SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan 215 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst
State Significant Development Application (SSD 893) Statement of Heritage Impact
Prepared for SCEGGS Darlinghurst
January 2019 Issue B Project number 18 0104
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects Pty Ltd | ABN 77 001 209 392 | www.tkda.com.au Sydney Level 1, 19 Foster Street, Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T+61 2 9281 4399 Brisbane Suite 9A, Level 7, 141 Queen Street, Brisbane QLD 4000 Australia | T+61 7 3087 0160 Principals Alex Kibble, Robert Denton, Megan Jones, John Rose | Practice Directors George Phillips, Jocelyn Jackson, Melanie Mackenzie Senior Associates Ian Burgher, Angelo Casado, David Earp, Anna Harris, Emma Lee, Scott MacArthur, Renata Ratcliffe, Lachlan Rowe Associates Asta Chow, Paul Dyson, Sean Williams NSW Nominated Architects Robert Denton Registration No 5782 | Alex Kibble Registration No 6015 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
TABLE OF CONTENTS
1 Introduction 3 1.1 Background and Purpose of the Report 3 1.2 Methodology and Terminology 3 1.3 Author Identification 3 1.4 Report Structure 3 1.5 Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements 4 1.6 Site Description 5 1.7 Documentation 7 1.8 Heritage management context 8
2 Historical Background 10 2.1 Overview History of SCEGGS and the SCEGGS Site 10 2.2 Sequence of Development on the SCEGGS site 11 2.3 Barham House 15 2.4 The Chapel Building 21 2.5 Old Gymnasium 25 2.6 Wilkinson House (Gwydir Flats) 27 2.7 Science, Library and Auditorium Buildings 30
3 Heritage Significance 34 3.1 Introduction 34 3.2 Summary Statement of Significance for SCEGGS Darlinghurst 34 3.3 Significance of individual items within the School site 35 3.4 Significance of neighbouring heritage items 39
4 Description of the Proposal 41 4.1 Project Background 41 4.2 SCEGGS Masterplan Requirements 41 4.3 Stage 1 Wilkinson House Redevelopment 42 4.4 New Administration Building / Barham restoration / Revitalised school entry 42 4.5 New Multi-Purpose Building 42
5 Assessment of Heritage Impact 43 5.1 Introduction 43 5.2 Assessment of Heritage Impact 43 5.3 Sydney Council Local Environmental Plan 2012 47 5.4 SCEGGS Darlinghurst Heritage Assessment, 1999 49 5.5 Potential impacts on Conservation Area and neighbouring heritage items: settings and views 51 5.6 Summary assessment of heritage impacts 57
6 Heritage Development Guidelines 58 6.1 Introduction 58 6.2 Barham 59 6.3 The Chapel Building 61 6.4 Wilkinson House 63 6.5 Potential impact on neighbouring heritage buildings: setting and views 64 6.6 Heritage Interpretation and Archival Recording 65
7 Conclusions 66
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Document / Status Register Issue Date Purpose Written Approved P1 28 Sept 2018 Draft for review SJZ GP P2 19 Oct 2018 Draft for review SJZ GP A 23 Nov 2018 Final issue SJZ GP B 21 Jan 2019 Amended final issue SJZ GP
180104 SCEGGS Darlinghurst Masterplan HIS.docx
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1 INTRODUCTION
1.1 Background and Purpose of the Report
This Heritage Impact Statement has been prepared to accompany a State Significant Development Application for the proposed masterplan and redevelopment of the Sydney Church of England Girls’ Grammar School, Darlinghurst (SCEGGS) site at 215 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst.
The State Significant Development is for:
– a Masterplan Concept Development Application for building envelopes, building locations and land uses across the campus, to guide development over the next 20 years, and; – a Stage 1 Detailed Design Proposal for the first stage of works, comprising the replacement of Wilkinson House with a new building.
The proposed masterplan provides a long term vision for the staged development of the school site including new buildings which accommodate contemporary learning spaces and other associated school functions. The proposed masterplan includes the conservation and refurbishment of existing buildings on the school site and the
Proposed demolition of the Barham additions (1907-1922), Chapel Building additions (1909-1926), Old Gymnasium (1925), Wilkinson House (1926) and the Science and Library Buildings (1967/1970); Proposed reconstruction of Barham; Connections from the new multi-purpose buildings to Barham and Chapel Building; New Wilkinson House Building
This Statement has been prepared to assess the impact of the proposal on the cultural significance of the site and buildings for both the Masterplan Concept and the Stage 1 Detailed Design. The report addresses the relevant requirements of the Secretary’s’ Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) provided by the Department of Planning and Environment. The report has been prepared on behalf of SCEGGS Darlinghurst, the applicant.
1.2 Methodology and Terminology
This report follows the general guidelines for Statements of Heritage Impact, set out in the NSW Heritage Manual, Heritage Office and Department of Urban Affairs and Planning (1996), included in the NSW Heritage Manual.
This report also follows the methodology and terminology described in The Conservation Plan, Sydney, National Trust of Australia (NSW), 7th edition 2013 by Dr J. S. Kerr and in the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter, 1999.
1.3 Author Identification
This document was prepared by Sarah-Jane Zammit, Heritage Specialist and reviewed by George Phillips, Practice Director, both of Tanner Kibble Denton Architects.
1.4 Report Structure
This report provides an outline historical overview of the development of the subject and environs at Section 2. Summary statements of heritage significance for each of these sites are included at Section 3.
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Section 4 provides a description of the proposal, comprising the building envelopes for the Masterplan and the design of the new building proposed to replace Wilkinson House.
The assessment of heritage impact of the proposal is discussed at Section 5. The proposal is assessed for potential impacts against relevant planning and heritage controls, the heritage values of subject, neighbouring heritage items and conservation management plan policies.
Heritage guidelines to assist in the future detailed design of each of the buildings are provided at Section 6, to minimise or mitigate potential heritage impacts.
1.5 Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements
The NSW Department of Planning and Environment has provided Secretary’s Environmental Assessment Requirements (SEARs) to the applicant for the preparation of an Environmental Impact Statement for the proposed development (issued 12 January 2018). The assessment requirements which relate specifically to heritage are as follows:
CONCEPT PROPOSAL
11. Heritage
The EIS should identify any listed or potential heritage items within the redevelopment area. If any listed or potential heritage items, including archaeological resources, are likely to be affected. A Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) must be prepared in accordance with the guidelines in the NSW Heritage Manual that addresses the significance of, and provides an assessment of the proposal’s impact on the heritage significance of items on, and in the vicinity of the development site and includes strategies to avoid and mitigate any adverse impacts. The HIS must include a view impact assessment along with photomontages of the site, and should address the projects, compliance with policies of the relevant Conservation Management Plan for the site. The HIS should identify if there are any areas with historical archaeological potential within the proposed project area that could be impacted by the works.
STAGE ONE
7. Heritage
A Heritage Impact Statement (HIS) must be prepared in accordance with the guidelines in the NSW Heritage Manual that addresses the significance of, and provides an assessment of the proposal’s impact on the heritage significance of heritage items on, and in the vicinity of the development site and includes strategies to avoid and mitigate any adverse impacts. Prepare an options analysis considering alternative options for the demolition of Wilkinson House.
This Statement addresses the requirements relating to both the Concept Masterplan and the Stage 1 proposal for the new building proposed to replace Wilkinson House.
The options analysis for the demolition of Wilkinson House is the subject of a separate report.
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1.6 Site Description
SCEGGS Darlinghurst is located east of the Sydney CBD in the inner-city suburb of Darlinghurst, in a predominately residential area, largely comprising Victorian terrace houses and interwar apartments. The school is bound by St Peter’s Lane to the north, Forbes Street to the east and Bourke Street to the west. The campus is intersected by St Peters Street, which is used by the school as a thoroughfare during school hours to access the Diana Bowman Performing Arts Centre and the School’s Great Hall (formerly St Peter’s Church).
SCEGGS is comprised of a Secondary and Primary School, with the Secondary School accessed from Forbes Street. There are two entrances on Forbes Street – the Green Gate which is the formal School entrance and the Jacaranda Gate, located further north between Barham and the Centenary Sports Hall. There is a secondary entrance on Bourke Street which is also serves as the Primary School entrance.
There are fourteen buildings within the whole SCEGGS Darlinghurst campus. Built at various times prior to and during the School’s occupation of the site (see Sections 2.2), most of the buildings are multi- purpose academic buildings, with the others housing staff and administration, sporting and performance spaces.
The buildings which are the subject of the proposed works of this masterplan include Barham, the Chapel Building, the Old Gymnasium, the Science and Library Buildings and Wilkinson House.
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1 Aerial photograph of the SCEGGS Darlinghurst site. Source: Nearmaps with TKD Architects overlay, 2017.
Site Address Legal Description Existing Development
165-215 Forbes Lot 100 in DP 1151279 Main School Site including Wilkinson House, Street, Darlinghurst Joan Freeman Science Building, Centenary Sports Hall, Yellow Building, Barham Building, Chapel Building, Old Gym Lot 18 in DP131188; Lot Library Building and Science Building 8 in DP 253598; Lots 9, 10, 11 in DP 52048; Lots 17-18 in DP53158; 159-163 Forbes Lot 1 in DP 557311 St Peter’s Church; The Playhouse; Diana Street, Darlinghurst Bowman Performing Arts Centre 165-215 Forbes Lots 1-5 in DP 11394996; Primary School Street, Darlinghurst Lot 1 in DP707816 224 Bourke Street, Lot E in DP 108903 Darlinghurst 226 Bourke Street, Lot D in DP 108903 Darlinghurst 217 Forbes Street, Lot 1 in DP586075 Forbes Street terrace Darlinghurst
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1.7 Documentation
Documents referred to in this report include:
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects
AR.MP.3002 Proposed Masterplan Envelope SCEGGS Darlinghurst Masterplan Elevations AR.MP.0000 Cover Sheet & Drawing Schedule AR.MP.4001 Proposed Masterplan Envelope AR.MP.1101 Existing Site Plan Sections 1 AR.MP.1102 Proposed Site Plan AR.MP.4002 Proposed Masterplan Envelope Sections 2 AR.MP.2001 Existing Site Plan Level 1 AR.MP.2002 Existing Site Plan Level 2 AR.MP.7001 Masterplan 3D Views AR.MP.2003 Existing Site Plan Level 3 AR.MP.2004 Existing Site Plan Level 4 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2005 Existing Site Plan Level 5 AR.DA.2001 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2006 Existing Site Plan Level 6 Basement Plan AR.MP.2007 Existing Site Plan Level 7 AR.DA.2002 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2008 Existing Roof Plan Ground Plan
AR.DA.2003 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2101 Proposed Masterplan Envelope Level 1 Plan Level 1 AR.DA.2004 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2102 Proposed Masterplan Envelope Level 2 Plan Level 2 AR.DA.2005 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2103 Proposed Masterplan Envelope Level 3 Plan Level 3
AR.MP.2104 Proposed Masterplan Envelope AR.DA.2101 Wilkinson House Existing Level 4 Basement Plan AR.MP.2105 Proposed Masterplan Envelope AR.DA.2102 Wilkinson House Existing Ground Level 5 Plan AR.MP.2106 Proposed Masterplan Envelope AR.DA.2103 Wilkinson House Existing Level 1 Level 6 Plan AR.MP.2107 Proposed Masterplan Envelope AR.DA.2104 Wilkinson House Existing Level 2 Level 7 Plan AR.MP.2108 Proposed Masterplan Envelope
Roof Level AR.DA.3001 Wilkinson House Redevelopment
Elevations AR.MP.2201 Demolition Plan Level 1 AR.DA.3002 Wilkinson House Existing AR.MP.2202 Demolition Plan Level 2 Elevations AR.MP.2203 Demolition Plan Level 3
AR.MP.2204 Demolition Plan Level 4 AR.DA.5001 Wilkinson House External AR.MP.2205 Demolition Plan Level 5 Materials and Finishes AR.MP.2206 Demolition Plan Level 6 AR.DA.6001 Wilkinson House Redevelopment AR.MP.2207 Demolition Plan Level 7 3D Views
AR.MP.3001 Existing Elevations Casey & Lowe Archaeology & Heritage SCEGGS Darlinghurst 2040 Masterplan
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1.8 Heritage management context
Heritage Listings
SCEGGS Darlinghurst is locally listed, and is within the C13 East Sydney Special Character and Conservation Area. The School’s assets include the State listed St Peter’s Church Precinct.
