to acknowledge the assistance given by the followingindividuals and institutions and to thank them for their considerable contribution:

Peter Romey and Jenny Faddy from Sydney City Council.

Cath Snelgrove and Tracey Ireland from the Heritage Branch, Department ofUrban Affairs and Planning.

lan Stapleton from Clive Lucas, Stapleton representing the GPO.

Colin Jones, Environmental Sciences, Sydney Waterboard.

Reece McDougall, Sydney Waterboard.

1.4 LOCATION

The Tank Stream extends from King Street to the Quay, and it follows a pathbeneath the CBD high rise developments, until Bridge Street where it follows PittStreet to the Quay. Refer to Figure 1.1 for a detailed location and Appendix A forconstruction details.

1.5 BACKGROUND HISTORY AND DESCRIPTION

The following history and description has been prepared based on a number ofreadily available sources. The primary source is an article titled "The TankStream" in the Sydney Waterboard Journal, October, 1952.

The Tank Stream served as the settlement's first and main source of fresh waterfor thirty-nine years. At this stage, it was also used as the demarcation betweenthe worst class of male convicts who were housed in the vicinity of what is nowGrosvenor and Essex Streets, and the Naval detachment, the female and 'betterclass' convicts.

The Stream has been described by JP. Mcllwraith, a former Waterboardinvestigating engineer, as "an open forest timbered with gum trees with a windingstream meandering its way through vines and wild flowers, over rocks and ferns tothe blue waters of the harbour".

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There were 3 or 4 tanks cut into the sandstone sides of the stream, in order tostore water during the 1788-90 drought. Each tank was five metres deep and held20,000 litres. One was dug in at the corner of what is floW Pitt and Spring Streets,the other two in what is now Bond Street. These tanks gave rise to the stream'sname.

However, the settlers befouled the water and as early as 1795, an order wasissued forbidding pollution of the Tank Stream and a 15 metre green belt alongeach bank. Cutting timber and grazing stock were also forbidden within that zone.

The Sydney Gazette of 18 December, 1803 reported the following order:

"If any person whatever is detected in throwing any filth into the streamof fresh water, cleaning fish, washing, erecting pigsties near it or takingwater out of the tanks, on conviction before a magistrate their home willbe taken down and (they will) forfeit five pounds for each offence to theorphan fund."

By 1810, Governor Macquarie ordered that slaughter-houses and otherobjectionable buildings draining into the stream be pulled down, but to little avail.The stream was the repository of rubbish, slops and sewage. However, a9cordingto a notice in the Sydney Gazette:

'With much pain we have lately observed individuals washing themselvesin this stream of water, particularly in that part which runs centrally from •King Street because that spot is almost excluded from every eye, that ofcuriosity excepted."

The Tank Stream was abandoned as a source of fresh water for Sydney in 1826with the construction of Busby's Bore to bring water from the Lachlan Swamps inCentennial Park.

Tank Stream began to be built in 1852. The first enclosure was a 152m sectiondownstream from Bridge Street. This was diverted and used as a sewer. Eightyears later, a 207m section between Hunter and Bridge Streets was made into asandstone tunnel and, in 1867, the Hunter and King Streets sections were linked.A detailed chronology of the Tank Stream's enclosure is attached in Appendix B.In the main, the stream runs through sandstone arched and brick oviformconstruction with the more recently enclosed sections running through concreteand steel pipes. The channel has operated as a sewer and storm water drainsince 1862. However, the then Water Board converted the stream to storm wateronly. The Water Board made the stream accessible to the general public througha permanent entrance and photographic display in the forecourt of AustraliaSquare as a bicentennial project. The tours are now specially arranged by SydneyWater and are usually associated with special events.

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1.6 DISCUSSION OF DEFINITION

The term Tank Stream' includes a complex layering of references:

.. the historical stream,

.. the existing stormwater drain,

.. the tunnel of brick and stone fabric enclosing the current storm water drain,

.. the sections of former route, and

.. the idea of the Tank Stream which has evolved over time and combines factand fiction and is not necessarily related to reality.

The following Significance Assessment acknowledges all of the above layers ofreference and treats the term Tank Stream' as an umbrella term combining theabove multiple strands of meaning. Each criteria addresses one or more of thosemeanings.

Although it is possible to narrow the definition of the term Tank Stream' so that itonly refers to, for example, fabric encasing the stormwater channel, such anapproach would not be a comprehensive starting point for future study and hastherefore not been used for this study.

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GODDENMACKAY

2.0 CONCEPT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

2.1 CONCEPT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE

The New South Wales Department of Planning, in the standard heritage studybrief, defines heritage significance as:

"historical, scientific, cultural, social, archaeological, architectural, natural oraesthetic significance".

This definition is broadly consistent with the New South Wales Heritage Act andwith the definitions used by other organisations including the Australian HeritageCommission, the National Trust of Australia (NSW) and Australia ICOMOS. Mostapproaches to significance emphasise the value of an item to future generations,as well as to the present community.

