statement of heritage impact - north sydney council · statement of heritage impact access upgrade...

STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT ACCESS UPGRADE AND BUILDING REFURBISHMENT

PRIMROSE PARK ART AND CRAFTS CENTRE Matora Lane, CREMORNE NSW 2090 DRAFT 9 DEC 2016

NBRS & PARTNERS Pty Ltd Level 3, 4 Glen Street Milsons Point NSW 2061 Australia Telephone +61 2 9922 2344 - Facsimile +61 2 9922 1308 ABN: 16 002 247 565 Nominated Architects Geoffrey Deane: Reg No. 3766; Andrew Duffin: Reg No. 5602; Garry Hoddinett: Reg No 5286 This report has been prepared under the guidance of the Expert Witness Code of Conduct in the Uniform Civil Procedure Rules and the provisions relating to expert evidence This document remains the property of NBRS & PARTNERS Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the purposes for which it was produced. Unauthorised use of the document in any form whatsoever is prohibited.

ISSUED REVIEW ISSUED BY 9 December 2016 Draft issued for comment Pamela Jeffery

STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT - 16658 Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre, Matora Lane Cremorne NSW 2090 P:\16\16658\400_Documentation\01_Reports\20161202_Statement of Heritage Impact.docx

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PRIMROSE PARK ART AND CRAFT CENTRE

MATORA LANE, CREMORNE, NSW 2090

CONTENTS

1.0 INTRODUCTION .................................................................................................................................................... 1

1.1 Background ......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.2 Requirements for this report ............................................................................................................ 1 1.3 Methodology ....................................................................................................................................... 1 1.4 Site location ......................................................................................................................................... 1 1.5 Authorship ........................................................................................................................................... 3 1.6 Sources ................................................................................................................................................ 3 1.7 Acknowledgements ........................................................................................................................... 4

2.0 DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE .................................................................................................................................. 5

3.0 DESCRIPTION ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

3.1 Generally ............................................................................................................................................ 12 3.2 Exterior Description ......................................................................................................................... 12 3.3 Previous Modifications to the Building ........................................................................................ 14 3.4 Internal Description .......................................................................................................................... 15 3.5 Views .................................................................................................................................................. 17

4.0 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT ..................................................................................................................... 20

4.1 Heritage listings ................................................................................................................................ 20 4.2 Heritage significance ....................................................................................................................... 20 4.3 Description of the Proposed Works .............................................................................................. 21 4.4 Compliance with the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013 .................................... 21 4.5 Compliance with the North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013 ................................... 22 4.6 Compliance with the NSW Heritage Guidelines ......................................................................... 24

4.6.1 Minor partial demolition (including internal elements) ............................................................. 25 4.6.2 New development adjacent to a heritage item .......................................................................... 26 4.6.3 New services ..................................................................................................................................... 27 4.6.4 Minor Landscape Works and features (including Carparks and Fences) ............................. 27

5.0 CONCLUSIONS .................................................................................................................................................... 29

5.1 Generally ............................................................................................................................................ 29 5.2 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 29

6.0 APPENDICES ...................................................................................................................................................... 30

6.1 NSW State Heritage Inventory Listing .......................................................................................... 30 6.1.1 (Former) Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works ......................................................................... 30 6.1.2 Primrose Park ................................................................................................................................... 33 6.1.3 Willoughby Falls remains ................................................................................................................ 36


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LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 - Aerial view of the subject site showing its context within Primrose Park. The subject building is outlined in red (Source: NSW Land & Property Information, SIX Maps) ........................................................................... 2

Figure 2 – Aerial view showing the location of the Primrose Park Art and Crafts Centre and the adjacent ramp. (Source: NSW Land & Property Information, SIX Maps, annotated by NBRSArchitecture November 2016) ............ 2

Figure 3 - Location of the subject site at Primrose Park, Cremorne. (Source: NSW Land & Property Information, SIX Maps, November 2016) ....................................................................................................................................................... 3

Figure 4 - View of Primrose Park during the period 1939-45 when the site was used by No. 2 Australian Ordnance Small Craft park. (Source: Australian War Memorial, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/088557/) .. 6

Figure 5 – View to Willoughby Bay Works, 1913. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF660/1) ....................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Figure 6 - Engine House, Willoughby Bay, c1913. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF662) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Figure 7 – Willoughby Bay Works, c1900. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF660) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Figure 8 – Willoughby Bay Works, pre-1903. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF779) ........................................................................................................................................................................................... 7

Figure 9 – Sludge drying bed and engine house, Willoughby Bay Works, c1912. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF661) .................................................................................................................................. 7

Figure 10 – Septic tanks at Willoughby Bay Works, 1918. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF332) .............................................................................................................................................................. 7

Figure 11 – Former engine house buildings, Primrose Park, 1980. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF CPF13/8) .......................................................................................................................................... 8

Figure 12 - Former engine house buildings, Primrose Park, c1989. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF CPF252) ............................................................................................................................................ 8

Figure 13 – East elevation prior to the construction of a bridge and adaptation of a window as a door to provide an exit from the mezzanine level. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983) ....................................................... 8

Figure 14 – North elevation. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983) ....................................................... 8

Figure 15 – South elevation. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983) ....................................................... 9

Figure 16 – West elevation. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983) ....................................................... 9


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Figure 17 – Lower level plan of the subject building (outlined in red). (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Figure 18 – Upper level plan of the subject building (outlined in red). (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983) ................................................................................................................................................................................. 10