Item SHR Sydney LEP St Peter’s Church and Precinct, Bourke Street 00148 I300 Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School group including Barham, Chapel – I301 Building and Wilkinson House and their interiors and grounds, 215 Forbes Street ‘Nelson House’, including interior, 217 Forbes Street – I303
Neighbouring Heritage Items: Sydney Local Environmental Plan 2012
Item Item no. Chard Stairs, Forbes Street I298 Former St Peter’s Rectory including interiors, 188 Forbes Street I302 Terrace house, including interior, 219 Forbes Street I304 Terrace group, including interiors, 221-227 Forbes Street I305
Terrace house, including interior, 229 Forbes Street I306 Terrace group, including interiors, 231-233 Forbes Street I307 Terrace house, including interior, 235 Forbes Street I308 Terrace group, including interiors, 237-239 Forbes Street I309
Forbes Street Forbes ‘Belgrave Terrace’, including interiors, 238-252 Forbes Street I310 Terrace group, including interiors, 241-243 Forbes Street I311 Terrace house, including interior, 245 Forbes Street I312 Terrace group, including interiors, 247-253 Forbes Street I313 Terrace group ‘TeRoma Penda House’ and ‘Waratah House’, including interiors, I218
164-164C Bourke Street Terrace group, including interiors, 176-188 Bourke Street I219
Street Bourke Bourke Flat building, ‘Aston Hall’, including interiors, 185 Bourke Street I220 ‘William Terrace’, including interiors, 219-229 Bourke Street I221 Cliff face and retaining wall, Thompson Place I472 Terrace group, including interiors, 2-6 Thomson Street I473 ‘Aberfoyle’, including interior, 8 Thomson Street I474 Terrace group, including interiors and street rear brick fencing, 10-14 Thomson Street I475
Terrace group, including interiors, 16-18 Thomson Street I476 Terrace house, including interior, 20 Thomson Street I477 Terrace house, including interior, 22 Thomson Street I478 Terrace group, including interiors, 24-26 Thomson Street I479
Thomson Street Thomson Terrace group, including interiors, 28-30 Thomson Street I480 Terrace house, including interior, 32 Thomson Street I481 Terrace group, including interiors, 34-36 Thomson Street I482 Terrace house, including interior, 38 Thomson Street I483 Terrace house, including interior, 40 Thomson Street I484 ‘Claremont Lodge’, including interiors, 248 Liverpool Street I351
Terrace group and interiors, 250-252 Liverpool Street I352 Terrace house and interior, 254 Liverpool Street I353 Terrace group, including interiors, 256 Liverpool Street I354 Terrace house, including interior, 258 Liverpool Street I355
Liverpool Street Liverpool Terrace house, including interior, 260 Liverpool Street I356 First Church of Christ Scientist, including interior, 262 Liverpool Street I357
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2 Relationship of the subject site to the adjacent heritage items and Heritage Conservation Areas Source: Nearmaps with Tanner Kibble Denton Architects overlay, 2017
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2 HISTORICAL BACKGROUND
2.1 Overview History of SCEGGS and the SCEGGS Site
Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (now SCEGGS) was established 17 July 1895 in a modest terrace on Victoria Street, Darlinghurst, with one pupil, teacher and the Headmistress Miss Edith Badham. Within the next 5 years, the school’s population doubled, and in 1900 the SCEGGS school council purchased Barham on Forbes Street, a stately home designed by renowned architect John Verge, on a sizable block of land, on which the school could continue to expand and grow.
Barham is located on the site of an original lands grant made by Sir Ralph Darling in 1830 to Edward Deas Thomson. Located on what was known as Woolloomooloo Hill, Barham took advantage of its hilltop setting, with commanding views over Woolloomooloo and Sydney Harbour.
Built in 1833, Thomson commissioned architect John Verge to design Barham. Verge was to be later recognised for his prominent contribution to Colonial architecture within the establishing colony of New South Wales and Sydney, designing many significant and grand domestic buildings, of which many were commissioned for the Woolloomooloo Hill ridge, running from what is now Darlinghurst to Potts Point. Barham is one of fourteen Verge buildings which still remain, out of the over eighty buildings constructed in New South Wales.
Shortly after the purchase of Barham in 1900, the Chapel Building was commissioned. It was built at the same time as the eastern extension to Barham, and completed in 1901, as a purpose-built federation school building, providing extra classrooms and administration spaces for the growing school, as well as the first Assembly Hall, known as ‘The Main Hall’ – now used as ‘The Chapel’.
Since the school’s founding and final relocation to its existing site, the school has expanded to include a school gymnasium (now the old gym – and used as classrooms), primary school, classroom blocks, Assembly Hall, science and library block, auditorium, Centenary Sports Hall and the purchase of Gwydir Flats in 1962 (for use as a Boarding House – now used as classrooms) and the St Peter’s Church and Playhouse in 1993.
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2.2 Sequence of Development on the SCEGGS site
1833-1860
1860-1900
1900-1910
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1910-1930
1930-1960
1960-1970
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1970-1990
1990-2000
2000-Present
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Below is a summary list of the buildings at SCEGGS identifying their dates of construction and the dates of major alterations and additions, where known.
School Building Date of Date of alterations/additions Construction Barham 1833 1880, 1901, 1907-1914, 1922, 1960s The Great Hall (formerly St Peter’s Church) 1867 St Peter’s Play House (formerly St Peter’s Hall) 1870 Nelson House 1880 Chapel Building 1901 1909-1911, c1925 The Old Gymnasium 1925 1982 Wilkinson House 1926 1962, 2001 Old Girls Building (formerly the Yellow Building) 1952 Science Building 1967 Library and Auditorium Building 1970 1985, 1992 Centenary Sports Hall 1995 Primary School 2001 Diana Bowman Performing Arts Centre 2007 Joan Freeman Science and Technology Centre 2012
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2.3 Barham House
2.3.1 Pre-SCEGGs, 1830s-1900
Barham is located on the site of an original lands grant made by Sir Ralph Darling in 1830 to Edward Deas Thomson, located in an area which was known as Woolloomooloo Hill to a total of 6 acres, 3 roods and 25 perches. Attached to these grants was the condition that within three years of the land transaction a single villa or residence was to be erected, to a value of no less than £1,000.1
In 1833, approaching the three year deadline to build, Thomson commissioned prominent colonial architect John Verge to design Barham. During his short career in Sydney (1830-1837), Verge designed a number of houses in the region, including Elizabeth Bay House, Rockwall and Tusculum in Potts Point. Only fourteen of his seventy-five buildings still stand – Barham one of his earlier buildings is described as a “straight forward design…with little of [Verge’s] characteristic elegance…nevertheless an important and pleasant house.”2
The original 1830s house was built of brick, cemented, on stone foundations with large dry cellars. The ground floor contained an entrance hall – accessed from the west, a large drawing room divided in two by folding doors, dining room and a bedroom with dressing-room.3 On the first floor was four bedrooms and two dressing rooms, accessed by a timber stair. Ground floor doors were multi-paned French doors, which opened out onto an enclosed upper terrace. Windows and doors were characterised by external timber shutters.
Between 1830s-1860s the land to the east of the property was utilised as a sandstone quarry, operated by convicts, the stones from this quarry were used in nearby properties, including residential buildings and the Darlinghurst Gaol.
1 Broadbent, James, ‘The push east: Woolloomooloo Hill, the first suburb’ in M Kelly (ed.): Sydney: City of Suburbs, NSW University Press in association with the Sydney History Group, 1987, pp. 12-29. 2 Clive Lucas as quoted in Tanner Architects, SCEGGS Darlinghurst – Heritage Assessment, Issue B, March 1999. 3 Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January 1885, p. 11.
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3 Barham, by G E Peacock, 1845 Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
4 Darlinghurst Quarry, looking north-east, 1855 by Samuel Elyard. The painting depicts a house on a hill, with a row of terrace house at the end of the street.4 Source: SLNSW, c12760_0010_c
4 It is thought that part of the Darlinghurst Quarry was on the block between Forbes and Bourke Streets (Daily Telegraph, 24 March 1923, p. 13). In comparison to the sequence of site development diagrams (see section 2.2), the painting appears to depict the quarry looking north-east up Bourke Street towards a row of terraces which had been built in the era 1830-1860.
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By the 1880s, a wide stone flagged verandah replaced the original enclosed terrace. The verandah ran the length of the house on the north and west elevations at ground floor, extending past the corners at the east and south of the building. The verandah was designed with a corrugated metal sheet roof, and ripple iron ceiling, timber columns with decorative timber frieze below the eaves and a decorative iron balustrading. At the south-western end and the north-eastern ends of the verandah an enclosed glazed windbreaker were installed. As a later addition, the verandah roof bisected the original door openings and rendered mouldings at ground floor.
Also by the 1880s a double storey rendered brick, skillion roof addition housing additional bedrooms and bathrooms (at first floor) was constructed. At ground floor this addition linked to a larger L-shaped building which housed the kitchen, pantry and laundry facilities. This building also likely housed a range of stabling with accommodation for carriage and horses. An additional iron stable and fowlhouse was located on the southern perimeter of the site, with timber outhouse buildings to the east.
In 1885 on the death of Sir Edward Deas Thomson, the property was sold to E.D.S Ogilvie – with a reduced land holding of 1 acre, 3 roods and 10 perches5 – the rest of the land having been sold and later subdivided for various terrace houses and other buildings. The house was leased and used as a Newnham High School for Girls from 1886-1890 and a residence from 1890-1900.
5 Barham house to the left of the photograph, showing a two-storey skillion addition and timber outbuildings. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
5 Sydney Morning Herald, 12 January 1885, p. 11.
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6 Barham House, north elevation, c1880-1890. Verandah constructed, note glazed windbreak. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
7 Barham House, north-east corner, c1880-1890. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
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2.3.2 SCEGGS Ownership, 1901-present
On the property’s purchase by the School Council in 1900, immediate alterations and additions to the original Barham residence were undertaken. A large entrance porch on the south side was built soon after purchase (later demolished). A large two storey eastern extension housing a kitchen and laundry at ground floor and school rooms at first floor was also constructed, and is still extant.
Between 1909 and 1910, the verandah on both the northern and western sides was enclosed to provide additional dining room space, and creation of sitting room for the Headmistress. In 1914 a two storey extension abutting the end of the verandah at the south-west corner of Barham was constructed, with an early covered bridge between Barham and the Chapel Building established around the same time.
8 Enclosed verandah and early covered bridge at first floor linking to the Chapel Building, c1914. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
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9 Miss Badham’s annex located within the south-western section of the verandah, c1919. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
In 1922, additional changes to Barham took place, with an expansion of the covered bridge between Barham and the Chapel Building, internal spatial alteration on the first floor and extensions to the original 1901 eastern extension, including a two-storey scullery and sickbay to the north-east corner of the original Barham building and a first floor verandah to the 1901 extension. Around this time, the windbreak glazing on the north verandah appears to have been replaced with recycled glazing from the first floor Chapel Building verandah.