The terms 'cultural significance' and 'heritage value' embrace the concept that aplace or item has an intrinsic value which cannot be expressed solely in financialterms. Assessment of cultural significance endeavours to establish why a place oritem is considered important and is valued by the community.

Cultural significance is embodied in:

• the fabric of a place, (including its setting and relationship to other items),

• the records associated with the place and

• the response that the place evokes in the community or individuals to whom itis important.

Assessment of cultural significance relies on:

• an understanding and analysis of these values derived from examination of thecontext of a place or item,

• the way in which its extant fabric demonstrates its function,

• its associations; and

• its formal or aesthetic qualities.

An understanding of the historical context of a place and consideration of itsphysical evidence are therefore key components in significance assessment. Thefollowing sections place the discovery and development of the Tank Stream andits extant features in context.

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Criterion 5 (other)

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2.2 BASIS OF ASSESSMENT

Assessment of cultural significance can be undertaken in a number of ways. TheSurra Charter of Australia ICOMOS divides significance into aesthetic, historic,scientific and social categories. JS Kerr's The Conservation Plan (National Trustof Australia (NSW) 3rd Edition 1990) considers the concept of cultural significanceaccording to three qualities: the ability of a place to demonstrate a process,custom or style, associational (historical) links for which there mayor may not besurviving evidence, and formal or aesthetic qualities.As part of the New South Wales State Heritage Inventory project, a series ofassessment criteria have been developed for use in assessing heritage items.These criteria are broadly based on the criteria recently developed by theAustralian Heritage Commission, and relate to the heads of considerationidentified by the New South Wales Department of Planning and presented by theSurra Charter. The SHI methodology identifies the following criteria:

Group 1: Nature of SignificanceCriterion 1 (historic) Significant in the evolution and pattern of the history

of New South Wales.

Criterion 2 (aesthetic) Significant in possessing or contributing to creative ortechnical accomplishment in New South Wales.

Criterion 3 (social) Significant through association with the community inNew South Wales for social, cultural or spiritualreasons.

Criterion 4 (scientific) Significant for the potential to yield information contributingto an understanding of the history of New South Wales.

Significant for some other value to past, present or futuregenerations in New South Wales.

Group 2: Degree of SignificanceCriterion 6 (rare) Significant in possessing rare, endangered or uncommon

aspects of the history of New South Wales.

Significant in demonstrating the characteristics of a class ofcultural places or environments in New South Wales.

2.3 EVALUATION

The SHI criteria are presented with the equivalent or related Australian HeritageCommission criteria. Each criteria is analysed and discussed to arrive at a conciseset of factors which together make up the heritage significance of the item. Thosefactors are then incorporated in the summary statement of significance, whichendeavours to encapsulate the essential significance of the item. The followingevaluation examines both the idea of the Tank Stream which has evolved fromhistorical associations and the fabric of the stormwater conduit which contains thepresent watercourse.

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MARTIN

ALFRED ;;; ,~ ST

~iy-'-~:-F===::::[AHILL !;... :EXffiESSWAY--r- ~..li'~t---;--

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Figure 1.1 Map showing the route of the Tank Stream (courtesy of the Department of Urban Affairsand Planning).

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NSW SHI Criterion No 1: Significant in the evolution and pattern of thehistory of NSW •

AHC Criterion A. Importance in the course or pattern of Australia's natural orcultural history.

AA. Importance for association with events, developments or cultural phases whichhave had a significant role in the human occupation and evolution of the nation,state, region or territory.

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The single mostimportant factor indetermining the locationof;

• the first permanentEuropean settlementin Australia and,

• the location of the cityof Sydney

• Sydney, the pre-eminent city in NSWand arguably inAustralia.

Association with:

• British settlement• Penal system

Aboriginal displacement

Influenced:

• Disposition of the firstcamp

Subsequent city layout

Early EnvironmentalConcerns

GODDENMACKAY

Finding Botany Bay unsuitable and spurred bythe need to disembark their ships as soon aspossible, the officers of the First Fleet surveyedSydney Harbour searching for an area suitablefor long term settlement,. The Cove into whichthe Tank Stream flowed (later to becomeSydney Cove) with its fresh water supply,associated good anchorage, comparatively goodsoil and topographic features was identified asthe most viable place readily accessible fromBotany Bay.

The suitability of their choice has since beenborne out by the subsequent growth of the smallsmall settlement into the city of Sydney, one ofAustralia's major cities.

The Tank Stream has strong associations withthe first European settlement in Australia andparticularly with the eighteenth and nineteenthcentury British penal practice of locatingconvicted felons offshore, as far from Britain aspracticable.

The presence of the settlement ultimatelyintroduced European diseases and displacedthe Aboriginal inhabitants.

The course of the stream influenced Phillipsdisposition of the first camp and has continuedto be the basis of the pattern of developmentaround which the drainage system, city streetsand Circular Quay have evolved.

Concern to protect the fresh water supplyresulted in the application of the firstenvironmental protection measures in Australia.A green belt 50 feet wide on either side of thestream was established by Governor Phillip andsubsequent Governors issued further orders.

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NSW SHI Criterion No. 2: Significant in possessing or contributing to creativeor technical accomplishment in NSW.