Figure 19 – Section B-B though the subject building. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983). ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 11

Figure 20 – View of the east elevation of the Primrose Park Arts and Crafts Centre. The primary entry is indicated by the red arrow. ..................................................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 21 – Primary entry to the Arts and Crafts building from the east. Primrose Park located immediately to the north on the lower ground level. ..................................................................................................................................... 12

Figure 22 – Southeast corner of the building with the narrow space between the building and the concrete base of the adjacent car park. ......................................................................................................................................................... 13

Figure 23 – Southern elevation showing infilled windows and original sandstone window sills which have been retained. The carpark is seen in the distance. .................................................................................................................... 13

Figure 24 – Infilled windows on the southeast elevation with graffiti. .......................................................................... 13

Figure 25 – Detail of the sandstone sill on the southeast elevation. ............................................................................ 13

Figure 26 – Northwest elevation as seen from the park. Original window openings have been partially replaced with timber panels. ................................................................................................................................................................... 13

Figure 27 – Narrow lightwell formed between the retaining wall of the Matora Lane car park and the northeast side of the Arts and Crafts building. ..................................................................................................................................... 13

Figure 28 - Existing ramp to be replaced to suit the timber floor level .......................................................................... 14

Figure 29 – View from the mezzanine level looking southeast, showing the surviving original roof framing. ...... 15

Figure 30 – Detail of handrail located at mezzanine level. Note the steel rail associated with the previous travelling gantry retained in situ (behind railing). ............................................................................................................... 15

Figure 31 – Surviving steel rail retained in situ along the northeast wall supported by brick pilasters. ................. 16

Figure 32 – Timber staircase installed 1990/91 leading up to the mezzanine level. ................................................. 16

Figure 33 – Southwest wall as seen at the bottom of the cast iron timber staircase. Original window opening has been infilled. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 16

Figure 34 – View looking northwest towards the mezzanine level. ............................................................................... 16

Figure 35 – East elevation showing typical brick infill to original openings. ................................................................ 16

Figure 36 – West elevation with infilled openings. ............................................................................................................ 16


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Figure 37 – Original timber doors on the north which leads out to Primrose Park. Note the timber floor, installed in 1990/91, is approximately 400mm above the original concrete floor finish. .......................................................... 17

Figure 38 – View of the ground floor entrance space showing the plasterboard ceiling and cornice. ................... 17

Figure 39 – View showing the existing non-significant kitchen fitout door openings dating from 1990/91 or later. ..................................................................................................................................................................................................... 17

Figure 40 – Lower ground level of the original male change rooms located in the building adjacent (south) to the Arts and Crafts Centre showing brick infill panels constructed c1970.. ....................................................................... 17

Figure 41 - View of the northeast elevation of the Primrose Park Arts and Craft Centre from the Matora Lane carpark. Source: Google Street Views, 5 December 2016. .............................................................................................. 18

Figure 42 - View of the upper level of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre looking west from Matora Lane. Source: Google Street View, 5 December 2016. ................................................................................................................. 18

Figure 43 - The northwest elevation of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre. Source: NBRSArchitecture, November 2016. ....................................................................................................................................................................... 19

Figure 44 - Extract from map ___ attached to North Sydney Council LEP showing the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works and Primrose Park. Source: North Sydney Council. ......................................................................... 20

DRAFT STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT - 16658 Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre, Matora Lane Cremorne NSW 2090 P:\16\16658\400_Documentation\01_Reports\20161202_Statement of Heritage Impact.docx

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1.0 INTRODUCTION 1.1 BACKGROUND

This Statement of Heritage Impact was commissioned by North Sydney Council to accompany a development application for minor upgrading and refurbishment works to Primrose Park Art and Crafts Centre. The building is identified as a heritage item on Schedule 5 attached to the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013 (LEP). Under Clause 5.10 of the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013 the consent authority may ‘…require a heritage management document to be prepared that assesses the extent to which the carrying out of the proposed development would affect the heritage significance of the heritage item or conservation area concerned.’ This statement refers specifically to the scheme shown in the following drawings prepared by Figgis + Jefferson Tepa Pty Ltd:

Drawing No. 3579 SK 100, Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre: Site Plan. Issue A, dated 23/11/2016.

Drawing No. 3579 SK 110, Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre: Ground Floor Plan. Issue D, dated 23/11/2016.

Drawing No. 3579 SK 111, Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre: Upper Entry Level. Issue D, dated 23/11/2016.

Drawing No. 3579 SK 112, Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre: Upper Entry Level. Issue C, dated 23/11/2016.

Drawing No. 3579 SK 200, Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre: Elevations. Issue D, dated 23/11/2016.

Drawing No. 3579 SK 300, Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre: Sections. Issue D, dated 23/11/2016.

This assessment of heritage impacts has also taken into consideration:

North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013 North Sydney Development Control Plan 2013

1.2 REQUIREMENTS FOR THIS REPORT

The main objective of this Statement of Heritage Impact is to determine the suitability of the design and the heritage impact of the proposal in relation to the provisions established by North Sydney Council and by the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage, Heritage Branch guidelines.

1.3 METHODOLOGY

This report generally follows the format outlined in the document titled Statements of Heritage Impact published by the NSW Heritage Office and the NSW Department of Planning (2002). The terms fabric, place, preservation, reconstruction, restoration, adaptation and conservation used throughout this report have the meaning given them in The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter) 2013.

