Technical papers VOLUME 4 ENVIRONMENTAL IMPACT STATEMENT CBD ANDSOUTHEAST LIGHTRAILPROJECT
TECHNICAL PAPER 6: HERITAGE INTERPRETATION STRATEGY
CBD and South East Light Rail Heritage Interpretation Strategy
Report prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff on behalf of Transport for NSW September 2013
Report Register
The following report register documents the development and issue of the report entitled CBD and South East Light Rail—Heritage Interpretation Strategy, undertaken by Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd in accordance with its quality management system.
Job No. Issue No. Notes/Description Issue Date
12-0489B 1 Report September 2013
Contents Page
1.0 Introduction ...... 1 1.1 Background ...... 1 1.2 CBD and South East Light Rail Route ...... 1 1.3 Proposed Development ...... 1 1.4 Report Overview ...... 3 1.5 Methodology and Terminology ...... 3 1.6 Authorship ...... 3 1.7 Acknowledgements ...... 3
2.0 Outline History and Interpretative Storylines ...... 7 2.1 Introduction ...... 7 2.2 Summary History ...... 7 2.2.1 Precinct 1—City Centre Precinct ...... 7 2.2.2 Precinct 2—Surry Hills Precinct ...... 8 2.2.3 Precinct 3—Moore Park Precinct ...... 9 2.2.4 Precinct 4—Kensington/Kingsford Precinct ...... 10 2.2.5 Precinct 5—Randwick Precinct ...... 11 2.2.6 Precinct 6— Rozelle Stabling Maintenance Depot ...... 12 2.3 Key Historic Themes ...... 13 2.3.1 Assessment of Historic Themes ...... 16 2.4 Key Stories for Interpretation ...... 16 Historical Images: Precinct 1—City Centre Precinct ...... 18 Historical Images: Precinct 2—Surry Hills Precinct ...... 26 Historical Images: Precinct 3—Moore Park Precinct ...... 28 Historical Images: Precinct 4—Kensington/Kingsford Precinct ...... 30 Historical Images: Precinct 5—Randwick Precinct ...... 36 Historical Images: Precinct 6—Rozelle Stabling Maintenance Depot ...... 40 2.5 Endnotes ...... 42
3.0 Approach to Interpretation ...... 43 3.1 Interpretation as a Conservation Process ...... 43 3.2 Audiences for Interpretation ...... 43 3.3 Available Resources ...... 44 3.4 Opportunities for Interpretation ...... 44
4.0 Heritage Interpretation Concepts and Media ...... 45 4.1 Introduction ...... 45 4.2 Interpretive Concepts ...... 45 4.3 Conclusions ...... 46 4.3.1 Development and Implementation Tasks ...... 46 Interpretive Concept 1—Signage at Light Rail Stops or Historical Images ...... 48 Interpretive Concept 2—Online Exhibition or Digital Publication ...... 50 Interpretive Concept 3—Self-Guided Tour ...... 52
CBD and South East Light Rail Environmental Impact Statement—Heritage Interpretation Strategy, September 2013
CBD and South East Light Rail Environmental Impact Statement—Heritage Interpretation Strategy, September 2013
1.0 Introduction
1.1 Background
Godden Mackay Logan (GML) has been commissioned by Parsons Brinckerhoff (PB) on behalf of Transport for NSW to prepare a Heritage Interpretation Strategy report (HIS) for the proposed CBD and South East Light Rail (CSELR) project. The CSELR will comprise the construction and operation of a new light rail service, including approximately 12 kilometres of light rail track from Circular Quay to Central, and then to Kingsford and Randwick via Surry Hills and Moore Park (a total of 13 kilometres including track at the required Rozelle maintenance depot and stabling facilities) (refer to Figure 1.1).
The preparation of a Heritage Interpretation Strategy (HIS) is part of the Director General’s Requirements (DGR) issued by the Department of Planning and Infrastructure, under Section 115Y of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. Under the heading ‘Non-Indigenous Heritage’, the relevant DGR states: ‘the preparation of a Heritage Interpretation Strategy Report.’ This HIS is a technical report that will form part of the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) for the project.