AHC Criterion E: Its importance in exhibiting particular aesthetic characteristicsvalued by a community or cultural group.

Et: Importance for a community for aesthetic characteristics held in high esteem orotherwise valued by a community.

AHC Criterion F: Its importance in demonstrating a high degree of technicalachievement, for a particular period.

Ft: Importance"'for its technical, creative, design or artistic excellence, innovation orachievement.

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Central to early paintings

Associated with earlypublic works:

• bridge• tanks

Associated with a rangeof technical works

• water supply• drainage• sewage• storm water

A range of materials:

• brick and stoneoviform

• concrete pipe

GODDENMACKAY

The view of the settlement centred on thebridged stream has been recorded by a numberof early contemporary artists, and is a wellknown early view of the city. The Tank Streamis therefore integral to many people's image ofearly Sydney.

Since European occupation the Tank Streamhas passed through a number of modifications.It was bridged by the first known bridge in thecolony which passed over the Tank Stream inwhat was to become Bridge Street. Tanks werecut into the stream to store water during periodsof drought. It evidences some 200 years oftechnological development associated withhydrology.

At various times the Tank Stream has been afresh water supply, a drain, a sewer and a stormwater drain. Each phase of use of the streamhas involved the application of technicalexpertise. The c.1790s cutting of the tanks (oneon the corner of Pitt and Spring Streets and twoat the present day Bond Street) to retain a storeof water for the emerging settlement is one ofthe earliest major public works. Later worksresulted in the stream being confined by asystem of brick and stone sewers.

In the 1856 (the Bennelong Sewerage system)the swamp was drained and the stream wasvirtually an open sewer. In 1860 the TankStream was covered from Hunter Street toBridge Street in all 680 feet forming a sewer 11ft6 inches x 8ft 3 inches. AJ Bridge Street thiswork connected with an open stone drain whichran along the original course of the Tank Streamconnecting up with an elliptical stone sewer atCrane Place. In 1866 a sewer, for the most partoviform in section was constructed along the

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route of the Tank Stream between Hunter andKing Street, part of which remained for a timeuncovered. The erection of the General Postoffice and the formation of Martin Place in the1870s and later on the widening of thatthoroughfare, necessitated the covering of thatcentral portion of open drain and also someamendments to the adjoining sections of thedrain which were carried out in 1878. In thesame year a diversion of the route of the TankStream was made between Bridge Street andCrane Place. The original route of the stream inthis vicinity was through private property and thediversion was carried in 5'6"x3'8" brick oviformlocated under the roadway of Bridge and Pittstreets. The capacity of this section issignificantly less than the others and is primarilyresponsible for the flooding in the Tank Streamsystem.

The addition to the GPO in 1940 necessitatedthe reconstruction of part of the Upper TankStream between Martin Place and King Street.This was carried out in 30 inch circular pipe andextended for a length of 104 feet. (1952 pp1-12)

The most recent reconstruction of sections ofthe Tank Stream are associated with the 1970sAustralia Square project and the StockExchange/New Zealand Insurance Building.

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NSW SHI Criterion No. 3: Significant through associations with a communityin NSW for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

AHC Criterion G: Its strong or special associations with a particular community orcultural group for social cultural or spiritual reasons.

Gt: Importance as a place highly valued by the community for reasons of religious,spiritual, symbolic, cultural, educational or social associations.

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Well known viaeducation in AustralianHistory

SUbject to mediacoverage

A tangible link with thepast:

• pre-contact• post contact phases

Associations with:

• Civic Commissioners

• Engineers

• City CouQcil

• particularly SydneyWater (and itspredecessors)

GODDENMACKAY

The Tank Stream is an important component ofthe early history of Sydney which most peopleencounter during their early education inAustralian history.. As a result the stream iswidely known about.

The stream is also a very romantic component ofthe city which is illustrated by newspaper storieswith headlines like 'A stream buried alive!'

It is a tangible link with our past and particularlywith the pre-contact period. The stream hasassociations with both the pre-European contacttopography and landscape which has been bothromanticised and idolised in stories andpaintings and with the later phases ofdevelopment as a polluted stream, sewer andstormwater drain.

The stream has particular associations with theCivic Commissioners, the old City Council andengineers who were responsible for constructionof its major sections. However, Sydney Waterby usage and maintenance have a specialassociation with the Tank Stream and by virtueof working in the Tank Stream system andproviding limited guided tours a number ofWaterboard personnel have come to highlyvalue the Tank Stream as a historic componentof the Water Board system. The popularity ofthe occasional guided tours offered by the WaterBoard attests to a significant level of recognitionof the rare and historic qualities of the stream bythe general public.

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NSW SHI Criterion 4: Significant for the potential to yield informationcontributing to an understanding of the history, or historic environment, ofNSW.

(AHC Criterion C: Its importance to yield information that will contribute to anunderstanding of Australia's cultural history.

C2: Importance for information contributing to a wider understanding of th,e historyof human occupation in Australia.)