1.4 SITE LOCATION

The site is situated in the southeast section of Primrose Park, accessed via Matora Lane, off Young Street, Cremorne. The subject site is located within Lot 7136 DP1071218 (Parish of Willoughby, County of Cumberland). Refer to Figure 1and Figure 2Error! Reference source not found..


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Figure 1 - Aerial view of the subject site showing its context within Primrose Park. The subject building is outlined in red (Source: NSW Land & Property Information, SIX Maps)

Figure 2 – Aerial view showing the location of the Primrose Park Art and Crafts Centre and the adjacent ramp. (Source: NSW Land & Property Information, SIX Maps, annotated by NBRSArchitecture November 2016)


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Figure 3 - Location of the subject site at Primrose Park, Cremorne. (Source: NSW Land & Property Information, SIX Maps, November 2016)

1.5 AUTHORSHIP

The following staff of NBRSARCHITECTURE were involved in the production of this report:

Pam Jeffery, Senior Heritage Specialist/Architect Abigail Cohen, Heritage Consultant Léonie Masson, Historian

Photographs and illustrations used throughout this report were prepared by NBRSARCHITECTURE unless otherwise noted.

1.6 SOURCES The main documentary sources consulted in the research for this report are listed below:

Mitchell Library: State Library of NSW o PICMAN search engine

National Library of Australia o TROVE search engine

NSW Department of Finance and Services (Land and Property Information) Sydney Water Plan Room North Sydney Council - Local Studies Library


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1.7 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS The Author gratefully acknowledges the assistance of the following people in the preparation of this report:

Mr Martin Ellis, Director Community & Library Services, North Sydney Council Ms Robyn Chee, Architect, Figgis + Jefferson Tepa Pty Ltd


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2.0 DOCUMENTARY EVIDENCE This park is named after a former Mayor of North Sydney, Hubert Leslie Primrose (1926-32). Mayor Primrose was a former NSW Minister for Health. (M.L.A.1932-1941). By the middle of the 19th century, Sydney’s outfall sewers drained stormwater and sewage into the harbour. In 1873 a Sewerage and Health Board was formed to propose a sewerage scheme for Sydney and its suburbs. By 1890, there was an ocean outfall at Bondi and a sewerage farm at Botany servicing the southern shore of the Harbour. However, North Shore waste still flowed into the Harbour. The growing suburban population of Willoughby, Mosman and North Sydney required a better method of treating sewage. A scheme was first proposed in 1886 for a system to serve the North Sydney area with an outfall treatment works on vacant land in Willoughby Bay. By 1891, two hectares of Crown land were appropriated at the head of the Bay, with a further 2.6 hectares reclaimed by dredging. It was the first sewerage treatment farm on the North Shore. Initially sewage from the North Sydney area and surrounding suburbs flowed to the Works through 38km of pipes and was pumped into five open precipitating (settling) tanks having been dosed with lime. After settling was complete, the clarified liquid was run off via the effluent channel and distributed over the trickling sand filter beds. The sand filter beds were constructed on the site of the present playing fields. The remaining sludge was dried, compressed and burnt in a furnace (hence the chimney). The ash was used for fill. During its years of operation, the works underwent numerous alterations and additions to cope with the population growth of the area. As more subdivisions were proposed for North Sydney there was a need for increased capacity in the treatment works. By the early 1900s septic tanks which did not require the expense of lime dosing and fuel burning replaced precipitating tanks. In 1901, the sand filter beds were planted with crops primarily to hasten the breakdown of the sewage. The present tennis courts are located on the original covered settling tanks. Encroaching suburban development led to increasing complaints over the smell emanating from the works. In 1919, the trustees of the Cooper Estate which owned much of the surrounding land took Equity Court proceedings against the Metropolitan Board of Water Supply and Sewerage which operated the plant. An injunction was issued against the Board which was ordered not to create any nuisance, severely curtailing any potential expansion of the plant. In 1920, the chimney was demolished to make way for a Compressor House built in 1922. Compressed air was added to the tanks to hasten decomposition. These operations ceased in 1926 after construction of the Northern Suburbs Ocean Outfall Sewer to North Head (Manly). The Willoughby Bay Works closed in 1927. In 1930, the Department of Lands leased the site to North Sydney Municipal Council for recreational purposes. At this date, the filter beds were transformed into playing fields and the buildings turned over to community use. The Compressor House was used as a scout hall from 1938 to 1984. The Engine House became a hockey club; Primrose Park was the premier hockey field in NSW in the 1960s and 1970s. In 1987 funding was obtained to renovate the old buildings. The Primrose Park Art & Craft Centre opened in 1991. The centre has a thriving paper arts program, including papermaking, calligraphy, bookbinding and photography and art gallery.1

1 “North Sydney History Walk : From Bushland to Parkland”, North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, 2009, file:///C:/Users/leonie.masson/Downloads/From_bushland_to_parkland%20(3).pdf, viewed 25 October 2016


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Figure 4 - View of Primrose Park during the period 1939-45 when the site was used by No. 2 Australian Ordnance Small Craft park. (Source: Australian War Memorial, https://www.awm.gov.au/collection/088557/)


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Figure 5 – View to Willoughby Bay Works, 1913. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF660/1)

Figure 6 - Engine House, Willoughby Bay, c1913. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF662)

Figure 7 – Willoughby Bay Works, c1900. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF660)