1.2 CBD and South East Light Rail Route
The proposed CSELR would be located in the City of Sydney and Randwick City Local Government Areas (LGAs) and would traverse the suburbs of Sydney CBD, Haymarket, Surry Hills, Moore Park, Randwick, Kensington and Kingsford.
The CBD line would commence at Circular Quay and run north to south along George Street to Rawson Place, where it would run east along Rawson Place to Eddy Avenue, in front of the principal elevation of Central Station. The line would turn south at Chalmers Street, then east along Devonshire Street, Surry Hills. The CSELR line would cross South Dowling Street at grade and enter a tunnel below Moore Park west, coming back to surface east of Anzac Parade in Moore Park east. From there, it would head south to Alison Road where the line would branch off to Randwick along Alison Road; and Kensington, UNSW and Kingsford along Anzac Parade.
The CSELR would also include the construction of maintenance and stabling facilities at Randwick and Rozelle. The Rozelle maintenance depot is proposed to include maintenance inspection tracks, a building, workshops and storage. This depot is physically separated from the other five precincts and would not be publicly accessible; therefore, the main focus for interpretation planning is the other five precincts.
The outline history and interpretation storylines in section 2.0 are set out precinct by precinct, based on the six precincts defined in the CSELR Definition Design. A plan showing the CSELR precincts is provided in Figure 1.2.
1.3 Proposed Development
The following project description is based on information provided by Transport for NSW.
The CSELR comprises the construction and operation of a light rail service, including approximately 13 kilometres of new light rail track from Circular Quay to Central, then to Kingsford and Randwick via Surry Hills and Moore Park.
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The key infrastructure works for construction of the CSELR include:
approximately 20 light rail stops along the route, including an interchange with heavy rail at major rail stations (Circular Quay, Wynyard, Town Hall and Central), ferry interchange at Circular Quay and bus interchanges at the Town Hall, Queen Victoria Building, Rawson Place, Central Station, Randwick and Kingsford stops;
platforms at all stops to accommodate 45 metre long light rail vehicles (LRV), except at the Central Station and Moore Park stops, where platforms would be provided to accommodate both 45 metre and 90 metre long light rail vehicles (double length vehicles for special event services between Central Station and Moore Park);
turnback facilities at the Circular Quay, Wynyard, Kingsford and Randwick stops;
facilities in Randwick and Rozelle for LRV stabling and/or maintenance (including washdown);
integration with the existing light rail system;
approximately twelve traction power substations along the route (each approximately 80 square metres in area);
a new bridge structure spanning the Eastern Distributor;
an underground alignment across Moore Park in the form of a cut-and-cover tunnel;
special events platforms at the Circular Quay, Rawson Place, Central Station, Moore Park and Royal Randwick Racecourse stops;
a pedestrianized zone in George Street (from Bathurst Street to Hunter Street) with LRVs operating wire-free in this zone; and
public domain improvements including concepts for paving, street trees, lighting and furniture.
Other project elements related to the intended use and function of the proposal include:
high frequency ‘turn up and go’ services every two to three minutes during peak periods within the CBD;
a fleet of approximately 25 electric powered LRVs, approximately 45 metres long, featuring air conditioning and accessible low floor design with capacity for approximately 100 seated and 200 standing passengers in each LRV; and
a capacity of up to 9000 passengers per hour in each direction.
It is anticipated that it will take approximately five to six years to build the CSELR, with work beginning at multiple sites from mid-2014.
1.4 Report Overview
This HIS outlines how the history, significant heritage places and stories associated with each of the city and suburban precincts through which the CSELR route travels may be interpreted. As background to the interpretation, the HIS includes a succinct overview of each of the precincts and
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Sydney’s tram network, particularly where the proposed route follows the alignment of the earlier tram lines. The historical overview informs the identification of key historical themes and assists in determining the identified themes and storylines.