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Construction techniques

Waterproofingtechniques

Brick manufacturing

Archaeological potential:

• pre-contact deposits

• remnants of originallandform

• pollen

• early tools

• water capacityrequirements

• remnants of earlybuildings

• marine deposits

Illustrates importantperiods water suppiy &drainage

GODDENMACKAY

The Tank Stream is now represented by a number ofsegments of brick and stone oviform and pipe sections.The physical fabric and construction techniques ofthese man made sections have potential to yieldinformation contributing to an understanding of earlyconstruction and waterproofing techniques associatedwith water and drainage and with early brickmanufacturing techniques.

The course of the Tank Stream largely follows that ofthe original stream. Those areas have the potential tocontain deposits related to pre-contact settlement andthe earliest period of European settlement. Casey andLowe (1995,7) indicate that it is possible that importedfill was used to create the base for the brick and stoneoviform and pipe sections and in that case, portions ofthe bank may be intact and its original appearance maybe reconstructed. "It is rare for archaeology to have thechance to examine the original landform of this part ofSydney." (1995,11) Soil from the stream bed also hasthe potential to contain pollen which would provideinformation on the original vegetation in the area.

Study of the tanks themselves has the potential toreveal information concerning the tools used in theirconstruction and the holding capacity of the tanks. Ifsiltation is present it has the potential to containdeposits or relics.

It is possible that remains of early buildings may belocated adjacent to the former Tank Stream and theseremains could help document Sydney's early history.

The area of the mouth of the Tank Stream north ofBridge Street which form erly connected with theHarbour has potential to contain marine deposits andrelics associated with early shipping.

Considered as part of a system, the Tank Stream canillustrate important periods in the development ofSydney's water supply and sewer and stormwaterdrainage network.

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NSW SHI Criterion 5: Significant for some other value to past present orfuture generations in New South Wales.

AHC Criterion C: Its importance to yield information that will contribute to anunderstanding of Australia's cultural history.

C2: Importance for information contributing to a wider understanding of the historyof human occupation in Australia.

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Association of ideas

Contrast - before andafter Europeansettlement

'Mystery or RarityFactor'

Importance of the IDEA

GODDENMACKAY

There is an association of ideas which the Tank Streamengenders including the idea, however erroneous, ofthe pastoral idyll and noble savage prior to Europeansettlement, of the colourful, primitive, and sometimesgross, early settlement and the later gentrification andsophistication.

Interest in the Tank Stream is also boosted by a factorwhich can be termed 'the mystery or rarity factor'. It isvisited by special interest groups or the lucky few andentry involves special clothing and precautions. Itsfabric is demonstrably associated with earlyconstruction techniques and materials enclosed by amodern city. As well the route stimulates theimagination because it is the route of an ancient streamburied deep beneath the city which is primarily verticallyoriented skywards.

The above discussion indicates that there are a numberof intangible factors which contribute to the concept oridea of the Tank Stream which are not reflected in thefabric or historic associations. The strength of the 'idea'associated with the Tank Stream is one of its mostculturally significant aspects.

(The above appreciation of the "importance of the IDEA"of the Tank Stream, is currently based on severalinformed opinions. Further research into existing schoolcurricula and press coverage is required to validate andquantify this perception).

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GODDENMACKAY

NSW SHI Criterion 6: Significant in possessing rare, endangered oruncommon aspects of the history of NSW.

AHC Criterion B: Its possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects ofAustralia's natural or cultural history.

B2: Importance in demonstrating a distinctive way of life, custom, process, landuse, function or design no longer practised, in danger of being lost or of exceptionalinterest.

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Most important reason The Tank Stream was the single most important reasonfor siting at Sydney Cove for the siting of the settlement at Sydney Cove.

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Rare tangible link withthe pre-European ,landscape

Association with penal &colonial period

Ability to demonstraterange of technologies

Rare evolution to uses

GODDENMACKAY

The Tank Stream is a rare tangible link with the preEuropean contact landscape and the original TankStream watercourse route.

The Tank Stream is also a rare remnant of thelandscape with strong associations with the earliestperiod of penal settlement and with the early formativeyears of colonial growth.

The Tank Stream is also a rare watercourse with theability to demonstrate a range of water control, drainageand sewerage technologies from the cutting of theTanks in the 1790s through use as a sewer to modernstorm water works, the most recent being in the 1970s.

It is rare for one water course over its Iifespan to beused for water supply, sewerage and drainage.

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GODDENMACKAY

NSW SHI Criterion No. 7: Significant in demonstrating the characteristics of aclass of cultural places or environments in NSW.

AHC Criterion D: Its importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of:

/I) A class of Australia's cultural environments.

D2: Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of the range of humanactivities in the Australian environment (including, way of life, philosophy, custom,process, land-use, function, design, technology or technique)

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Representative:

ofa range oftechnologies

pre-contact and postcontact archaeologicaldeposits

developing lifestyle

environmental concern

GODDENMACKAY

The fabric which encloses the Tank Stream has theability to demonstrate a range of technologiesassociated with water reticulation, sewerage anddrainage, over a period of two hundred years (1790 to1995).

The stream also has the potential to containarchaeological deposits which demonstratecharacteristics of the pre-contact period, the earlyperiod of penal settlement and later colonial times.