In the 1960s a single storey addition was constructed to the south-west of Barham, now housing the Principal’s office. Barham has been in its current configuration since the 1960s.
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2.4 The Chapel Building
Shortly after the purchase of Barham in 1900, the foundation stone for a new purpose designed and school building was laid. Originally known as ‘The Main Building, the Chapel Building was commissioned to the relatively unknown architect Harold O. Jackson, brother-in-law to the Headmistress of the time, Miss Edith Badham.
Completed in 1901, the Chapel Building provided extra classroom and administration space for the growing school, including the first Assembly Hall, known as ‘The Main Hall’, on the first floor. This space was characterised by large arched multi-paned windows on the southern and northern walls. Music rooms were built on the first floor verandah, and boarders’ dormitories on the second floor.
10 The Chapel Building and eastern extensions to Barham, c1901. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
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11 Main Hall, c1919. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
12 Botany class taught in the Main Hall, c1913. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
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Between 1909 and 1911, extensions to the eastern end of the building, adding four extra classrooms on the ground floor, most of which were used as music rooms, and additional boarders’ dormitories on the first and second floor. By the mid-1920s, the verandah was extended to the second floor, and was used as dormitory sleep outs until the early 1960s, coinciding with the purchase of Wilkinson House.
During 1910-1925, the first floor rooms, east of the main stairwell were used as ‘The Main Hall’. The hall played a significant role in the girls’ education and social development, being the location for classes, assemblies, dances, prize-giving, physical culture and academic classes. It also hosted screenings of early movies during WWI, as part of fundraising for various war efforts.
After the death of Miss Badham in 1920, the Old Girls’ Union began raising funds to building a Chapel in place of ‘The Main Hall’. After the approval of the new gymnasium building in 1923, which would be a larger space to hold assemblies and functions, ‘The Main Hall’ was converted into the School Chapel, and dedicated as the ‘Edith Badham Memorial Chapel’ in 1926. The design of the Chapel is attributed to architect John Burchamp Clamp, who also designed the Chapel at the SHORE School.
At this time the glazing in the large arched windows on the southern and northern walls were altered to include stained and leadlight glazing, with alternating school crest and lit lamp/torch – reference to the School song and motto – Luceat Lux Vestra – Let Your Light Shine. The coloured glass for the windows was donated by Jean Alice ‘Muffie’ Maughan (nee Barton) – one of the first pupils of the School and daughter of Australia’s first Prime Minister, Sir Edmund Barton. After the construction of the Chapel, the building was then known as the Chapel Building.
13 The Chapel, on its day of dedication – Ascension Day, 1926. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
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On the construction of the gymnasium in 1925, the first floor spatial arrangement of the western section of the building was altered to provide access to the gymnasium’s first floor rooms. Also at this time, a bay window was added to the western room at ground floor, and a second storey addition to the west – providing additional bathrooms to the upper floor was constructed.
14 The Chapel Building c1910, prior to the extensions in the 1920s which included second story verandah, bay window and link to the gymnasium building. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
15 1925 additions to the Chapel Buildings with Old Gymnasium and upper floor classrooms in the background, c1927. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
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During the 1980s, a fire escape stair was constructed within the already altered south-western section of the building.
The main physical changes to the Chapel space occurred in 1982, when a new organ was installed on the northern wall, necessitating the removal of one of the stained glass windows, which was relocated to the southern wall outside the Chapel.6
2.5 Old Gymnasium
Built on the site of the School Hospital (1907-1924), the Old Gymnasium, a dark faced brick building was designed as a multi-purpose building, with a gymnasium on the ground floor for physical education, and a stage which allowed the space to have a dual function as an assembly hall and performance hall for drama and music until 1966 when the Barbara Chisholm Assembly Hall was opened. On first floor, classrooms, including a laboratory and bedrooms were constructed. At the north-east corner of the building, there were bathrooms, kitchen and a tuckshop, located there between 1925 and 1965. At the southern end of the building on ground floor was a small apparatus room for storage of gymnasium and performance equipment.
16 Internal view of the Old Gymnasium, c1930. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
6 Tanner & Associates, ‘SCEGGS Darlinghurst – Heritage Assessment’, Issue B, March 1999, p. 12.
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17 Old Gymnasium, with axillary spaces to north-east and timber stairs and walkways, c1956. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
18 The Old Gymnasium utilised the space between the Chapel Building and boundary wall – fronting Forbes Street (now location of staff carpark) as a sports court. The arched opening provided access to the School interior, c1957. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
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By the mid-1960s, the interior of the gymnasium was altered with the removal of the timber stage and stairs which provided access to the first floor on the eastern end of the space. The north-eastern ancillary spaces were demolished and tuckshop relocated to the Barbara Chisolm Assembly Hall. On the construction of the Science Building in 1967, all science laboratories and classrooms in the Old Gymnasium were converted to general purpose classrooms and staffrooms. By the 1970s, the apparatus room was expanded, extending the length of the southern wall.
In 1982, the ground floor Chapel Building and Old Gymnasium connection was linked to the Old Girls Building (formerly the Yellow Building) with a large concrete walkway. This walkway also replaced the infill class rooms and timber stair construction with a brick stairwell, to provide access to the first floor classrooms.
After the construction of the Centenary Sports Hall, in 1995, the gymnasium space was divided into two large class rooms and a small server room (in the location of the former stairs).
2.6 Wilkinson House (Gwydir Flats)
2.6.1 Gwydir Flats: 1926-1960
In c1855, the first buildings to be constructed on the site of Wilkinson House, on the corner of Forbes and Ann Streets (now St Peters Street), Darlinghurst, were four two-storey terrace houses. They remained standing until 1926 when, in response to an increasing demand for housing closer to the city, they were demolished and replaced by a three-storey residential flat building, Gwydir Flats.
Gwydir Flats was designed by Emil Sodersten, and is thought to be one of his earliest buildings in Sydney to be constructed. When completed in 1928, Gwydir Flats was an eclectic mix of architectural styles, mostly classical in origin. Although not completed to the original design detail, the building strongly reflects the influence of Mediterranean Style and classical Georgian Revival influences, which were prevalent at the time.
These styles are evident in the form, proportions and brickwork of the building, detailed elements including the main door and windows, round arches, string courses and the use of classical orders and string courses.
After its completion, the Flats saw a succession of owners but underwent little change until its sale to the Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS Darlinghurst) in 1960. The only exterior change was in November 1944 with the creation of a new door at the basement level, facing St Peters Street.7
7 Council of the City of Sydney, Building Applications, 165-171 Forbes Street, Darlinghurst.
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19 Gwydir Flats, 1926 elevations Source: Wilkinson House Conservation Management Plan, 2001, Godden Mackay Logan.
2.6.2 Wilkinson House: 1960-Present
Operating as day and boarding school, the accommodation at the School was always a concern, and by 1960 the School had reached its boarding capacity. To meet the demand for extra room, the School purchased Gwydir Flats, which were to be used to accommodate boarders and some staff, including the headmistress at the time, Barbara Chisholm from 1947. Following the purchase of the flats, the building was renamed Wilkinson House in memory of the second headmistress of the School, Dorothy Wilkinson.
Prior to the occupation of the building by the boarders, minor internal changes were undertaken to the building to convert the apartments into dorm rooms. This included the formation of new doorways and renovation or replacement of fittings in the bathrooms. In the late 1960s the basement garages were converted into workshops for the art department. By the 1970s bars were installed on the outside of all the windows for the protection of the boarders.
Major work was undertaken in the basement level in 1984 to convert the workshops into meeting and recreation rooms. In the upper floors, work was carried out to upgrade the fire system including the installation of fire doors, exit signs and emergency lighting.
In 2001, due to the dwindling number of boarders, the School decided to close down the boarding school and move to shared accommodation at St Vincent’s College. Following the closure of boarding facilities at Wilkinson House, the building was converted into a senior educational centre in 2002. The adaptation of the boarding spaces for classroom needs, required the creation of new openings in divisional walls, altering the internal layout of the building.
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20 Wilkinson House, formerly Gwydir Flats, after its purchase and conversion into a Boarding House for the School, c1965. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
21 Pottery workshop, now Senior Common Room c1971 Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
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2.7 Science, Library and Auditorium Buildings
In July 1966, after the acquisition of land in Bourke Street, plans for a new five level Science Building was publicised by the School. Designed by RAC Rogers and Coward, the building was to be sited at an angle, breaking the grid of the terrace houses on Bourke Street, and to be constructed of concrete with face brick and large windows on the southern façade. The lowest floor at Bourke Street level was an open under croft space. The building was completed in 1967 and housed a Geography classroom on the lowest floor, and the two upper floors Physics and Chemistry laboratories, each with large preparation rooms. All classrooms / laboratories were finished in a similar manner with expressed beams, face brick walls and vinyl floors.
The ground floor under croft was infilled (date unknown) to create a sixth floor and sixth classroom / laboratory.
22 The Science Building under construction c1967 (L) and completed (R). Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives, photograph of completed building by Max Dupain.
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23 Inside one of the science laboratories, c1970. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
In 1970, a new Library Building was constructed, replacing the Dorothy Wilkinson Memorial Library which was established on the top floor of the Old Girls Building (formerly the Yellow Building) when it was constructed in 1952. The Library Building replaced former terrace houses on Bourke Street which were acquired by the School in the late 1960s. With the aid of the Commonwealth School Libraries Grant, the Library Building was constructed as a three level, split-level building connected directly to the Science Building stairwell, and was constructed in mottled chocolate brown brick with horizontal strip windows.
The two storey library space within the building was avant-garde for its time, integrating traditional facilities with specialised audio-visual equipment. For this, the building won the Grolier Award:
For the NSW School Library which has made the most progress in the past year…The library was the first of its kind to be built in Australia, with full-integrated audio-visual equipment wired up to the classrooms.8
8 Tanner & Associates, ‘SCEGGS Darlinghurst – Heritage Assessment’, Issue B, March 1999, p. 22.
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24 Inside the Library c1970. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
25 The Languages Laboratory, c1970. The inclusion of audio-visual tools such as the Language Laboratory in the building, made the Library Building award winning. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives
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In 1991, three additional floors were added on top of the 1970 Library Building, providing an auditorium, ‘Discovery Room’ and ‘Language Centre’. The ‘Language Centre’ provided additional language class rooms which were already housed within the Library Building. The building was constructed in light coloured face brick with strip windows. Access to the building’s main space – the auditorium, was from the concrete walkway built in 1982 and housed the former Art Building (1983) beneath.
In 2011, the Library spaces in the Library Building were upgraded and expanded – connecting to spaces within the Art Building beneath the walkway, to provide a combined Senior and Primary School Library to with breakout spaces and upgrade audio-visual spaces for improved integrated learning.
26 Opening of the Auditorium extension, 1992. Source: SCEGGS Darlinghurst Archives.
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3 HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE
3.1 Introduction
SCEGGS Darlinghurst is locally listed, and is within the C13 East Sydney Special Character and Conservation Area. The School’s assets include the State listed St Peter’s Church Precinct. The site is also in the vicinity of many locally listed heritage items. Refer to Section 1.8 for further information.