The potential future users of the CSELR will be the audience for any future interpretation. Combined with the constraints and opportunities associated with their needs and the project itself, a range of interpretive concepts are proposed. The range of interpretive concepts and media has been identified to effectively interpret the heritage values and stories. The proposed concepts include interpretive signage at light rail stops; digital media such as an application (App) for handheld devices, web content and a self-guided interpretive tour.
1.5 Methodology and Terminology
This Heritage Interpretation Strategy (HIS) has been prepared with reference to the NSW Heritage Office publications for heritage interpretation, including the Heritage Interpretation Policy and Interpreting Heritage Places and Items Guidelines, endorsed by the Heritage Council in 2005.
1.6 Authorship
This IS has been prepared by Sharon Veale, Partner, who provided strategic input and review; Michelle Richmond, Senior Consultant; and Angela So, Consultant.
1.7 Acknowledgements
GML gratefully acknowledges the assistance provided by City of Sydney Council, Randwick City Council, and Hugh Swinbourne, Alex McDonald and Geeta Kumar of Parsons Brinckerhoff, as well as volunteers from the Sydney Tramway Museum in preparing this report.
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Figure 1.1 Overview of the CSELR proposal and the existing light rail network. (Source: Transport for NSW 2013)
4 CBD and South East Light Rail Environmental Impact Statement—Heritage Interpretation Strategy, September 2013
Figure 1.2 The five precincts and proposed Rozelle maintenance facility of the CSELR. (Source: Parsons Brinckerhoff 2013)
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2.0 Outline History and Interpretative Storylines
2.1 Introduction
This section provides an outline history for each of the six precincts located within CSELR route. These outline histories are based on the historic analysis completed as part of the ‘CBD and South East Light Rail Heritage Impact Assessment’ prepared for Parsons Brinckerhoff on behalf of Transport for NSW, which provided full referencing.
The history and heritage values associated with the CSELR provide an important resource for the proposed interpretation. Within each precinct, key places of interest have been identified. In precincts such as the city centre, there are innumerable places of interest. We have identified a small sample of different places. Further research would be undertaken during subsequent stages of interpretation to confirm which places are selected.
The Rozelle precinct is physically separated from the other five precincts and served a different historic function as it was used only for goods trains. It is proposed that as part of the CSELR route, the Rozelle precinct be used as a maintenance depot and not be accessible to the public. Given this, the main focus for interpretation planning is the other five precincts.
A series of A4 spreads has been provided at the end of this section that include historical images to illustrate the history, historic themes and storylines associated with each precinct. These images are just some of the pictorial resources available for CSELR interpretation.
2.2 Summary History
2.2.1 Precinct 1—City Centre Precinct
Sydney Cove, the current site of Circular Quay, was the site of the initial encounters between Aboriginal people and the people abroad the First Fleet who arrived in Port Jackson on 26 January 1788. The arrival of the settlers dramatically altered the circumstances of the lives of the Cadigal people. Civil rights and land rights, alongside equity, respect and recognition have been powerful themes in black/white relations since colonisation.
George Street developed as one of Sydney’s earliest and most important streets. It became the commercial and financial hub of the colony. Early government structures at the north end of George Street including the goal, military barracks and convict lumber yard; and further north the market and cemetery were replaced by two-storey shop residences following the influx of capital from the gold rush of the 1850s. The two-storey shop residences were followed by the multi-storey commercial and retail buildings from the 1880s and the skyscrapers of the later twentieth century.
The creation of semi-circular quay in the 1850s allowed the flourishing port to expand. By the 1870s, trade had begun moving to Darling Harbour and Circular Quay developed as a ferry terminal—becoming Sydney’s transport hub prior to the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge in 1932. In 1861 Sydney’s first horse car tram connected Redfern Train Station to Circular Quay. Of only limited success, this was replaced by the steam tram in 1879 which opened on the same route in time for the international exhibition.