The enclosure and varied use and misuse of the steamrepresents the developing lifestyles and sophisticationof Sydney. The various transformations of the streamare associated with the health and well being of the city.

Early regulations intended to keep the stream fresh andclean represent the first known recognition ofenvironmental fragility and pollution control.

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2.4 PREAMBLE TO THE SUMMARY STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The Tank Stream represents a complex layering of cultural significance largelybased on its early history and historical associations. Later developments as asewer and storm water drain have not substantially altered the route of the originalstream. As well the stream has continuously functioned as a water course, eventhough it has been enclosed and submerged by accumulated developments.

Nor did those developments affect the 'idea' of the Tank Stream. Knowledge ofthe historical background of the Tank Stream is passed on through the educationsystem. However, the 'idea' or 'concept' of the Tank Stream is a very powerfulaspect of the significance of the Tank Stream which is difficult to assess. Aworkshop/Focus Group held at the City Council on August 4 confirmed that thecontinued existence of the Tank Stream is very important primarily because it is arare tangible link with that important nexus between the images of Australia beforethe arrival of the Europeans and after European settlement.

2.5 SUMMARY STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

The Tank Stream is a rare surviving tangible link with that important nexusbetween pre-contact Australia and post contact European settlement. Thepresence of the stream was the single most important resource responsible fordetermining the location of the first permanent European settlement in Australiaand ultimately for the location of the city of Sydney the pre-eminent city in NSWand arguably in Australia. From originally forming the demarcation line betweenclasses of convicts, the route of the stream has continued to be the basis of thebroad pattern of the city's drainage and street layout development, including thedevelopment of Circular Quay. The original stream bed has considerablearchaeological potential and the fabric enclosing the watercourse demonstratesone of the most comprehensive collections of hydrological technology in Australia.The Tank Stream also has strong associations with the development ofenvironmental management and public utilities in Sydney and particularly withSydney Water. The Tank Stream itself has retained an identity through functionalchanges from being a fresh water supply, through subsequent use as a sewer toits current function as a stormwater drain. The concept of the Tank Stream hasevolved by association with major events and processes in Australian history, intoa remarkably strong IDEA, that is not necessarily related to the existing fabric: theTank Stream is widely recognised and fondly regarded as an integral part ofSydney.

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3.0 PRELIMINARY ISSUE IDENTIFICATION AND ANALYSIS

Based on limited consultation and review of the readily available data, a range ofissues associated with the Tank Stream have been identified. The issues havebeen grouped under the following broad headings:

• ownership;• need for an overall approach;• significance associated with the range of fabric and construction types

represented;• lack of information and awareness;• stream/drain, existing and former routes;• interpretation;• interpretive authenticity;• structural integrity and stability.

Each major heading has a number of associated issues which are identified in theissues colum n and are briefly addressed.

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SWB owns the structurethrough which it flows

Some owners believe theTank Stream is includedin their property

What are theconsequences ofownership by the SWB

SWB limited interest ininterpretive role

Question of legal status

GODDENMACKAY

The SWB, "if not the owner of the Tank Stream, isthe owner of the structure through which it flows.The MWS & DB (SWB) has no leases, licences orany form of agreement for occupation of the TankStream between itself and the various owners ofthe buildings, built over the Tank Stream orthrough which it flows". (1989 advice to HeritageBranch from LA Broune, Deputy ManagerLitigation)

Ownership of the Tank Stream is clearly an issuewhich has never been substantively resolved andit appears that some property owners believe thatownership of the Tank Stream is included in theirproperty.

However, if the Tank Stream is conclusivelyowned by the SWB then there may be potentialfor property owners to try and pass onresponsibilities for care and interpretation to theSWB.

The primary function of the SWB is water anddrainage, not interpretation of heritage, and theywould be both unqualified and unwilling to operateinterpretation and tourism on a larger scale thanthat considered appropriate for public relationsand proper asset management purposes.

As well, given the present inconclusive status ofthe Tank Stream, the legality of the SWB enteringinto agreement with other parties to access thestream or its structure and to provideinterpretation requires a conclusive legal opinion.

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Range of owners andstakeholder and otherinterests in the affectedproperties and blocks

Uncertainty aboutlocation and controls

pea unlikely to coverthe full extent

GODDENMACKAY

There is a Permanent Conservation Order overthe Tank Stream under the Heritage Act, 1977.The curtilage of the PCO on the Tank Stream is 3metres from all surfaces. The Heritage Branchlists approximately 40 properties affected by theTank Stream as well as the following Streets, KingStreet, Martin Place, Angel Place, Hunter Street,Curtin Place, Bond Street, Abercrombie Lane,Bridge Street, Underwood Street, Crane Street,Alfred Street, and Circular Quay. The streets arealso commonly used as routes for utility's so utilityproviders such as Sydney Electricity, City Rail andTelstra can also be affected by the presence ofthe Tank Stream. It is desirable that all interestgiOups and stakeholders are aware of theirresponsibilities in relation to the Tank Stream.