Below are summary statements for the School as a whole, and the individual buildings within the School which are subject to the proposed masterplan. As the last assessment of significance for the School and its buildings was completed in 1999 as part of the Heritage Assessment report, this report has re- assessed the significance of the individual buildings within the School – in light of additional information and subsequent modifications and works to these buildings over the years. See Figure 27 for a summary diagram of the significance of each building at SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
3.2 Summary Statement of Significance for SCEGGS Darlinghurst
The following has been extracted from the State Heritage Inventory Listing for the school:
SCEGGS has developed on the Darlinghurst site since 1900, the year the School purchased Barham. All phases of the School’s development are of contributory historic significance to the School. There are two culturally significant phases of the site. The first phase is the grand residential estate of Barham and secondary, the 1900-1926 phase representing the establishment of a major girls’ school in Sydney.
Barham is the most significant building on the School site for its historic, aesthetic and social value. It has remained the focus of development of the School and retains many of its original features and includes the Morton Bay figs in the front garden. Barham is historically significant as it’s associated with the prominent architect John Verge and is one of this few surviving buildings. The house is also associated with the Colonial Secretary of 1837, Edward Deas Thomson, the original owner of the building and founding member of SCEGGS. The building is associated with the historical development of SCEGGS Darlinghurst on the site and continues to be the focus of the School. It plays an important role in the social development of the School and its appreciation of the traditional role of SCEGGS. Barham is aesthetically significant for its quality of architectural detail and design. It is representative of early colonial domestic architecture in NSW. Significant elements include original configuration and timber joinery, 1930s light fittings and verandah.
The Chapel Building is historically significant as the first purpose built building on the School site. The Chapel on the first floor is aesthetically and historically significant. It has local significance to the Darlinghurst area and is representative of a purpose-built school building. Significant elements include Chapel to the first floor, stained glass windows with the School crest and verandah to the top floor, the original entrance and foundation stone.
Wilkinson House: Originally named the Gwydir Flats, Wilkinson House is significant at a local level primary for its historic, aesthetic and social values. In a prominent location, the building makes a positive contribution to Forbes and St Peters Streets and to the Heritage Conservation Area. It is notable for its continuing residential use over the last 75 years and provides evidence of the residential flat building boom of the 1920s that permanently changed the residential pattern of Darlinghurst.
Wilkinson House is associated with the early stages of the career of the prominent early twentieth-century architect, Emil Sodersten, and could be, if not the first commission, then perhaps the last remaining of his early buildings in Sydney.
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As a boarding house, the building has been associated with the historical development of SCEGGS Darlinghurst over a forty year period, playing an important role in the life of past and present boarders and staff. It continues to provide a focus of memories of their time at the school as well as being associated with traditions that contribute to the continually developing sense of the School’s identity.
Although not constructed to the original level of detail, Wilkinson House is representative of the construction of apartment buildings during the 1920s and of the use of an eclectic collection of architectural styles, displaying references to Inter-War Mediterranean, Spanish Mission and Georgian Revival influences.
Wilkinson House is significant for its continuous use since it was built for accommodation and for the long association with SCEGGS boarders and their strong attachment to the building as their ‘home’. The building has historic social significance for its association with SCEGGS boarders. The building is historically significant for tis association with Emil Sodersten, a key architect of the inter-war period in Sydney. Significant elements include original plaster ceilings to the majority of the building and ability to interpret the original apartment configuration, the intact entry foyer and lobby.
3.3 Significance of individual items within the School site
Barham
The 1833 Barham building is of exceptional heritage significance for its historic, aesthetic and social value. Historically associated with the early residential development of grand villas on Wooloomooloo Ridge in Darlinghurst, and its association with both Edward Deas Thomson and colonial architect John Verge, are of exceptional significance. The building is also one of few surviving examples of Verge’s buildings in Sydney. Aesthetically the building retains many of its original features, details and design and is representative of early colonial residential architecture. The building also retains part of its historic landscape grounds, including two Morton Bay fig trees. Socially the building has played an important role in the development of the School, and is at the centre of the School campus and life.
The 1901 eastern extensions to Barham are of moderate heritage significance for its historic and social value. The extension are significant for their association with the development of the School, being the original expansion of space and amenities once the site was purchased by the School in 1900. The architecture is sympathetic to the original colonial building, although utilitarian in finish, particularly fronting Forbes Street. Internally the extension is representative of federation architecture and detailing in an educational setting.
The 1907-1911 and 1922 south-west extensions to Barham are of little heritage significance. Although some sections of the extensions are historically early developments at the School – their ad-hoc nature and location negatively impact the curtilage and appreciation of Barham in the round. The extensions have also been heavily altered and modified during the years, losing most of their integrity in form and fabric. This section includes a historic School bell which is of high social significance.
The 1960s south-west extension to Barham is an unsympathetic ad-hoc development which is intrusive to the significance of the building, impacting on the verandah fabric and appreciation of the building.
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The Chapel Building
The Chapel Building is of high significance for its historic, aesthetic and social value to the School. The building is historically significant as the first purpose built school building on the site. Aesthetically, the building is typical of federation school buildings, and has a prominent street presence within the Darlinghurst area. It retains much of its original features, including timber verandah and fretting, large arched windows to first floor, timber main staircase, original entrance and foundation stone.
The 1926 Edith Badham Memorial Chapel is the key space within the building. Historically the ‘Main Hall’, the space has aesthetic significance for its architectural detailing, including large arched stained glass and leadlight windows, deep moulded plaster cornices and beams and decorative plaster scrolled brackets. The timber pews, altar and panelling installed in 1926 for the Chapel is also significant.
The chapel space is also significant for its association with architect John Burchamp Clamp, and the school community who have donated for the construction of the chapel and have used the space either as the ‘Main Hall’ or chapel.
The western section of the building, west of the staircase, is of moderate heritage significance. Whilst part of this area is original to the 1901 building, the modifications to the interior spatial arrangement, and ad- hoc additions at first and second floor have caused a loss of integrity in form and fabric.
Old Gymnasium
The Old Gymnasium is of moderate significance for its historic, aesthetic and social value to the School. The building is historically significant as the first gymnasium building built on the site, and for its association with the development of the School. Although spatially modified, the fabric of the gymnasium space at ground floor is still intact and includes exposed facebrick walls, expressed beams, battened ceilings and large arched high-level windows, beneath the carpet flooring the original timber spring-loaded gymnasium floor is extant. The classrooms at first floor retain much of their original spatial configuration.
The walkway and stairwell to the north of the building, and the storeroom extension to the south of the building are of little heritage significance, altering the original form, fabric and free-standing nature of the building. The walkway and stairwell to the north have a significant impact of the appreciation of the building from the north.
Wilkinson House (Gwydir Flats)
Wilkinson House is of moderate heritage significance for its historic, aesthetic and social value to the School. The building is historically associated with prominent architect Emil Sodersten and is one of the last remaining of his earliest buildings in Sydney.
Aesthetically, although not constructed to the proposed original level of detail, the building is representative of 1920s apartment buildings and their use of varying architectural stylistic influences including Inter-War Mediterranean, Spanish Mission and Georgian Revival. The building retains some original internal spaces and details, including the original front door, entry foyer and lobby space – parquetry floor, fireplace and plaster mouldings, and internal stair. The building’s original spatial arrangement has been modified, in its use as a boarding house and later as senior studies centre.
The building also has social significance for its association with SCEGGS boarders, who called the building ‘home’ from 1960 to 2001.
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Science and Library Buildings
Built in 1967 and 1970 the Science and Library Buildings are of little significance to the School site. The buildings are significant in so far as they are representative of the development of the School and their expansion of their facilities and curriculum. They are aesthetically representative of the school buildings constructed during the era.
The buildings are sited off street alignment on Bourke Street, which is unsympathetic to the street and heritage conservation area.
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27 Significance of individual buildings within the SCEGGS site and adjoining SCEGGS properties at the St Peter’s precinct and Nelson House. Not to scale. Source: TKD Architects, August 2018.
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3.4 Significance of neighbouring heritage items
SCEGGS Darlinghurst is locally listed, and is within the C13 East Sydney Special Character and Conservation Area. The School’s assets include the State listed St Peter’s Church Precinct.
Refer to section 1.8 for heritage management context – listing all neighbouring heritage items.
Below is a summary significance for the East Sydney Conservation Area and neighbouring heritage items which are adjacent to the proposed development sites. The summary significances have been extracted from each items’ State Heritage Inventory Listing
3.4.1 East Sydney Conservation Area
The East Sydney Conservation Area has historic and aesthetic significance for its ability to demonstrate the development of an inner city suburb during the mid to late nineteenth century, with later overlay. The area demonstrates the predominantly small lot subdivision, along a grid pattern based on Darlinghurst Road and Oxford Street, that followed the subdivision of the Riley Estate in the 1840s and the incremental subdivision of the Darlinghurst villa estates during the second half of the nineteenth century. This pattern of subdivision, and the predominantly terraced housing that developed from it, reflects the rapid population growth in Sydney particularly during the period 1850 to 1900. Development related to institutions as well as residential flat development during the inter-war period (c.1919-1940) is also demonstrated. The topography and dense urban form of the area create a strong sense of place and significant district vistas from higher areas.
The area contains a number of aesthetically significant and prominent buildings such as the former St Peter’s Church, Burton Street Tabernacle, former Palmer Street Presbyterian Church Group, Caritas House and the former Darlinghurst Police Station, as well as a number of fine terraces and inter-war residential flat buildings.
The area has historic significance for the important institutions that are to be founding within it including SCEGGS Darlinghurst.
3.4.2 St Peter’s Church and Precinct
A fascinating example of polychromatic patterned brickwork incorporated in a quaint Victorian Villa. The essentially Gothic style is appropriate for its use as a rectory and its siting affords a pleasant aspect to the streetscape.
The site of the former St Peter's Church Group is associated with acquisition of land and establishment of the Church within the developing suburbs of Woolloomooloo and East Sydney and the role of the Church within the community as its locality developed from a fringe suburb to an inner suburb of Sydney The outreach into the community in relation to its Christian religious movements ensured that the church was an important community and social focus for the surrounding area. Despite deconsecrating of the Church in 1993, the site and buildings retain the ability to display the gradual development of a suburban Christian mission.
The former St Peter's Church Group manifests a variety of building styles and elements within the site, which together contribute to the visual and aesthetic character of the area. The architectural quality of the Gothic Revival sandstone Church (former) is aesthetically distinctive and the existing masonry building forms are important components in the Victorian architectural streetscape of Bourke Street. In particular, several windows are of extremely high significance and together are important in the history of stained
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 39 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact glass in Sydney and also provide evidence of association with several historical persons of note. Several significant historical and contemporary figures have been associated with the former St Peter's Church Group both in relation to the religious institution and also the site as a community arts facility.
The qualities of the architecture are enhanced by the open space setting for The Great Hall (former Church) within a densely built up inner area of the city. This setting represents the historical aspirations that the Church not be hemmed in by surrounding development and demonstrates the evolution of the St Peter's site towards achieving this goal. It includes a significant planting of Phoenix Date Palms (Phoenix reclinata) palms to the east of The Great Hall and two Chinese Elms (Ulmus parvifolia) in the open space setting to its west. The Great Hall in its setting is a landmark for the area; historically, architecturally and socially. It is assessed as having exceptional state significance and is the most important element of the former St Peter's Church Group and site. The Playhouse as the second most important element is assessed as having high local significance and the Small Store is also assessed as having high local significance. In addition, the site is anticipated to have low to moderate archaeological potential to contain archaeological resources of local heritage significance relating to the former residential properties on the corner of Forbes and St Peter's Streets.
(Information sourced from Tanner Architects, "Addendum to Conservation Plan" )
The site demonstrates growth and development of the church as a community focus and its relationship to the surrounding suburban area. Its very establishment shows the vigorous role played by the church people of England during the middle and late 1800's. Many prominent people were associated with the church throughout its history and there is substantial documentation of its involvement with the community as it grew and changed.