Figure 8 – Willoughby Bay Works, pre-1903. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF779)

Figure 9 – Sludge drying bed and engine house, Willoughby Bay Works, c1912. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF661)

Figure 10 – Septic tanks at Willoughby Bay Works, 1918. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF PF332)


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Figure 11 – Former engine house buildings, Primrose Park, 1980. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF CPF13/8)

Figure 12 - Former engine house buildings, Primrose Park, c1989. (Source: North Sydney Heritage Centre Stanton Library, LH REF CPF252)

Figure 13 – East elevation prior to the construction of a bridge and adaptation of a window as a door to provide an exit from the mezzanine level. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983)

Figure 14 – North elevation. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983)


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Figure 15 – South elevation. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983)

Figure 16 – West elevation. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983)


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Figure 17 – Lower level plan of the subject building (outlined in red). (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983)

Figure 18 – Upper level plan of the subject building (outlined in red). (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983)


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Figure 19 – Section B-B though the subject building. (Source: Mary Knaggs and Maude Lazzarotto, Conservation and Restoration Programme Report on Willoughby Bay Sewerage Works at Primrose Park, 1983).


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3.0 DESCRIPTION 3.1 GENERALLY

The subject building was constructed in 1922 as the Compressor House to complement the Engine House and the Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works. The Treatment Works were closed in 1926, and the Compressor House was used as a scout hall from 1938 to 1984. During the 1960s and 70s Primrose Park was used as a hockey venue, with the former Engine House adapted as change rooms and a clubhouse for the hockey club and the Compressor House adapted as a Scout Hall. A mezzanine level was installed in the subject building prior to 1983. In 1987/88 funding assistance, under the National Estate Grant Programme, was made available to assist with the conservation and adaptation of the building for use as a community arts and craft centre. The roof was re-placed by October 1988, and the following year tenders were called for alterations, additions and refurbishment of the building. The Primrose Park Art & Craft Centre opened in 1991. The subject building forms the northernmost building in the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment complex. It was constructed in 1922, and ceased operations some four years later. The main entrance to the building was through double doors at ground level (Primrose Park level), a new entrance was constructed in 1990 to facilitate access from the Matora Lane carpark to the mezzanine located at the western section of the building.

3.2 EXTERIOR DESCRIPTION

The building at Primrose Park comprises a double height face brick building with a hipped roof with an awning extending towards the rear facing south. The main entry is from the east with the mezzanine level as the main point of entry.

Figure 21 – Primary entry to the Arts and Crafts building from the east. Primrose Park located immediately to the north on the lower ground level.

Figure 20 – View of the east elevation of the Primrose Park Arts and Crafts Centre. The primary entry is indicated by the red arrow.


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Figure 22 – Southeast corner of the building with the narrow space between the building and the concrete base of the adjacent car park.

Figure 23 – Southern elevation showing infilled windows and original sandstone window sills which have been retained. The carpark is seen in the distance.

Figure 24 – Infilled windows on the southeast elevation with graffiti.

Figure 25 – Detail of the sandstone sill on the southeast elevation.

Figure 26 – Northwest elevation as seen from the park. Original window openings have been partially replaced with timber panels.

Figure 27 – Narrow lightwell formed between the retaining wall of the Matora Lane car park and the northeast side of the Arts and Crafts building.


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Figure 28 - Existing ramp to be replaced to suit the timber floor level

3.3 PREVIOUS MODIFICATIONS TO THE BUILDING

Equipment associated with the former use of the building as a Compressor House was removed prior to 1990/91, except for two rails located above attached columns on the north and south walls, that were part of an overhead travelling crane. Documentary evidence indicates the original roof was finished with terra cotta tiles. The double-storey interior of the building was adapted in 1990/91 to suit community clubs within the North Sydney area including print making, paper making and photography. Previous modifications to the building and its setting are summarised as follows:

Date Modification 1922 Compressor House (now known as the Art and Craft Centre) constructed as an

addition to the Engine House, complementing the Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works.

c1926 Removal of equipment located within building. 1930 The site acquired by North Sydney Municipal Council and works undertaken to

convert the area to a public park. 1932-c1939

Primrose Park leased by the NRMA to accommodate campers. Initially established to accommodate motorists visiting from the country for the opening of Sydney Harbour Bridge.

1939-44 Park used as a military reserve during World War 2 by No. 2 Australian Ordnance Small Craft Park

1950s Primrose park used as football fields 1960s Primrose Park used as the focus for competitive hockey activities in

metropolitan Sydney c1965 Adaptation of building as scout hall including:

a) Construction of timber floor 400mm above original concrete floor. b) Mezzanine floor constructed at western end of space with dark room,

lavatory and kitchen spaces underneath. c) Windows in northwest and southeast wall infilled with brick. d) Suspended lighting installed. e) Door constructed in south wall and bridge constructed linking the upper

level with the Matora Lane carpark. 1988 Building re-roofed. 1990/91 Works undertaken:

a) Brick infill in some windows removed and replaced with timber panelling. b) Repair of timber floor; installation of vinyl floor finishes to kitchen and dark

room floors. c) Construction of new stair to (northwest) mezzanine level.


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d) Construction of storage units; kitchen fitout e) Installation of floor tiles in lavatory space. f) Installation of compressed cement sheet and vinyl to wet area floor. g) Construction of concrete paving adjacent to northwest elevation. h) New mezzanine proposed for southeast section of building (not

constructed).