Because of uncertainties about route anddefinition (ie. existing and former routes) the PCOis unlikely to address the full extent of the TankStream's existing and former routes and fabric.

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Should be managed as awhole

Necessary managementtools are:

• survey map of fabricand constructiontechniques

• survey/significanceassessment by fabricand construction type

• map ofpropertyownership

Retention of arepresentative range offabric is important

Intervention tos~nfflcantmbricshould

be minimised

GODDENMACKAY

Future planning for the Tank Stream is bestcarried out based on a thorough knowledge of theresource as a whole.

There is no up to date accurate survey andassessment of the fabric of the whole system.Available information tends to be fragmentary andincomplete. The following tools are required forstrategic planning and management:

• a surveyors map of the Tank Stream as awhole indicating changes in fabric types, and

• a survey and assessment of the fabric by asuitably qualified heritage professionalresulting in a significance assessment of thecultural significance of the various sectionsand fabrics represented

• map of property ownership

Although it is considered that an important aspectof the significance of the Tank Stream is theability of the enclosing fabric to demonstrate acomprehensive range of hydrological technology,clearly preservation and conservation of someperiods and representative sections of fabric ismore importantthan others.

It is preferable that any new work which isrequired is introduced to areas of low significance.Knowledge of location and significance istherefore crucial.

28


No comprehensivehistorical research

No systematic fabricdocumentation

Physical location notknown

Owners unaware

Public authoritiesunaware

Stream/Drain

Retention of route andfunction

Significance of formerroutes?

GODDENMACKAY

There has never been com prehensive anddefinitive historical research undertaken.

The fabric has not been systematicallydocumented.

Physical location within individual propertyboundaries is not known.

Owners are largely unaware of the location of theTank Stream and the extent of the curtilage, andthe applicable significance and statutory controls.

Public authorities such as Telstra, are also largelyunaware and can cause inadvertent damage.

The idea of the Tank Stream has to a large extenttranscended its current function as a storm waterdrain. However, in practice the storm waterfunction is current and paramount.

The continued use of what is primarily the originalstream route and continuity of function as awatercourse is also is an important aspect of thesignificance of the Tank Stream.

At least one map indicates a section of formerTank Stream route. There is some conflictbetween existing and former routes and theirsignificance and the appropriate treatment forformer routes should also be decided.

29


Interpretation & access

Accessibility conflictswith continuity offunction

Few sections suitable foraccess

The IDEA of the TankStream

GODDENMACKAY

There are limited sections of the Tank Streamwhere the configuration and fabric are suitable foraccess or for exposure These should beidentified and mapped at an early stage in theplanning of a strategy for management andinterpretation of the Tank Stream

The continued function of the Tank Stream as awater course has serious implications for the levelof access and interpretation that can be providedon site.

The IDEA of the Tank Stream is a very importantintangible aspect of its significance. An issueassociated with the importance of the id,ea is thatmany of the images associated with the idea,such as the romantic notion of a pastoral idyll priorto European settlement are not necessarilyauthentic.

30


Authenticity versuscommercialism

On site v offsiteinterpretation

Is public accessnecessary orappropriate?

Retention of historicalassociations and a highlevel ofpublicawareness

Archaeology

GODDENMACKAY

There is an ideological conflict between providinga low key authentic access experience, withprimary appeal to special interest groups and thecommercialisation of the access experience whichwould target a wider audience.

The popularity of off-site interpretation whichcannot benefit from the rarity mystery factor whichcurrently boosts interest is questionable.

Physical proximity and exposure to fabric isgenerally a more authentic experience.

The provision of pUblic access may not beappropriate at all depending on adequate safetyprovisions and stability of the structure.

It is important that the gradual submergence ofthe Tank Stream be appreciatec! as part of anongoing historical process. Continuity, retentionand interpretation of historical names andassociations is important.

There are a range of archaeological issuesassociated with the site. Clear guidelines arerequired for potential developments. It isimperative that the valuable information resourcebe conserved and/or recorded.

It is desirable that the process of developm entapproval and control be streamlined.

31

----------------------------------- -~... -

MANAGEMENT: AREAS TO BE ADDRESSED

• Ownership.

GODDENMACKAY

Retention of the current level of stability andintegrity is important.

There is a current state of equilibrium

The bricks are porous, the stream has a one totwo year return, which means the brickwork willseep after heavy rainfall

The effect of changing the environment byremoving topsoil is unknown

• effects of changeunknown

• porous bricks

Feasibility of exposingbrick vaulted sections?

• cu"entequilibrium

II'1I1I11I1I1IIII1I1II

• Legal status.

• Need for overall plan: Conservation Plan and survey of: route, fabric,construction type.

• Assessment of significance of fabric and construction type.

• Inform affected property owners and developers.

• Management approach for former sections of the Tank Stream route.

• Interpretation on and off site.

• Appropriate level of commercialism.

• Significance justifies the promotion of a high level of public awareness.

• Extent and coverage of the Permanent Conservation Order.

• Streamline archaeological requirements for developers.

• Structural stability.