The church and hall are good examples of Victorian Ecclesiastical architecture and some of the detailing, for example the stained glass windows, are important early examples of Australian craftsmanship. The houses are typical, but not rare, examples of early terrace housing. The open spaces provide an important setting for the church.
The former hall is of high cultural significance for its association with site development by the Church. The building was designed by Benjamin Backhouse and built in 1873. It has been associated with the ancillary activities of the Church since 1873 and continues to provide support facilities for SCEGGS in its new role as the Playhouse.
3.4.3 Nelson House
The building dates from one of the key period of layers for the development of Darlinghurst in the late 19th Century. It is a good example of a late Victorian terrace which makes a positive contribution to the streetscape. It is also associated with the historical development of SCEGGS on the Darlinghurst site.
3.4.4 Former St Peter’s Rectory
The former St Peter’s Church Rectory is an excellent example of a grand mid-Victorian Gothic style house which was designed by prominent architect Benjamin Backhouse (1829-1904). The building is highly decorative and features polychrome brickwork detailing, a steeply pitched gabled roof clad in slate and elegant front verandah and a high quality interior. It is a prominent element within the streetscape.
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4 DESCRIPTION OF THE PROPOSAL
4.1 Project Background
SCEGGS Darlinghurst is proposing to undertake building and refurbishment works over the next 20 years so that it can remain a leader in girls’ quality primary and secondary education.
The purpose of the Masterplan is to provide a framework for development proposals on the whole campus and to provide a coordinated basis for long term planning.
The school has recently produced a Strategic Plan titled ‘Our Path Ahead’, which outlines the school’s philosophies and direction for the school over the next 20 years. This document forms the basis and background to the Masterplan.
4.2 SCEGGS Masterplan Requirements
SCEGGS Darlinghurst has existed in its present location as a functioning school for girls since 1901 after it acquired the large manor house Barham. Following the purchase, it began construction of the Chapel Building and so commenced a history of development that has seen the school grow into one of the leading independent girls’ school in Sydney.
The School seeks to maintain its leading position and continue to offer the high standard of education for which it is renowned. The School must be able to provide appropriate teaching and learning environments that include up to date facilities and allow it the flexibility to further develop and upgrade these facilities into the future.
The School, as a responsible neighbour and land owner committed to staying on its inner-city site proposes to set out its long-term requirements and immediate development program.
Development of the campus over the last 20 years has been guided by the School’s 1999 Masterplan. The opportunities for developing the campus in this Masterplan have now largely been realised and successfully integrated into the urban fabric:
– New Primary School (completed 2001) – Old Girls Building (Yellow Building) Refurbishment – New Music Centre (Diana Bowman) (completed 2007) – New Science and Technology Building (Joan Freeman) (completed in 2012)
The proposed 2040 Masterplan responds to the remaining areas of the campus that are no longer suitable for the current and projected requirements of the school. The Masterplan is a response to the current state of the facilities at SCEGGS and outlines the framework within which the school intends to upgrade its existing facilities and integrate new facilities within its unique context over the next 20 years.
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4.3 Stage 1 Wilkinson House Redevelopment
The proposed redevelopment for Wilkinson House is to provide larger flexible spaces for learning and meeting. The proposed redevelopment will involve the following:
Demolition of Wilkinson House (1926 formerly Gwydir Flats) Construction of a four storey multi-purpose school building with large flexible learning spaces which provide better connection to surrounding school buildings to allow for ancillary functions
4.4 New Administration Building / Barham restoration / Revitalised school entry
The proposal for the revitalised school entry will involve the following:
Demolition of the later ad hoc additions to Barham, including laundry extension to the east and administration spaces to the south-west Restoration of Barham, including the reinstatement of the early verandah configuration Construction of a three storey administration building fronting Forbes Street Enhancement of the Forbes Street entrance to the school and enhancement of the connection through to the main lawn at the heart of the School
4.5 New Multi-Purpose Building
The proposed new multi-purpose building will involve the following:
Demolition of the Old Gymnasium (1925) at the northern end of Thomson Street Demolition of the western end (including later additions) to the Chapel Building (1901 and later additions c1925) Demolition of the Library and Science Building (1967 and 1970 – with later 1992 additions) Construction of a six storey multi-purpose building fronting Bourke Street
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5 ASSESSMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT
5.1 Introduction
This section of the report identifies and assesses potential heritage impacts associated with the proposed masterplan for the SCEGGS Darlinghurst site and Stage 1 redevelopment works for Wilkinson House.
The masterplan consists of 3 primary components:
New Administration Building / Barham Restoration / Revitalised School Entry New Multi-Purpose Building Wilkinson House Redevelopment
The proposal is assessed against relevant statutory provisions, guidelines of the NSW Heritage Office relating to heritage impacts, and relevant policies from the 1999 SCEGGS Darlinghurst Heritage Assessment.
The assessment includes a discussion on the potential impacts of future buildings on the site, adjoining heritage items and the conservation area with regard to their setting and streetscape presence.
Heritage Development Guidelines at section 6 provides objectives and principles to assist in minimising or mitigating the potential heritage impacts identified below.
5.2 Assessment of Heritage Impact
5.2.1 Barham
Barham has been assessed as having exceptional heritage significance. The building was designed as a detached two storey dwelling, with its main facades facing its expansive grounds to the north and west. The original and significant fabric has been modified over time to allow for School facilities, with major additions constructed c1901 to the east (laundry and kitchen wing) and between 1907-1911, 1922 and 1960s to the south (Headmistress’ wing and connection to the Chapel Building). These additions have been assessed as of moderate heritage significance (1901), little heritage significance (1907-1911, 1922) and intrusive (1960) (see Figure 27).
The early extensions from 1901 include the original kitchen and laundry extension to the east. These spaces whilst heavily modified, particularly within the kitchen, have some original fabric extant including timber staircase and timber window and door joinery. The accretions are however, generally utilitarian in character and are significant insofar as they demonstrate the historical adaptation of the building for school use.
The demolition of these additions to Barham whilst a loss of early fabric, provides the opportunity to largely reconstruct Barham to its original 1833 form, and have this significant era of construction more readily understood. It will also provide a better heritage outcome for the presentation of the school to Forbes Street and the Conservation Area through a considered design in a replacement building, whilst opening up lost vistas through the school internally, to neighbouring areas and the city.
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At Forbes Street, a new Administration Building is proposed to replace the eastern extensions to Barham. The proposed envelope for the new Administration Building has been designed to enhance the appreciation of the cultural significance of the School and its surrounding heritage context, whilst improving the amenity and presentation of the School to the streetscape. The potential impacts on the site, Barham and Heritage Conservation Area are minimised through the following design considerations:
The building is designed to align to the Forbes Street site boundary, reflecting the existing urban grain within the street and Conservation Area. The building mass and scale are similar to the proposed demolished extensions. The building does not extend beyond the width of Barham, maintaining and enhancing visual connection to the building from Forbes Street. The main building mass is setback from Barham by a link – which has a maximum height no greater than the eaves line of Barham. The link is also setback from the northern and southern facades, to emphasise Barham and the new building as separate. The proposed building height is no greater than the eaves line of the Chapel Building. The building’s architectural character and materiality reflects its heritage context, but ensures that Barham historic fabric, character and form are easily understood.
5.2.2 Multi-Purpose Building
A new Multi-Purpose Building is proposed for the area currently occupied by the Old Gymnasium, Science and Library Buildings and the western end of the Chapel Building. The new building will require the demolition of these buildings and structures, which are of varying levels of significance.
The Chapel Building has been assessed as having high heritage significance. The original building form has been modified, with a 3-storey addition to the east, completed c1911 fronting Forbes Street, and original 1901 bridge linking the first floor of the Chapel Building to Barham was expanded in 1922. Further alterations took place in 1925 where the 2-storey western section of the building was extended to a third storey and modified to connect to the Old Gymnasium.
This 1925 addition and later internal modifications, west of the main stairs, which are proposed to be demolished are of moderate significance. This area includes the original basement (bathrooms and locker rooms) and ground floor office spaces which were built in 1901 as part of the building. Whilst the basement areas are utilitarian, the office spaces although heavily modified and lost much of its original configuration and integrity, includes early fabric such as timber door joinery and 1925 timber bay window and seat. Upper levels of the western extensions have been constructed in an ad-hoc manner over the years and have modified the original configuration and roof form of the building. These spaces are also utilitarian, housing bathrooms and a 1980s fire stair.
The Old Gymnasium is assessed as having moderate heritage significance. Constructed in 1925, the original building form has been modified with the addition of a terrace and stair to the north, which are intrusive to the building’s original free standing architectural composition. Internally, the original gymnasium has been adapted into class rooms, however original fabric such as the sprung timber floor and windows have been retained within the adapted spaces. Overall, the physical integrity of the exterior fabric and many of the internal classroom and staff spaces is generally low.
The Science and Library Buildings are assessed as having little heritage significance. Constructed in 1967 and 1970 (with a 1992 Auditorium extension to the Library Building), the buildings are generally in good condition and have not been modified externally.
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The Science and Library Buildings street alignment is angled to the street, providing a poor contribution to the Bourke Street streetscape. The buildings inefficiently use the school’s constrained site area, and due to their misaligned floor levels, do not meet contemporary access requirements.
The demolition of the spaces and fabric associated with the Chapel Building and the Old Gymnasium will have a minor heritage impact for the loss of original/or early fabric and the building’s associations with the development of the School. The demolition of the Science and Library Buildings will not have adverse heritage impacts. The demolition of these buildings is justified by the opportunity to develop a new building which better serves the School and community, whilst also providing an opportunity to better address the Bourke Street heritage context.
The new Multi-Purpose Building which is proposed to replace these demolished items, has been designed as a six-storey building envelope fronting both Bourke and Forbes Streets, navigating the substantial fall in land across the site.
A large building, the Multi-Purpose Building envelope is proposed to allow for a substantial basement area taking advantage of the change in level in the site. A basement will require the demolition of part of the exposed quarry face present in the School. Whilst this quarry face is not heritage listed (unlike another section of the same quarry face listed on Thomson Place), it is evidence of the early history of the site, which prior to its land grant and construction of the Barham Estate was once a convict quarried sandstone quarry, which provided sandstone that was used in many local residences (including Barham) and most importantly in the State Heritage listed former Darlinghurst Gaol. Its demolition will have a minor impact on the historic fabric of the School, which is mitigated by the retained exposed sections of the quarry face behind the Primary School and beneath the Old Girls Building.
The proposed building envelope has undergone design iterations to ensure a considered design which enhances the appreciation of the cultural significance of the School and its surrounding heritage context, as well as improve the amenity and educational facilities of the School. The potential impacts on the site and adjacent heritage buildings are minimised or mitigated through the following design considerations:
At Bourke Street, the building is proposed to be a maximum of two storeys, presenting a unified street frontage in relation to height and character. This provides a positive heritage impact for the Bourke Street streetscape and Conservation Area, a better outcome than the 1960s and 1970s buildings which did not relate to their immediate surroundings. At Forbes Street, the proposed building is setback from the street, to allow the heritage Chapel Building to maintain street prominence. The proposed building is setback 1m from the historic entry porch to the Chapel Building to allow this original building form to retain legibility in the new development. The building is also setback from the Chapel Building form on its southern facade, 4.6m at its widest point, to ensure that the significant Chapel space within the building at first floor retains light penetration and the historic leadlight and stained glass windows are not impacted. The proposed building does not impact on the significant stairs and spaces of the Chapel Building. The proposed building height is no greater than the eaves height of the Chapel Building. This mass and scale which is of similar mass and scale to the Old Gymnasium will not have any additional overshadowing impacts on the heritage terrace houses on Thomson Street. The proposed building retains and enhances views to Barham from the west. The proposed building maintains and enhances existing views to the city for residents on Thomson Street.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 45 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
5.2.3 Wilkinson House
Wilkinson House, formerly Gwydir Flats, is assessed as having moderate heritage significance, and is a contributory item within the Heritage Conservation Area. Constructed 1926 and designed by Emil Sodersten, the building’s original form is intact, however internally, the building retains little of its original layout, having been modified to serve as classrooms in 2001. The entry hall, stairwell and some decorative features such as plaster ceiling mouldings are extant.