3.4 INTERNAL DESCRIPTION

The internal layout features a mezzanine level at the northwest section of the space located over the ground floor entrance to Primrose Park. The area below the mezzanine floor accommodates a kitchen, lavatory, darkroom and a centrally located entrance. The ceiling is formed by the underside of the roof and a skylight located over the main ridge. Original detail includes steel trusses supporting the hipped and gabled roof, with steel beams supported by the brick pilasters along the north and south elevations. Walls present as painted stretcher bond brickwork with engaged columns supporting the surviving steel rails for the original travelling gantry (now removed). A number of window openings were bricked in in the 1960s when the building was adapted for community uses and to accommodate the scout hall. Documentary evidence indicates the existing external timber doors were installed as part of the upgrading works carried out in 1990/91. The two-storey volume is illuminated by suspended fluorescent lights and pendants installed in the 1960s or later. A section of the original concrete floor is visible inside the northwest entrance door, although most of the original floor is concealed by a timber floor installed in the 1960s. The timber floor is approximately 400mm above the original floor and is now used to enable services to be inserted without further damage to original fabric. The new floor level has resulted in two steps at the ground level entrance.

Figure 29 – View from the mezzanine level looking southeast, showing the surviving original roof framing.

Figure 30 – Detail of handrail located at mezzanine level. Note the steel rail associated with the previous travelling gantry retained in situ (behind railing).


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Figure 31 – Surviving steel rail retained in situ along the northeast wall supported by brick pilasters.

Figure 32 – Timber staircase installed 1990/91 leading up to the mezzanine level.

Figure 33 – Southwest wall as seen at the bottom of the cast iron timber staircase. Original window opening has been infilled.

Figure 34 – View looking northwest towards the mezzanine level.

Figure 35 – East elevation showing typical brick infill to original openings.

Figure 36 – West elevation with infilled openings.


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3.5 VIEWS

Significant views to the former Compressor House (now known as the Art and Craft Centre) are:

a) looking east from Primrose Park; and b) looking southwest from Matora Lane and Matora Lane carpark.

Figure 37 – Original timber doors on the north which leads out to Primrose Park. Note the timber floor, installed in 1990/91, is approximately 400mm above the original concrete floor finish.

Figure 38 – View of the ground floor entrance space showing the plasterboard ceiling and cornice.

Figure 39 – View showing the existing non-significant kitchen fitout door openings dating from 1990/91 or later.

Figure 40 – Lower ground level of the original male change rooms located in the building adjacent (south) to the Arts and Crafts Centre showing brick infill panels constructed c1970..


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Figure 41 - View of the northeast elevation of the Primrose Park Arts and Craft Centre from the Matora Lane carpark. Source: Google Street Views, 5 December 2016.

Figure 42 - View of the upper level of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre looking west from Matora Lane. Source: Google Street View, 5 December 2016.


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Figure 43 - The northwest elevation of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre. Source: NBRSArchitecture, November 2016.


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4.0 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 4.1 HERITAGE LISTINGS

The Primrose Park Arts and Crafts building is included in the heritage listing for the Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works, heritage item (No. I0081) on Schedule 5 attached to the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013, and is protected under the NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979, as amended. The subject building is located within Primrose Park, which is also listed as a heritage item (No. I0082) on Schedule 5 attached to the North Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2013.

Figure 44 - Extract from map ___ attached to North Sydney Council LEP showing the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works and Primrose Park. Source: North Sydney Council.

4.2 HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE

The statements of significance contained in the NSW State Heritage Inventory (Database No. 2181095 and Database No. 2181138) have been adopted as the basis of this assessment. They state:


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Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works (Database No. 2181095) This is the last remaining site in Sydney to demonstrate the layout and scope of some of the original works which include one major sewage farm, which dealt with much of the effluent of the rapidly growing suburban areas of Sydney in the late nineteenth-early twentieth century, and which were not served by direct harbour or ocean out-falls. Primrose Park remains are both massive and in good order. The site demonstrates the successful rehabilitation and re-use of a redundant industrial site for continuing community purposes.

Primrose Park (Database No. 2181138) Primrose Park is located in an aesthetically pleasing valley setting, and is edged with semi-natural vegetation. The park contains unusual industrial structures which have been conserved by adaptation for new uses. The ‘reclamation’ of the headwaters of harbour bays is no longer a socially acceptable activity.

The heritage-listed ‘Willoughby Falls remains’ form part of Primrose Park. The remains are identified as an item (No. I0083) of local significance on Schedule 5 attached to the LEP. The remains are located off Grafton Street, and run along the northwest side of the park. They are physically separated from the former Compressor House (Art and Craft Centre) and not affected by the proposed works.

4.3 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSED WORKS The works are limited to the construction of a new entrance and passenger lift to provide equitable access between the Matora Lane level and ground level within the Primrose Park Arts and Craft Centre, and associated works including:

i. Adaptation of existing ramp located to the west of the Primrose Park art and Crafts Centre;

ii. Demolition of existing mezzanine structure, removal of existing fixtures and fitments; iii. Construction of new mezzanine at eastern section of building with exhibition spaces,

lift, stairs, lavatory facilities, kitchenette and darkroom; iv. Construction of new accessible entrance from Matora Lane to upper level of new

mezzanine; v. Restoration/reconstruction of windows in east elevation; vi. Adaptation of existing services to suit the new internal configuration of the building; vii. Internal painting; and viii. Adaptation/repair of existing hard and soft landscaping to suit new entrance at

mezzanine level. The works are shown in the drawings listed in Section 1.1 of this report.