32

IIIIIIIIIII

GODDENMACKAY

4.0 IDENTIFICATION OF FUTURE DIRECTIONS AND WORKREQUIRED

4.1 FUTURE DIRECTIONS

The preceding sections have established that the significance of the Tank Streamis at a National level and that the promotion of a high level of public awareness ofthe Tank Stream is appropriate. However, the significance of the whole is suchthat a piecemeal approach is inappropriate and an overall Conservation Plan,based on this study should be commissioned. An essential component of such astudy is a comprehensive survey and mapping of the Tank Stream identifying:

• research into the validity of the IDEA which is thought to be associated with theTank Stream;

• property boundaries;• changes in construction and fabric type;• relative significance;~ curtilage and affected corn ponents.

4.2 RECOMMENDATIONS

A copy of this study should be forwarded to the Heritage Council and to otherstakeholders.

Sydney City Council should act with great urgency to co-ordinate aConservation Management Plan for the Tank Stream as a whole as a priority.

In view of the continued and pressing development proposals for the City centrewhich impinge on the Tank Stream and its curtilage the followingrecommendations are made:

PRELIMINARY FINDINGS RELEVANT TO THE GPO SITE

33

Delineation of the route in streets and public spaces should be identifiable andconsistent.

A representative delineation of the stream route at the ground surface isdesirable.

The stability of the Tank Stream structure should be monitored during works.

•

•

•

4.3

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•

•

•

•

GODDENMACKAY

Delineation within individual buildings although it is desirable that it beconsistent with that in public spaces, can be individualised.

Interpretation of the Tank Stream at individual sites should include theevolution of the particular site in relation to the Tank Stream.

Exposure of the historic and aesthetic fabric of the Tank Stream, althoughdesirable should be subject to technical feasibility studies prior to approval.

It is desirable that interpretive spaces are provided as close to the actuallocation of the Tank Stream as is feasible. This will be refined as part of thePhase 1I work.

Supplementary assessment is required for the GPO site's physical fabric.

34


GODDENMACKAY

5.0 APPENDICES

APPENDIX A: PRELIMINARY POLICY, DRAFT TO DATE, FOR DISCUSSIONAPPENDIX B: TANK STREAM FABRIC

35


GODDENMACKAY

APPENDIX A

The policy as drafted to date is included for discussion purposes but is not yet ourdefinitive view.


GODDENMACKAY

POLICY

PREAMBLEThe following conservation policy sets out the guiding principles for future decisionmaking about the Tank Stream based on the cultural significance of the item.

The approach to the Tank Stream must be wholistic. An overriding interpretivephilosophy should be that wherever you go, you will be able to read the course ofthe Tank Stream at surface level.

PRIMARY OBJECTIVES OF THE CONSERVATION POLICYThe two primary objectives which arise as a result of the significance assessmentare:

• that the Tank Stream should continue to function as a watercourse

• that the high cultural significance of the Tank Stream entails a responsibility topromote public awareness and if possible provide access.

To some extent the above objectives are incompatible with each other and as aresult the planning and management of the Tank Stream must at all times besensitive.

GENERAL CONSERVATION POLICY STATEMENTThe Tank Stream is recognised as an item of outstanding cultural significance ofnational importance.

The Tank Stream and its curtilage should be managed in accordance with theguidelines and principles established by the Surra Charter of Australia ICOMOS.

From a conservation point of view it is desirable that the Tank Stream is in publicownership as a single entity.

It is important that the ownership of the Tank Stream is clarified and that allaffected property owners are made aware of the ownership of the Tank Streamand of their rights, role and responsibility in relation to it.

The Tank Stream should be retained and conserved as a functional watercourse.

The very high cultur;3.1 significance of the Tank Stream should be interpreted to thepublic.

Potential archaeological resources should be conserved.


GODDENMACKAY

FABRICFabric policies must respect gradings of relative significance.

GeneralFabric from all periods which makes up the structure enclosing the Tank Streamshould be retained and conserved unless there is an overriding practical orinterpretive reason for not doing so.

Damaged or defective fabric from otherwise intact sections should bereconstructed.

Physical intervention to existing significant fabric should be minimised

New fabricNew fabric may be introduced to the Tank Stream.

Retention of original fabric is preferable to introduction of new fabric.

Any new work undertaken which affects existing fabric, or introduces new fabric,should respect the current form, scale design, format and finish of adjacentsections of fabric.

Individual ElementsFabric of significant elements should be maintained, restored and missing fabricshould be reconstructed wherever possible.

Interior Fittings and FixturesInterior fixtures and fittings may be introduced for interpretive and operationalrequirements and should be reversible where possible.

Fixtures and fittings should be designed or selected to respect the existing fabricand visual qualities of the spaces they will inhabit whether it is the Tank Streaminterior or adjoining spaces.

Insertion of fixtures and fittings should be reversible where possible.

INTERPRETATIONThe very high significance of the Tank Stream justifies the maintenance of a highlevel of public awareness of the Tank Stream, its location and significance.

All aspects of the cultural significance of the Tank Stream should be interpreted tothe public.

Additional off-site interpretation should be promoted.

A long term interpretive strategy should be prepared for the Tank Stream.