The building does not adequately serve the School’s requirements, as the residential floor plan and traditional construction of the building does not accommodate flexible teaching spaces or other school functions. The exiting plan incorporates small rooms, bathrooms, lightwell and small indented balconies which do not meet contemporary learning needs and cannot be adaptively reused for the School’s requirements.
The demolition of Wilkinson House will however have an inherent negative heritage impact, for the loss of a contributory heritage item to the Conservation Area, and loss of an early Sodersten building.
A Wilkinson House Options Study was undertaken by TKD Architects in October 2018, to assess the viability of various development options for Wilkinson House, including retention, minor demolition and internal configuration, complete internal configuration and demolition of the building. The report concludes that due to the constrained nature of the site and building, that a complete demolition of the building is the most viable option for the continued development of the School’s facilities to contemporary learning spaces.
Accepting the necessity for the complete demolition of the existing Wilkinson House, and the heritage impacts associated with this option, the demolition will allow for the construction of a replacement building with contemporary school spaces which will better serve the needs of the School in the long term.
The proposed replacement building as part of the Stage 1 redevelopment works, has been designed to respect the heritage context of the School and the Conservation Area. The potential impacts of the proposed development are minimised through the following design considerations:
The building has been designed with zero setbacks, aligned to the site boundary, retaining the historic uniformity in street alignment on the site and in the Conservation Area. The building height, although marginally exceeding the 15m height limit for the area, is a comparable scale to the original Wilkinson House and surrounding contemporary buildings on the site along St Peter’s Street. This maximum building height ensures that overshadowing on the State Heritage listed St Peter’s Church site is minimised. The building mass is similar to the proposed demolished Wilkinson House.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 46 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
5.3 Sydney Council Local Environmental Plan 2012
The proposed masterplan and Stage 1 works are assessed below against the relevant heritage provisions of the 2012 Sydney Local Environmental Plan.
LEP Provision Response Clause 4.3 Height of buildings 4.3 (1) The objectives of this clause are as follows (a) to ensure the height of The proposed envelope for the New Administration building will development is appropriate to accommodate a future building which enhances and reinforces the the condition of the site and its historic form of Barham and relates purposefully in its scale to the context, building and neighbouring buildings within Forbes Street and the (b) to ensure appropriate height Conservation Area. transitions between new development and heritage items The proposed envelope for the New Multi-Purpose building will and buildings in heritage accommodate a future building which relates purposefully in its scale conservation areas or special to the Chapel Building on Forbes Street, the Old Girls Building within character areas the School and to the adjacent heritage listed terrace houses on Bourke Street.
The propose design of the New Wilkinson House building relates purposefully in its scale to the original scale of the preceding building, as well as its neighbouring School buildings. It is at a scale which also does not create negative impacts on the heritage items St Peter’s Church and Playhouse across the road on St Peters Street.
Guidelines provided at section 6 aim to ensure that future buildings relate in its scale to the SCEGGS site and surrounding heritage items, in particular Barham, the Chapel Building and St Peter’s Precinct.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 47 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
LEP Provision Response Clause 5.10 Heritage Conservation (1) Objectives The objectives of this clause are as follows: (a) to conserve the environmental The SCEGGS Darlinghurst site is identified as a local heritage item heritage of the City of Sydney, (no. I301) within the C13: East Sydney Conservation Area. It is also (b) to conserve the heritage located within the vicinity of a number of local and state significant significance of heritage items and heritage items. heritage conservation areas, including associated fabric, The proposed building envelope for the New Administration building settings and views, achieves the objectives of this clause through the: - retention of the fabric and setting of Barham - retention of views to and within the School and enhancement of existing views to and within the School which have been lost or degraded through ad-hoc developments over the years - establishment of a building envelope which is setback and reinforces the existing character of Barham - establishment of a building envelope which reinforces and enhances the street frontage along Forbes Street
The proposed building envelope for the New Multi-Purpose building achieves the objectives of this clause through the: - retention of the significant fabric of the Chapel Building, including the original entry porch - retention of the views to the Chapel Building and its entry porch from Forbes Street - retention of day light amenity to the chapel, the key space in the Chapel Building - establishment of an envelope which is of a scale that is lower than the Chapel Building - establishment of a building envelope which reinforces the existing character of the Chapel Building - establishment of an envelope which is setback from Forbes Street - establishment of a building envelope which reinforces and enhances the street alignment of Bourke Street
The proposed Stage 1 redevelopment design for Wilkinson House achieves the objectives of this clause through the: - retention of views through Forbes Street and St Peters Street - establishment of a building of a similar height and mass to the preceding Wilkinson House - establishment of a building which reinforces the street alignment of Forbes Street and St Peters Street
Guidelines at section 6 are provided to ensure the design of future buildings which relate in scale and architectural expression to the site and heritage items in the vicinity.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 48 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
LEP Provision Response Clause 5.10 Heritage Conservation (c) to conserve archaeological The areas between and to the west of the existing Barham and sites Chapel Buildings and to the south of the Chapel Building are identified as areas of archaeological potential in the Casey&Lowe Archaeology report. The area may contain remains connected with the 1830s Barham Hall and its outbuildings and gardens. (d) to conserve Aboriginal objects The site is not identified as a place of Aboriginal heritage significance. and Aboriginal places of heritage significance
5.4 SCEGGS Darlinghurst Heritage Assessment, 1999
The proposed masterplan is evaluated against relevant policies from the 1999 ‘SCEGGS Darlinghurst Heritage Assessment’ by Tanner Architects, as follows:
4.2.2 New Development
Development on the SCEGGS Darlinghurst site should continue provided it:
enhances the appreciation of the cultural significance of the place, in particular the items and areas identified with exceptional or high significance, ie. Barham, the Chapel Building, St Peter’s Church (the Great Hall) and St Peter’s Hall (The Playhouse); improves the amenity and educational facilities of items and areas identified with moderate to low significance, so they enhance the appreciation of the cultural significance of the school ensures that important vistas to and from the School are retained and enhanced
In general the design of a new structure(s) on the SCEGGS Darlinghurst site should endeavour to:
enhance the cultural significance of buildings and areas with exceptional-high significance; improve the amenity and function of the school and its individual buildings without competing with buildings of with buildings of exceptional or high significance; respect the space between significant buildings and be complementary in bulk and scale to the surrounding development and the existing buildings on the site; not clutter the site with buildings – rather consolidate new work into the minimum number of new buildings of an acceptable height and scale allowing for considered open playground space; use materials and colours which are sympathetic to the historic nature of the area; be of a quality of building construction and materials which will survive the tests of time and will complement the quality of the historic buildings in the area
New development specifically related to the Secondary School should:
respect the open space around Barham and open space and views through the School buildings to the City; improve the presentation of Barham, including views to the building and views from the building by retaining the open space around the building; improve the entrance to the School from Forbes Street, making use of the aesthetic and historic qualities of Barham; improve the presentation of the courtyard space between the Chapel Building and Barham
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 49 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
The proposed new development at SCEGGS Darlinghurst – the new Wilkinson House, Administration Building and Multi-purpose Building have been designed to enhance the appreciation of the cultural significance of the site, paying particular attention to their relationship with items of exceptional and high significance. This has been achieved through the mass and scale of the buildings, which are low scale and reflect the mass and scale of existing buildings on site and in the surrounding area. Furthermore, the buildings have been designed to relate to their streetscapes, sited to align with the site boundaries (as per existing urban grain), and provide appropriate setbacks where necessary to ensure that the heritage items on the streetscape have visual prominence.
The design of the Multi-purpose Building also utilises setbacks to ensure the significant heritage forms and spaces of the Chapel Building continue to be easily understood and retain their amenity.
The proposed new development ensures that important vistas to and from the school and for neighbouring properties are both retained and enhanced through the mass, height, scale and location of the buildings.
The demolition of buildings/structures of moderate and little heritage significance provides the opportunity to consolidate new buildings into one larger building which makes better use of the site and provides enhanced amenity for staff, education and outdoor play space for the School.
The proposed demolition of the extensions and adhoc accretions to Barham is a positive heritage outcome, providing the opportunity to improve the presentation of Barham, restore and conserve it to a significant era of construction and enhance views to and from the building. The demolition of the eastern extension will also allow for an improved entrance to the School from Forbes Street and courtyard space between the Chapel Building and Barham,
4.2.3 Recording
Building or areas, which are proposed to be altered or demolished, should be fully recorded and documented before removal. The recording documentation should be archived in the School archives.
Refer to Section 6 for Heritage Development Guidelines for the interpretation and archival recording of buildings which are proposed to be demolished as part of the masterplan for the School.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 50 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
5.5 Potential impacts on Conservation Area and neighbouring heritage items: settings and views
Future buildings on the School site have the potential to impact on the curtilages of Barham and the Chapel Building as well as the curtilages of neighbouring heritage items. Heritage curtilage is defined in the publication Heritage Curtilages, prepared by the Heritage Branch, NSW Department of Planning (now Office of Environment and Heritage) as:
The area of land (including land covered by water) surrounding and item or area of heritage significance which is essential for retaining and interpreting its heritage significance.
It can apply to either:
Land which I integral to the heritage significance of the built heritage; or A precinct which includes buildings, works, relics, trees or places and their setting
The concept of heritage curtilage recognises that the heritage significance of a place can be adversely affected even if no significant fabric is altered within the place.
For many of the heritage items within the School and within the vicinity of the site, a heritage curtilage has not been formally established or identified other than their Lot boundary. For these heritage items, it is generally understood that they derive considerable aesthetic significance from the visual contribution they make to both the streetscape and Conservation Area, as well as the historic visual connection they have had with extended views of the area and city.
This section provides an assessment of potential impacts of the proposal on the setting and significant views of neighbouring heritage items and within the School campus, through an analysis of rendered images at street-level vantage points. The renders have been prepared by TKD Architects and depict the proposed building envelopes for the New Administration Building and the Multi-Purpose Building, as well as a Stage 1 design for Wilkinson House.
A summary of potential heritage impacts is provided at section 5.6.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 51 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
Barham and Chapel: looking north along Forbes Street
From Forbes Street the Chapel Building has a prominent position within the streetscape, which is accentuated by the deep setback of the Old Gymnasium, now occupied by a carpark forecourt. The entry porch is visible in the background in this view. The eastern extension to Barham is largely concealed by the mature trees and brick boundary wall.
The setback for the proposed Multi-Purpose Building ensures that the Chapel Building remains prominent in the foreground of street level views on Forbes Street. The setback from the southern façade, allows the single storey entry porch to remain legible in the background. The remaining section of the building will occupy the background, however no higher than the eaves of the Chapel Building, it reinforces the prominence of the building in the foreground.
The new Administration Building will be more prominent than the existing utilitarian Barham extension when viewed from Forbes Street.
Barham and Chapel: looking west across Forbes Street
Looking west, at the intersection of Clapton Place and Forbes Street, the Chapel Building is the first visual indication of the School. At this junction, the pedestrian crossing looks directly through the entry to the School and the courtyard space between the Chapel Building and Barham. The Barham extensions are largely concealed by the mature trees and brick boundary wall.