4.4 COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH SYDNEY LOCAL ENVIRONMENTAL PLAN 2013

PROVISION COMMENT Part 5, Clause 5.10 (5) Heritage Assessment The consent authority may, before granting consent to any development: a) on land on which a heritage item is located, or b) on land that is within a heritage conservation

area, or c) on land that is within the vicinity of land

referred to in paragraph (a) or (b),

This Statement of Heritage Impact was prepared to fulfil this requirement.


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require a heritage management document to be prepared that assesses the extent to which the carrying out of the proposed development would affect the heritage significance of the heritage item or heritage conservation area concerned.

4.5 COMPLIANCE WITH THE NORTH SYDNEY DEVELOPMENT CONTROL PLAN 2013 PROVISION COMMENT SECTION 13 – HERITAGE & CONSERVATION 13.4 Development in the Vicinity of Heritage Items P1. Respect and respond to the curtilage,

setbacks, form, scale and style of the heritage item in the design and siting of new work.

The works would not increase the heritage impacts of the existing building within Primrose Park. The proposed external works are limited to: a) the construction of a new entrance on the

southeast elevation to provide an equitable entrance directly accessible for the Matora Lane car park;

b) demolition of the existing non-significant bridge linking Matora Lane car park and the northeast elevation; and

c) removal of timber panels and restoration/reconstruction of windows located on the northwest elevation to enhance the appearance of the building.

P2. Maintain significant public domain views to

and from the heritage item. There would be no significant change to views within Primrose Park or to and from the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre as a result of this application. Proposed reconstruction of windows in the northwest elevation are intended to enhance the appearance of the building in views within Primrose Park generally.

P3. Ensure compatibility with the orientation and alignment of the heritage item.

The works are generally contained within the existing building envelope of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre and would not affect the alignment of the heritage item. The proposed new entrance at the upper level (southeast elevation) would enable equitable entry from Matora Lane.

P4. Provide an adequate area around the heritage item to allow for its interpretation.

There would be no change to the heritage curtilage or the legal boundary of the Primrose Park Art and Craft centre or Primrose Park generally as a result of this application. Existing views to and from the Art and Craft Centre and with Primrose Park would be maintained, and enhance by the removal of timber panels from windows located on the southwest elevation of the subject building.


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P5. Retain original or significant landscape features that are associated with the heritage item or that contribute to its setting.

The works contained in this application would not affect significant landscape features within Primrose Park. External works would be limited to the adaptation and extension of an existing ramp to provide access to the ground level of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre. Those works would be low level to minimise adverse views to the façade of the Art and Crafts Building.

P6. Protect and allow interpretation of archaeological features (as appropriate and relevant).

No known archaeological features would be affected by the proposed works. The Art and Crafts Centre is part of the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works, and is included in existing signage for the whole precinct. In the event unforeseen relics are discovered during the works, specialist advice would be sought before proceeding. New finds that shed light on the history and use of the building would be photographed and interpreted to the satisfaction of the consent authority.

13.5 Heritage Items 13.5.1 Protecting heritage significance P1. Retain features (including landscape

features) that contribute to the significance of the item.

The proposed works would not involve the removal or adaptation of any significant feature within Primrose Park or within the subject building. Evidence of two former windows in the southeast elevation would be partially removed by the construction of a new entrance. The works would involve the removal of two sandstone sills. The sandstone lintels would be retained to assist visitors to understand the original configuration of the former Compressor House. The sandstone sills removed would be salvaged for future reuse on site where possible.

P2. Remove unsympathetic elements, especially where substantial changes are proposed to a heritage item, and there is potential for an improved heritage outcome.

The existing bridge linking the car park with the upper level of north elevation would be demolished and the window reconstructed to match adjacent windows. This action would enhance the appearance of the Art and Craft centre in views looking south from the Matora Lane car park.

P3. New work is to be consistent with setback, massing, form and scale of the significant features of the heritage item.

The proposed works would be located within the existing building envelope of the Primrose Park Arts and Crafts Centre and would not alter the massing form and scale of the existing building. Minor works would include the construction of a new entrance directly from Matora Lane and a ramp leading to the ground floor level of the existing building.


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P4. Retain significant fabric, features or parts of the heritage item that represent key periods of the item’s history or development.

Original equipment, associated with the building’s previous use and a Compressor House, was stripped out of the subject building in the 1920s and 30s. The surviving rails located on the north and south walls would be retained in situ to assist in the interpretation of the history of the building.

P5. Locate change away from original areas of the heritage item that are intact. For example, where a building’s significance is related to the front of a building, locate new work to the rear.

Changes to the exterior of the Art and Craft Centre building are located on the east elevation, to avoid adverse visual impacts on the principal views to the north and west elevations. Windows would be restored on the west and north elevations and the existing bridge linking the upper level of the mezzanine with the Matora Lana car park would be demolished to enhance existing views to the north elevation of the building.

P6. All works are to be consistent with an adopted Conservation Management Plan/s where applicable.

There is no conservation management plan for the building or Primrose Park generally.