GODDENMACKAY

.. this policy requires development of a long term interpretive strategy for theTank Stream;

this policy provides for interpretation of the Tank Stream by a range ofmeasures;

implementation of the policy will require co-operation between Sydney Water,bUilding owners and potential developers and public authorities;

this policy also provides for preservation, restoration and reconstruction offabric without precluding the option of new work, alteration and adaptation;

this policy requires that the Tank Stream continues to function as awatercourse;

.. the policy encourages the development of appropriate public access tosections of the Tank Stream and of commercial tourist ventures by developersin co-operation with Sydney Water.

.. this policy recognises that promotion of a high level of public awareness of theTank Stream is required by the very high significance of the Tank Stream;

..

..

..

CONSEQUENCES OF THE CONSERVATION POLICYAdoption and implementation of the above conservation policy will have thefollowing consequences:

Development of interpretative experiences both on and off site should beencouraged.

Development of public areas associated with the Tank Stream should beencouraged.

Public access to safe, trafficable sections of the Tank Stream should beencouraged.


IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII·1I.

APPENDIX B: TANK STREAM FABRIC

III

~ROPOLITAN WATER, SEWERAGE, AND DRAINAGE BOARD, SYDNEY

TANK STREAM TRAVERSE

Section A - B (from Angel Place to the rear of Commercial Unlon House):Constructed in 1866 (Contract *30) with minor alterations in 1878 (Old Council

Plan 1114).Brick oviform: 1.22 m. high x 0.81 m. wide (4'-0" x 2'-8") approx. 100 m. long.

In conjunction with its routine maintenance programme the Board sometimesanges traverses of the section of the Tank Stream between a manhole in Angel

~::ce, Sydney, and the interception chamber in Pitt Street near Crane Place.:artlcipation in one of these inspections is on the understanding that, whilstche Board takes every precaution against forseeable injury, all persons enteringthe Board's structures (including the Tank Stream Stormwater Channel) do so

entirely at their own risk.

IIII

For the benefit ofshowing its relationshipbeen prepared. Changesletters 'A' to 'M'. The

interested persons a scale plan of the Tank Stream,to various streets and buildings on the 3urface, has

in shape of the structure have been marked by thefollowing is the key to the plan:

ISection B - C (at the rear of Commercial Unio~ House):Originally constructed in 1878 and relaid in January 1962.Concrete pipe: 1.S0 m. (S'-O") dla. - approx.' 28.3 m. long.

Section 0 - E (co the manhole in Hunter Street):Constructed in 187A (Old Councll Plan # 289).Brick oviform: 1.37 m. high x 0.91 m. wide (4'-6" x 3'-0"), approx. 37 m. long.

Section C - 0 (at the rear of 10S - 107 Pitt Streetl:Originally c,;nstruct~d in Ul78 and relaid in 19S8 (W.O. 12000).Steel pipe: 1.37 m. (4'-6") dia. approx. 11.7 m. long.

Sections E - F and F - G (along Hamilton Street South) :Constructed in 1860 by the City Council, there are no early plans extant.Stone channel: 1.S2 m. high x 3.0S m. wide (S'-O" x 10'-0") of varying shape

approx. 39 m. in length.

Section H - J (through thE- basement of the "New Zeiiland Insurance" Building):This deviation was constructed in 1975 (W.O. Ai13l6). A further section ofHamilton Street w~s closed to permi~he erection of the third home of theSydney Stock ·Exchange. This section of the Tank Stream forms an aqueduct

through the basement of the building.Reinfdrced concrete box section: 1.83 m. high x 1.22 m. wide (6'-0" x 4'-O")

forming an aqueduct approx. S3 m. long.

approx.

of theof the

4'-0")x(6' -0"

site, to Bond Street) :1612S) through the site

Society to permit closure

Section G - H (through the "Australia Square"This deviation was constructed in 1965 (W.O.original Head Office building of the A.M.P.central section of Hamilton Street.Concrete box section: 1.83 m. high x 1.22 m. wide88.6 m. long.

IIIIII

IIIII

Section J - K (along the northern section of Hamilton Street, which is now known

as Tank Stream Way) :Constructed in 1860 by the City Council. Again, no .early plans are available.Stone arch construction: 1.52 m. high x 3.05 m. wide (S'-O" x 10'-0")

approx.~.4 m. long.

Section K - L (at the corner of Bridge Street and Tank Stream Way) :Constructed in 1878 (Old Council Plan # 267).A transition se~n between the stone channel and the brick oviform sections

approx. 10 m. long.

Section L - M (from Bridge Street to the interceptlon chamber in pitt Street at

Crane Place) :Constructed in 1878 (Old Council Plan *267) this deviation brought the TankStream out of its old, natural course into the middle of Pitt Street and underwhat ultimately became the tram-lines. A little more than half-way along thissection a manhole has been offset to the east, clear of the old tram-lines.Bock oviform: 1.68 m. high x 1.12 m. wide (S'-6" x 3'-8") approx. 172 m.

long.

lE. " o. E. J

II

davince tools generated - university of sydney

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