The new Administration Building will have an equal presence in foreground views of the School at Forbes Street as the Chapel Building. The view of the entry and longitudinal view down through the courtyard space has the potential to be enhanced by the proposed new building. Views of the Multi-Purpose building are not visible in this direction.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 52 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
Barham and New Administration Building: looking south along Forbes Street
From this northern vantage point looking south along Forbes Street, the Barham eastern extension largely occupies the view. To the west the edge of the historic Barham building can be seen in the mid-distance and the eastern most extension of the Chapel Building is visible in the background. The prominence of the utilitarian and ad-hoc extension to Barham do not make a large contribution to the Forbes Street streetscape, and do not distinctly define the historic fabric from the extension.
The new Administration Building will occupy this prominent position on the street from this vantage point. The building has the potential to improve the School’s contribution to the streetscape from this view through its architectural character and materiality. The building’s position, scale and mass retain views to the Chapel Building in the background and the eastern edge of the Barham building. The distinction between historic fabric and new building is prominent in this view, and emphasised by the linking structure.
Barham: north-west view
The north-west view of Barham is the most significant view of the building, highlighting the once detached nature of the building, and view in the round, legibility of which has been compromised by decades of ad- hoc extensions to both Barham and the Chapel Building. In this view, Barham and the western extension of the Chapel Building are prominent. The eastern extension to Barham is not visible in this view.
The proposed demolition of the ad-hoc additions, has the potential to improve the view of the buildings from this vantage point, emphasising Barham in the round. In this view the new Administration Building will occupy the view in the mid-distance, setback from Barham but rising above its roof form. The Multi- Purpose Building will also occupy the view in the mid-distance from the south. Replacing the western section of the Chapel Building the proposed new building will not obscure the roof form and verandah structure of the building.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 53 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
Barham: south-west view
The western elevations of Barham, the ad-hoc additions and the Chapel Building are prominent in the foreground from this vantage point. The ad-hoc additions obscure the southern facade, and partially obscure the western facade of Barham, compromising the legibility of the building.
The proposed demolition of the ad-hoc additions, will improve the view of Barham from this vantage point, revealing the once obscured southern façade and reinstating views to the partially obscured western façade. The proposed Multi-Purpose Building will occupy a foreground position in this view, replacing the western extensions to the Chapel Building. It will obscure all views to the historic Chapel Building from this position. In the background, the new Administration building will be visible.
Multi-Purpose Building: looking north along Thomson Street
Residents along Thomson Street have a view of the Old Gymnasium in the background at the end of the street. This view is largely obscured by mature plantings.
The proposed Multi-Purpose Building will occupy this same position at the end of the street, and will be obscured by the trees in the same manner.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 54 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
Multi-Purpose Building: looking east across Bourke Street
The view of the western sections of the School, fronting Bourke Street, is occupied by the Science and Library Buildings in the foreground, rising high behind an adjacent row of heritage terrace houses. In the mid-distance the Old Girls Building which links to the Science Building at an upper level is also visible behind the terrace houses. The historic buildings of Barham and the Chapel Building are not visible from this vantage point.
The proposed Multi-Purpose Building will occupy a foreground position in this view from Bourke Street. It has the potential to improve the contribution of the School to the Bourke Street streetscape, with the building at street level relating in scale and mass to the neighbouring terrace houses and historic street alignment. In mid-distance, the upper storeys of the building will be visible at a setback from the Bourke Street frontage. The historic buildings of Barham and the Chapel Building will continue to be not visible from this vantage point.
Wilkinson House: north-east view
At the junction of Forbes Street and St Peters Street, the north-east corner of Wilkinson House largely occupies the foreground, and has prominence in the streetscape at this vantage point. The heavy massing of the building contributes to the architectural character of the building to the streetscape and conservation area.
The proposed new Wilkinson House is of a similar scale and mass to the existing building, and from this vantage point, continues the street wall on both streets. The impact of the proposed replacement building has no greater impact on the surrounding heritage context than the existing building.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 55 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
Wilkinson House: looking east along St Peter’s Street
The view of Wilkinson House looking east along St Peters Street is in the background of the existing suburban fabric, and continues a height datum.
The proposed new Wilkinson House is of a similar scale and mass to the existing building, and from this vantage point, continues the street wall on St Peters Street. The impact of the proposed replacement building has no greater impact on the surrounding heritage context than the existing building.
Wilkinson House: looking north along Forbes Street
The view along Forbes Street looking north, Wilkinson House largely occupies the vista – with its heavy massing and architectural character a stark contrast to the modern Horizon development across the road. This massing and architectural style contributes to the character of the streetscape and conservation area.
The proposed new building is of a similar scale and mass to the existing building, continuing the street wall from along Forbes Street. Like the original building, the new building does not promote views of the state heritage listed St Peter’s Precinct from this vantage point. The impact of the proposed replacement building has no greater impact on the surrounding heritage context than the existing building.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 56 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
5.6 Summary assessment of heritage impacts
Potential impacts on items within SCEGGS: summary
Barham
Potential positive heritage impact. The removal of later additions allows for the reconstruction of the 1833 form of the building and reinstatement of the 1880s verandah to its original form. Proposed new Administration Building envelope retains significant north-west presentation of the building, is set-back from the north and south to emphasise visual prominence of Barham, and is of a sympathetic scale and mass.
The Chapel Building
Minor heritage impact with the demolition of original fabric to the west of the building. Other potential impacts have been minimised through retention of the original entry porch, with proposed Multi-Purpose Building envelope setback from south façade to provide curtilage to entry porch and retain light amenity to Chapel space. Setbacks from Forbes Street will retain visual prominence of the Chapel Building on Forbes Street.
Wilkinson House
Negative heritage impact with the demolition of Wilkinson House, former 1926 Gwydir Flats. Accepting the heritage impacts associated with this option, the demolition of the building will allow for construction of a replacement building with contemporary school spaces which will better serve the needs of the School in the long term.
Old Gymnasium
Overall, the physical integrity of the exterior fabric and many of the internal classroom and staff spaces is generally low. Recommendations contained in the 1999 Heritage Assessment permit the demolition of buildings of moderate significance. The demolition of the Old Gymnasium, whilst a loss of original fabric and a significant building in the development of the School, its demolition is justified by the greater amenity and benefits provide to staff and students of the School through the provision of new facilities and spaces which better serve the current and future needs of the School community.
Science and Library Buildings
There are no heritage impacts on the demolition of the Science and Library Buildings which are of little significance.
Potential impacts on neighbouring heritage items: summary
Proposed new Administration Building envelope has the potential to improve visual presentation of the School to the Forbes Street precinct. Potential positive heritage impact to Bourke Street with the proposed Multi-Purpose Building envelope providing a better street alignment and sympathetic building to the surrounding heritage fabric. Setbacks to Multi-Purpose Building envelope to minimise impacts on heritage buildings on Thomson Street and Thomson Lane.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 57 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
6 HERITAGE DEVELOPMENT GUIDELINES
6.1 Introduction
The proposed masterplan for SCEGGS Darlinghurst has the potential to have direct and indirect heritage impacts, both on individual items within the School site and on heritage items in the vicinity. Direct impacts relate to changes to the environs of the precinct, including streetscape presentation, important views to and from significant items, and the setting of heritage items and areas.
The guidelines provided in this section have been formulated to assist in the future detailed design of the buildings in the masterplan, in order to maintain the heritage significance of the identified heritage items and, where relevant, to minimise or mitigate potential adverse heritage impacts. Overarching heritage objectives are provided for each heritage item, supported by principles and explanatory text. The principles are provided for guidance and are not intended to be mandatory or prescriptive. Although the proposal is not considered ‘infill’ development, the principles are consistent with the guidelines of the 2005 ‘Design in Context’ publication by the NSW Heritage Office and Australian Institute of Architects, which aim to ensure that new development responds positively to historic environments.
Heritage objectives and principles are provided for the following:
– Barham; – The Chapel Building; – Wilkinson House; and – Neighboring heritage buildings;
Objectives are also provided for heritage interpretation and archival recording of the site, specifically relating to the buildings to be demolished as part of the masterplan.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 58 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
6.2 Barham
6.2.1 Background
Barham, constructed in 1833 for Colonial Secretary Edward Deas Thomson, is a significant former residential building, and one of the few surviving examples of John Verge’s buildings in Sydney. Although one of Verge’s more modest designs, the building retains many of its original features, details and spatial configuration. A verandah which wrapped around the north and west facades of the building was constructed by the 1880s. The building also retains part of its historic landscape grounds, including two Morton Bay fig trees and retains its visual relationship to these from the north-west.
The building has had a number of extensions and additions since its occupation by the School in 1900. These include the large east extension - dating from the early twentieth century through to the inter-war period and the south-west additions – dating from the inter-war period to the 1960s.
The proposed new Administration Building and works to the entry and to Barham have the potential to impact on the significance of the building, arising from changes to its fabric, physical connections to the site and Chapel Building and changes to its streetscape presence.
6.2.2 Objectives
Retain and enhance the exceptional aesthetic significance of the building’s exterior Retain the substantially intact fabric and spatial qualities of the significant interiors of the building Retain and enhance the identity of the building within the School campus Enhance the legibility of the building from within the School campus and the streetscape
6.2.3 Principles
Architectural form and expression
a building to the east of the historic Barham building should relate in scale to both Barham and the existing extension building a building to the east should be designed so that it is not more visually overwhelming than the existing extension to Barham, the entry space, the Forbes Street streetscape or the Conservation Area the architectural form and expression of the building should allow Barham to be understood as a distinct and independent architectural element. Materials, details and forms which too closely resemble those of the historic building could have the potential of diminishing its unique identity and presence within the School campus and from the streetscape
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 59 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
a new building should retain visibility of the significant corner presentation of Barham from the north- west and not impact vantage points from Forbes Street or within the School campus
Connections
Connections from a future building to Barham should:
clearly delineate the separation between the historic and proposed building utilise existing altered openings where possible, avoiding new openings and changes to internal configuration of rooms at ground and first floor not exceed the height of the Barham eaves line be recessed behind the Barham building form from the north and south facades not create new connections from the south
Identity and function
Barham derives its significance as the historic residence on the site and its relationship with its surrounds, as well as its adaptation as School building in 1901. The building’s internal configuration still demonstrates its original function as a residential dwelling, and it continues to have a visual and physical connection to the remaining elements of its historical landscaped grounds.
To ensure Barham’s independent identity, function and significance are retained, any future development should be planned to:
maintain the significant north-west presentation of the building and its relationship to the Moreton Bay fig trees retain and enhance the ability to understand the building in the round allow Barham to function independently of a building to the east. Internal connections between Barham and the proposed building should be theoretically reversible maintain Barham’s internal vertical circulation
Protection of historic fabric
To ensure that the significant historic fabric of Barham is retained without damage, the following mitigation measures are recommended to be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction works:
undertake a photographic dilapidation record of affected parts of the interior and exterior of the building undertake a photographic archival record of the building externally and internally, including all areas proposed for demolition. Progressive photographic archival record of conservation/reconstruction works avoid removal, damage or alteration to significant original elements and details, including window, doors and chimneys in the demolition of the eastern and southern additions retain extant historic fabric externally and internally where possible, including window and door joinery, fireplaces, plaster and timber mouldings restoration works to Barham are to be based on physical and documentary evidence, utilizing materials and construction methods which are compatible with the historic fabric reconstruct 1880s verandah to be an open verandah with windbreak enclosures to north-east and south-west ends of the verandah
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 60 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
6.3 The Chapel Building
6.3.1 Background
The Chapel Building was constructed in 1901 and is significant as the first purpose-built education building on the School site. There is an early bridge connection between from the building to the first floor of Barham, a historic school bell is located at the beginning of this bridge. The building was extended to the east in 1911 and has had ad-hoc extensions to the west during the inter-war period. In 1926 the ‘Main Hall’ at first floor was converted to the Edith Badham Memorial Chapel and remains the key space within the building.