4.6 COMPLIANCE WITH THE NSW HERITAGE GUIDELINES

The following assessment of this application is based on the guidelines set out by the NSW Heritage Office (now Heritage Branch of the Department of Environment and Heritage) publication ‘Statements of Heritage Impact’, 2002. The standard format has been adapted to suit the circumstances of this application. The following aspects of the proposal respect or enhance the heritage significance of the item or conservation area for the following reasons:

Internal demolition works are limited to non-significant fabric. The removal of timber panelling from the northwest elevation of the former Compressor

House will enhance the appearance and understanding of the original building design. The rails located against the northeast, surviving evidence of the former travelling gantry,

would be, retained in situ to assist visitors to appreciate the history of the building. The following aspects of the proposal could detrimentally impact on heritage significance. The reasons are explained as well as the measures to be taken to minimise impacts: The works would include the removal of sandstone sills associated with two former

windows in the southeast elevation. Documentary evidence indicates a door was designed for that space in 1990/91 and that is supported by physical evidence, namely the awning located above the former windows. The proposed new opening would enable direct access from the Matora Lane level into the Art and Crafts Centre and access to a new internal lift and to the ground floor level and

The following sympathetic solutions have been considered and discounted for the following reasons:

The architect considered relocating the ramp to the interior of the building to reduce the visual impacts to the northwest elevation of the building, but discounted the proposal as it would have involved loss of internal floor area.

The architect considered the removal of the timber floor and exposing the original floor. This was discounted as it would have exposed an uneven surface, and existing services


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currently located in the space between the original floor and the timber floor could not be relocated below the concrete slab without further damage to significant heritage fabric.

PROVISION COMMENT

4.6.1 MINOR PARTIAL DEMOLITION (INCLUDING INTERNAL ELEMENTS)

Works involve the demolition of the existing northwest mezzanine floor and stair and non-significant fixtures and fitments within the Art and Crafts Centre. a) Is the demolition essential for the heritage

item to function? The minor demolition works are required to facilitate the construction of an accessible entrance and lift (east elevation), replacement of the existing non-significant ramp (Primrose Park - ground level) and the removal of non-significant fitout and amenities dating from 1987 or later. The existing ‘bridge’ linking the carpark with the upper level of the Arta and Craft Centre would be redundant following construction of the new entrance in the upper level of the southeast elevation, and would be removed to enhance the appearance of the building.

b) Are important features of the item affected by the demolition?

No significant internal features would be removed as a result of this application. The two rails associated with the original travelling crane, installed c1922, would be retained in situ adjacent to the north and south walls of the former Compressor House. Two window sills would be removed to accommodate a new entrance in the upper level of the east elevation. The surviving original sandstone heads would be retained in situ.

c) Is the resolution to partially demolish sympathetic to the heritage significance of the item (eg creating large square openings in internal walls rather than removing the wall altogether)?

Yes, the minor demolition works complement the existing building and are intended to improve view to the principal elevations of the Art and Craft centre within Primrose Park. The adaption of two former windows as a new entrance is acceptable, despite the partial removal of two sandstone sills dating from 1922, as the sashes were removed and the openings infilled in 1990/91. The works would enable the demolition of the existing door and bridge linking the upper level with the Matora Lane carpark.


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d) If the partial demolition is a result of the condition of the fabric, is it certain that the fabric cannot be repaired?

The removal of brickwork in the east elevation is required to provide direct access from Matora Lane to an upper mezzanine level and a lift within the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre.

4.6.2 NEW DEVELOPMENT ADJACENT TO A HERITAGE ITEM

The proposed development includes the construction of a new ramp at ground level, providing access to both the Art and Craft Centre and the change rooms adjacent to the southwest elevation. a) How is the impact of the new development

on the heritage significance of the item or area to be minimised?

The new development adjacent to the Art and Crafts Centre is limited to the adaptation and addition to an existing ramp at Park level and the construction of a concrete surface to enable direct access from Matora Lane to the upper level of the mezzanine floor.

b) Why is the new development required to be adjacent to a heritage item?

The new development adjacent to the Art and Craft Centre is limited to the upgrading of accessible entries at ground level and Matora Lane level. The works are required to address equitable entrance requirements to the council-owned community facilities accommodated inside the former Compressor House.

c) How does the curtilage allowed around the heritage item contribute to the retention of its heritage significance?

There would be no change to the legal boundary or the heritage curtilage resulting from this application.

d) How does the new development affect views to, and from, the heritage item? What has been done to minimise negative effects?

The proposed minor works are limited to changes to paving and pedestrian access, and would generally be at ground level to minimise adverse visual impacts on view to and from the Art and Craft Centre.

e) Is the development sited on any known, or potentially significant archaeological deposits? If so, have alternative sites been considered? Why were they rejected?

There are no known significant archaeological deposits located in the vicinity of the proposed works. Existing services would be adapted and would not require trenching. The lift would have a traction drive to avoid excavation for a lift pit.

f) Is the new development sympathetic to the heritage item? In what way (eg form, siting, proportions, design)?

Yes, the proposed works are generally internal and would be recognisable as new fabric, to enable the original structure to be appreciated. The removal of timber panelling and reconstruction of windows in the northwest elevation would enhance the appearance of the building in views from Primrose Park,


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g) Will the additions visually dominate the heritage item? How has this been minimised?

Not applicable. The works would not increase the footprint of the existing building.

h) Will the public, and users of the item, still be able to view and appreciate its significance?

Yes, the works are generally located internally and would not adversely affect existing views to the building or the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works site. The removal of timber panelling from windows located on the northwest façade would enhance the appearance of the building.