George Street saw the first use of electric trams in the city beginning in 1891. This was so successful that by 1901 the route had become too congested and electric tram routes were opened in Pitt and then Castlereagh Street. At its height, Sydney’s tram system was second only to London
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within the British Empire. From the late 1950s, the tram network began winding down and closed in 1961. The former tram routes were then mostly covered by diesel buses.
The construction of Central Railway Station in 1906 and then the underground rail network from the 1920s increased the importance of George Street, with underground platforms constructed at Central, Town Hall and Wynyard. The development of the southern end of George Street flourished at this time and included such buildings as the Anthony Hordern’s retail emporium, which opened in 1905.
Key Places of Interest
Within Precinct 1 there are several places of interest that reflect the historical evolution and development of Sydney CBD. For example, as the city's population increased over the late nineteenth century to nearly half a million by 1901, and the middle class burgeoned, new forms of transport and commercial and retail spaces appeared. Tramlines, arcades, emporiums, department stores and banking establishments were the most notable. Some of the places of interest are no longer evident whilst others remain as part of the city’s urban history and fabric.
Sydney’s First Cemetery—located on the site of the Town Hall.
Sydney’s early markets—now occupied by the Queen Victoria Building.
The site of the Bank of NSW, Australia’s first bank, which moved into premises in George Street in 1822.
The site of the original David Jones store which opened on George Street in 1838.
Sydney General Post Office Building and Martin Place.
The World Square site (former Anthony Hordern’s Emporium).
2.2.2 Precinct 2—Surry Hills Precinct
Much of the land within today’s suburb of Surry Hills was part of Joseph Foveaux’s 105 acre Surrey Hills farm which lay on the outskirts of Sydney Town, just beyond the Devonshire Street Cemetery which had been created in 1820 (removed 1880s). This land was swampy, sandy and not particularly desirable. The first subdivision of the Surry Hills Farm was in 1814 and created the western end of Devonshire Street. Its western boundary ran along Elizabeth Street south from Old South Head Road (now Oxford Street). The Albion Street Brewery (1826), later Standard Brewery (1870s), stood in Elizabeth Street for many years where Centennial Plaza lies today.
Subdivision of the surrounding farms began in the 1830s and the area’s close proximity to the spreading Sydney Town saw the once neglected area become a desirable residential suburb. At this time market gardens and small industry surrounded a few well-to-do estates, as well as working-class establishments. By the 1860s, however, the demand for accommodation close to the city saw cottages and terrace houses dominating the area with many built upon cramped subdivisions that ignored existing road patterns and drainage, and paid little attention to the basic necessities of water and sewerage. Nearly 5300 dwellings, mostly rental properties, were jumbled within the area by the 1890s.
Several tram routes serviced the Surry Hills area. From the 1880s steam trams, and later electric trams, ran along Elizabeth Street turning east along Cleveland Street on their journey to Anzac
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Parade and the eastern suburbs. Another route ran west along Elizabeth Street to Bourke Street; and later trams also ran from Cleveland Street along Crown Street.
By the turn of the century, the reputation of Surry Hills had so declined that it was regarded by the city’s civic improvers as a slum inhabited by a potentially dangerous underclass. This, along with the steady encroachment of factories convinced the City Council of the need to demolish the slums of Surry Hills. After World War II, the Devonshire Street Housing Scheme allowed the demolition of over 240 houses and businesses along the narrow streets on the southern side of Devonshire Street (between Marlborough and Clisdell Streets). On this land, Sydney’s biggest block of flats, a 15 storey home for 1200 people called John Northcott Place, was constructed. This building was held as a model of slum clearance and public housing provision of the time. The reputation of Surry Hills at this time is captivated in Ruth Park's 1948 novel The Harp in the South, which observes;
A Surry Hills girl finds it difficult to obtain a position in the city. She may be educated, she may be more highly moral than similar young ladies in more prosperous suburbs, but her address is against her. Most Sydney people persist, somewhat biasedly, in thinking of Surry Hills in terms of brothels, razor gangs, tenements and fried fish shops.1
Starting with the postwar migrants, the gradual gentrification of Surry Hills attracted a new middle class looking for a cosmopolitan alternative to the suburban life. Today, the Surry Hills area is a diverse place known for its art galleries, cafes, pubs, fashion and desirable housing.