Aesthetically the building is typical of federation school buildings, and has a prominent street presence within Forbes Street. It retains much of its original features, including timber verandah and fretting, large arched windows to first floor, timber main staircase and original entrance and foundation stone.
6.3.2 Objectives
Retain and enhance the aesthetic significance of the building’s exterior Retain the substantially intact fabric and spatial qualities of the significant interiors of the building Retain and enhance the identity of the building within the School campus Enhance the legibility of the building from within the School campus and the streetscape
6.3.3 Principles
Architectural form and expression
a new building should relate in scale to the Chapel Building and the Old Gymnasium (proposed to be demolished) the architectural form and expression of the building should allow the Chapel Building to be understood as a distinct and independent architectural element. Materials, details and forms which too closely resemble those of the historic building could have the potential of diminishing its unique identity and presence within the School campus and from the streetscape a new building should be setback from Forbes Street to maintain prominence of the Chapel Building to the streetscape, retaining existing vistas a new building should be setback from the southern elevation of the Chapel Building to continue to provide adequate light amenity to the significant Chapel space a new building should provide adequate curtilage around the original entry porch to ensure that this historic form continues to be legible from Forbes Street
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 61 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
a new building should relate to the historic terrace group on Bourke Street in scale, mass and street alignment a new building should be setback from Thomson Street to minimise impact on the historic terraces within that street
Connections
Connections from a future building to the Chapel Building should:
clearly delineate the separation between the historic and proposed building avoid creating new openings and changes to the internal configuration of the building from the main stairs eastward not exceed the eaves height of the Chapel Building
Identity and function
The Chapel Building derives its significance as the first-purpose built school building on the site and its key internal space – the Chapel. The building’s internal configuration is substantially unaltered, particularly at first and second floors. The building has a significant street presence on Forbes Street, and is the main physical identity of the School from this street.
To ensure the Chapel Building’s independent identity, function and significance are retained, any future development should be planned to:
maintain the significant eastern presentation of the building on Forbes Street, including the retention of the original entry porch – the historic entrance to the School retain the building’s historic connection to Barham at first floor retain the two-storey timber verandah on the north as a secondary circulation for the building retain the historic timber stair as the main internal vertical circulation allow the Chapel Building to function independently of Barham and any building to the south. Connections between the Chapel Building and the proposed building should not require the demolition of significant fabric
Protection of historic fabric
To ensure that the significant historic fabric of the Chapel Building is retained without damage, the following mitigation measures are recommended to be undertaken prior to the commencement of construction works:
undertake a photographic archival record of the whole building, including all areas proposed for demolition avoid removal, damage or alteration to significant original elements and details, including windows, doors, chimneys and the original stair well retain historic school bell in its current location on north verandah
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 62 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
6.4 Wilkinson House
6.4.1 Background
Wilkinson House, formerly Gwydir Flats, was designed in 1926 by prominent architect Emil Sodersten and is one of the last remaining of his earliest buildings in Sydney. The building was not constructed to the proposed original level of detail, however is aesthetically significant as a representative example of 1920s apartment buildings influenced by the Inter-War Mediterranean, Spanish Mission and Georgian Revival style. The building is substantially intact externally and retains some original internal spaces and details, including the original front door, entry foyer and lobby space – parquetry floor, fireplace and plaster mouldings, and internal stair. The building’s original spatial arrangement has been modified through its use as a boarding house and later a senior studies centre.
Accepting the limitation of the structure and the constrained nature of the SCEGGS site, demolition of the building will allow for a replacement building which will permit the construction of a building with contemporary school spaces to better serve the needs of the School in the long term.
6.4.2 Objectives
Record and interpret the heritage significance of the demolished building Replacement building is to be of a similar scale and mass
6.4.3 Principles
The following measures are recommended to be undertaken to minimise the negative heritage impacts of the demolition of heritage fabric:
undertake a photographic archival recording of the building externally and internally prior to the building’s demolition new building to be built to the street property boundaries at Forbes and St Peters Streets (as per the present building) new building to be of a similar scale and mass as the demolished building, relating to its surroundings in material and design new building to retain ‘Wilkinson House’ as its name as interpretation
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 63 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
6.5 Potential impact on neighbouring heritage buildings: setting and views
6.5.1 Background
SCEGGS Darlinghurst is a locally listed heritage item within the C13: East Sydney Heritage Conservation Area. The school has many neighbouring local and state heritage listed items.
6.5.2 Objectives
The new buildings should have the following objectives to minimise potential impacts on neighbouring heritage buildings:
provide a better architectural presentation to Bourke Street than the current buildings minimise visual and physical impacts on properties in Forbes Street, Bourke Street, Thomson Street and Thomson Lane
6.5.3 Principles
The following measures are recommended to be undertaken to minimise potential heritage impacts on neighbouring heritage buildings:
align the proposed Multi-Purpose building to Bourke Street and relate in scale and mass to the heritage terrace group to the north setback Multi-Purpose building from Forbes Street to minimise physical impact on Nelson House and minimise visual impacts on vistas from neighboring properties on Forbes Street setback Multi-Purpose building from Thomson Street and Thomson Lane to minimise visual and physical impact on heritage listed terrace house
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 64 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
6.6 Heritage Interpretation and Archival Recording
6.6.1 Background
Heritage Interpretation and archival recording are an important way to interpret and record heritage items prior to and after their demolition. As part of the masterplan a number of items on the SCEGGS site are proposed to be demolished, including: parts of Barham, the Chapel Building, Wilkinson House, the Old Gymnasium and the Science and Library Buildings.
6.6.2 Objectives
Record and interpret the heritage significance of the demolished building
6.6.3 Principles
Photographic archival recordings for each building on site which will be impacted or demolished by the proposed masterplan Interpret former buildings or structures which have been assessed as exception, high or moderate significance
Heritage interpretation of the demolished significant buildings could be achieved through:
the display of historic and present photographs of the exterior and interiors of the building, at a publicly accessible location in the School near the location of the demolished building/structure salvage of significant elements of intact interiors which could be either displayed within the new building, adapted within the new building or provided to SCEGGS archives for secure storage and display interpretation of the original footprint of the buildings interpretation panels/plaques which describe the demolished building/structure near its original location interpretation of the historic development of the site and of the School through a physical or online narrative/model/interactive display
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 65 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
7 CONCLUSIONS
Established in 1900 on its present site in Forbes Street, SCEGGS Darlinghurst is located within the East Sydney Special Character and Conservation Area and contains a number of significant heritage items, notably Barham (1883) and the Chapel Building (1901). The School presently accommodates teaching facilities for 895 girls from Kindergarten to Year 12.
The School has identified the need to maintain a high standard of education through the provision of new teaching and learning environments which accommodate contemporary, flexible facilities. The proposed Concept Masterplan for SCEGGS seeks to provide a framework for development of the campus over the next twenty years. The Masterplan identifies underutilised areas of the campus and areas which do not meet contemporary learning requirements, in order to accommodate new buildings providing improved learning spaces and associated school facilities.
The Concept Masterplan establishes building envelopes which allow for a long term vision for staged development of the school site, comprising a new Administration Building, the restoration of Barham and a revitalised school entry, a new Multi-Purpose Building and the redevelopment of Wilkinson House.
Barham and the New Administration Building
The two-storey brick additions to the east of Barham — dating from the early twentieth century through to the inter-war period — are proposed to be removed to accommodate a new Administration Building. Of no individual merit or architectural distinction and accommodating utilitarian functions, the additions have been variously altered over time and are of historical interest only insofar as they demonstrate the ongoing development of the School in response to changing needs. Aesthetically, the additions detract from the understanding of Barham as a detached mid-nineteenth century villa, and they do not provide an appropriate address to Forbes Street.
The envelope for the future Administration Building will permit a new structure of an appropriate scale and size both in its relationship to Barham, the neighbouring Chapel Building and the immediate environs of the Conservation Area, whilst also improving the function and legibility of the School’s main entrance on Forbes Street.
The removal of a century of accretions constructed by the School is a positive heritage outcome for Barham, allowing for the reconstruction of the building to its original 1833 form. The 1880s verandah also proposed to be retained, will be reconstructed to its original 1880s configuration – open verandah with enclosed windbreakers to the north-east and south-west corners. The conservation and reconstruction of Barham will enhance its presentation within the School and reinstate lost historic views to the building.
Multi-Purpose Building
The proposed Multi-Purpose Building necessitates the demolition of the Old Gymnasium and the rear (western) annexe to the Chapel Building. The Old Gymnasium is assessed as having moderate heritage significance. Constructed in 1925, the building’s exterior has been substantially modified with intrusive additions and alterations. The removal of the Old Gymnasium is consistent with the recommendations contained in the 1999 Heritage Assessment, which permits the demolition of buildings of moderate significance. Accepting the low integrity of the building and its assessed level of significance, removal of the building will permit the provision of new facilities and spaces which better serve the current and future needs of the School.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 66 SCEGGS Darlinghurst — Masterplan • Statement of Heritage Impact
The Science Building and Library Building are assessed as having moderate heritage significance. Constructed in 1967 and 1970 (with a 1992 Auditorium extension to the Library Building), the buildings are generally in good condition and has not been modified externally.
The Science Building and Library Building street alignment is angled to the street, providing a poor contribution to the Bourke Street streetscape. The building is inefficient in its use of the School’s constrained site area, and due to the misaligned floor levels, does not meet contemporary access requirements.
Demolition of the Science Building and Library Building will not have adverse heritage impacts on the heritage significance of SCEGSS or the wider conservation area. Its demolition provides the opportunity to develop a new building which better serves the School and community. The proposed envelope for the Multi-Purpose Building provides the opportunity for a future building which better addresses the heritage context of its Bourke Street frontage and the wider heritage conservation area.
Development of Wilkinson House
Wilkinson House, formerly Gwydir Flats, is assessed as having moderate heritage significance, and is a contributory item within the East Sydney Heritage Conservation Area. Constructed in 1926 and designed by Emil Sodersten, the building’s original form is intact, however internally, the building retains little of its original layout, having been modified to serve as classrooms in 2001. The entry hall, stairwell and some decorative features such as plaster ceiling mouldings are extant.
The building does not adequately serve the School’s requirements, as the residential floor plan and traditional load-bearing building construction does not accommodate flexible teaching spaces or other school functions. The floor plan incorporates small rooms, bathrooms, lightwell and small indented balconies which do not meet contemporary learning needs and cannot readily be adaptively reused for the School’s requirements. The Options Analysis Report accompanying this application demonstrates that alternatives which have been explored to adapt and refurbish the building do not which meet the School’s requirements for the provision of high quality, flexible, contemporary school spaces.
Accepting the limitation of the structure, the constrained nature of the inner-city site and the requirement to maintain SCEGGS as a school which offers a high standard of girls’ education, the demolition of Wilkinson House will allow for a replacement building with contemporary school spaces which better serve the needs of the School in the long term.
The proposed replacement building is purposefully designed to relate to the historic campus, the streetscape and the wider East Sydney heritage conservation area in its mass, scale and siting. The proposed replacement structure extends to the street property boundaries at Forbes and St Peter’s Streets, as per the present building, and is of a comparable scale to Wilkinson House. Externally, its architectural expression and materiality is complementary to existing buildings on the school site and buildings within the Forbes Street streetscape, including the neighbouring St Peter’s Church.
Tanner Kibble Denton Architects January 2019 Issue B 67