4.6.3 NEW SERVICES

Works include the adaptation of existing services and the construction of anew lift to facilitate disabled access between ground floor and mezzanine floor level. a) How has the impact of the new services

on the heritage significance of the item been minimised?

The existing timber floor was installed in the 1990s and is approximately 400mm above the original concrete floor. New services will be run through this 400mm space and connected into existing services to minimise further adverse impacts on significant fabric. No trenching is envisaged as part of this application.

b) Are any of the existing services of heritage significance? In what way? Are they affected by the new work?

The existing services were installed in the 1960s or later and do not have heritage significance. No significant heritage services would be affected by this application.

c) Has the advice of a conservation consultant (eg architect) been sought? Has the consultant’s advice been implemented?

Yes, NBRSArchitecture has been engaged to provide heritage advice in relation to this project, and its comments are reflected in the current application.

d) Are any known or potential archaeological deposits (underground and under foot) affected by the proposed new services?

There are no known archaeological deposits within the immediate vicinity of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre. The proposed lift would be a traction drive and require minimal excavation to accommodate a lift pit.

4.6.4 MINOR LANDSCAPE WORKS AND FEATURES (INCLUDING CARPARKS AND FENCES)

Adaptation of an existing concrete path and entrance landing (northwest elevation) and adaptation of garden as paved level entrance adjacent to the southeast elevation. a) How has the impact of the new work on

the heritage significance of the existing landscape been minimised?

Landscape works are limited to the adaptation or an existing ramp and construction of a section of paving adjacent to a new entrance door. The proposed works would be limited to ground or near ground level to minimise adverse impact on views to and from the Art and Craft Centre.


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b) Has evidence (archival and physical) of previous landscape work been investigated? Are previous works being reinstated?

No previous landscape works would be reinstated under this application. Primrose Park was adapted for recreational uses in c1930, and has been further adapted as playing fields and parkland. The minor landscape works are intended to improve pedestrian access and provide equitable access to buildings where possible.

c) Has the advice of a consultant skilled in the conservation of heritage landscapes been sought? If so, have their recommendations been implemented?

No specialist heritage landscape consultant has been engaged on the concept or design development documentation of the works. General heritage advice has been provided by NBRSArchitecture and is reflected in the drawings prepared by Figgis+Jefferson Tepa Pty Ltd.

d) Are any known or potential archaeological deposits affected by the landscape works? If so, what alternatives have been considered?

There are no known significant archaeological deposits located in the vicinity of the proposed works. The proposed landscape works relate to paving and excavation would be limited to the clearing of top soil to enable a stable base to be laid. The works would not involve trenching.

e) How does the work impact on views to, and from, adjacent heritage items?

No, the works relate to paving and pedestrian ramps. They are low scale elements and are designed and located to have minimal visual impact on views to the Art and Craft centre or view generally within Primrose Park.


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5.0 CONCLUSIONS

5.1 GENERALLY We conclude the potential heritage impacts of the proposed refurbishment and access upgrade works to the Primrose Park Art and Crafts Centre and heritage items in its vicinity are summarised as follows: Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works (Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre): Acceptable heritage impact Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre is located within the former Compressor Building of the Folly Point Treatment Works. The proposed works are generally located within the existing building, although the proposed works include the removal of two original windows and the construction of a new door and glazed entrance (east elevation) accessible from Matora Lane and the construction of a new ramp adjacent to the ground floor entrance (west elevation) from Primrose Park. We find the proposed minor works are acceptable for the following reasons:

a) The demolition of the existing western mezzanine floor would be limited to non-significant fabric installed in c1990.

b) The proposed design would be easily recognisable as new work within the 1922 structure;

c) The proposed development would not affect views along Matora Lane or within Primrose park generally.

d) The works would not result in an increase in the bulk or scale of the former Compressor House or further increase the visual impacts on the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works site generally.

Primrose Park: Negligible heritage impact The proposed works would generally be located within the existing building envelope of the Primrose Park Art and Craft Centre to minimise adverse impacts on the existing building in views from McLaren Street and would maintain existing view corridors.

5.2 CONCLUSION Following our inspection and assessment of potential heritage impacts, we recommend the heritage aspects of this application are accepted for the following reasons:

i. No significant internal fabric would be removed as a result of this application; ii. The construction of a new entrance in the southeast elevation would not be visible in

significant views from Primrose Park or the Matora Lane carpark; iii. The installation of a lift would enable disabled access between the two levels of the

Primrose Park Art and Crafts Centre; iv. Services would be contained in the existing 400mm space between the original concrete

floor and the timber floor installed; v. The removal of timber panelling and reconstruction of windows would enhance the

appearance of the building in views from Primrose Park; vi. The works would enable the building to continue to be used as print-makers workshop

serving the North Sydney community. In our opinion the works contained in this application would not adversely affect the identified heritage significance of the former Compressor House as a part of the former Folly Point Sewage Treatment Works or as a contributory element within Primrose Park generally. We recommend the heritage aspects of this application be approved.


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6.0 APPENDICES

6.1 NSW STATE HERITAGE INVENTORY LISTING

6.1.1 (FORMER) FOLLY POINT SEWAGE TREATMENT WORKS


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6.1.2 PRIMROSE PARK


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6.1.3 WILLOUGHBY FALLS REMAINS


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statement of heritage impact - north sydney council · statement of heritage impact access upgrade...

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