Key Places of Interest
The history of the evolving character of Surry Hills has given rise to several places of interest along the route of the proposed light rail including:
The site of the former Albion Brewery and Standard Brewery in Elizabeth Street.
The former Devonshire Street Cemetery.
The location of former Mum’s Sly Groggery run by major underworld figure Kate Leigh (212 Devonshire Street).
The Shakespeare Hotel, built in the 1870s on the corner of Devonshire and Steel Streets; and Clarendon Hotel built at the end of nineteenth century on the corner of Devonshire and Waterloo Streets.
Public Housing—John Northcott Place.
The site of the former Pawley’s Tannery.
Wimbo Park.
2.2.3 Precinct 3—Moore Park Precinct
In 1811 to the east of the town of Sydney, Governor Macquarie set aside over 1000 acres of land for use as a public common. A track to Botany ran through the western side of the common and this was officially laid out in the 1840s and called Botany or old Botany Road. This road forms the basis of what is today Anzac Parade.
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From 1837 to 1858, the Lachlan Swamps on the eastern side of the common replaced the now inadequate Tank Stream as Sydney’s sole water supply, with John Busby’s famous Busby’s Bore constructed as a tunnel from the Lachlan Swamps to a reservoir at Hyde Park.
The western side of the common grew as a recreational area for Sydney; and in 1866 the City Council set aside 378 acres specifically for recreation as Moore Park, named after the Mayor of Sydney, Charles Moore.
The first extension of Sydney’s new steam operated tramway was built through Moore Park in 1879 and ran along the eastern side of old Botany Road (called Randwick Road at this time) to Randwick Racecourse, opening in time for the Spring Racing Carnival. A tram stop and loop at Moore Park provided for those heading to the newly established Zoological Gardens (now the site of Sydney Boys and Girls High) opened in 1879; and the Cricket Ground and Agricultural Showground, both established at Moore Park in 1882. The tram service later catered for the Sydney Sports Ground (1899) and the ES Marks Athletic Field (1906), also built within Moore Park. The tram service was electrified in the early twentieth century and ran along Anzac Parade until October 1960. After this date, buses replaced trams along the same route.
The creation of a boulevard of remembrance for the Anzacs in 1917 saw Randwick Road widened to include a decorative median strip planted with Canary Island Pines and lined either side with Port Jackson Figs. The Anzac Parade Obelisk stood at its entrance near Moore Park Road. It remains Sydney’s most important boulevard.
When the fear of a Japanese attack on Sydney became real in 1942 after the Japanese submarines had entered Sydney Harbour, air raid shelters were constructed in many parks in Sydney, including Moore Park.
Key Places of Interest
The key places of heritage interest in this precinct include:
Pavilion, located on the corner of Lang Road and Anzac Parade, built in 1904. During the tram period this corner was known as ‘Anzac Parade Junction’. Trams from Anzac Parade and Cleveland Street met at this point. Originally, a large tram stop was also located there.
Anzac Parade.
Anzac Parade Obelisk—relocated to the current position on Anzac Parade during construction of the Eastern Distributor road tunnel.
Federation Way—built in 2001 as part of Federation celebrations on the site of the originally planned ‘Old Grand Drive’ entry to Centennial Park.
2.2.4 Precinct 4—Kensington/Kingsford Precinct
Up until the 1890s the sandy swampland that is now Kensington housed the Lachlan Mill, several noxious industries, a shanty town for the workers and the Randwick Racecourse. On the corner of what is now Alison Road and Anzac Parade (Tay Reserve) stood a toll house, built in 1849 to collect tolls from travellers on their journey along Botany Road (now Alison Road) to La Perouse. This toll house was especially financial on race days, charging twopence for a horse and sixpence for a horse and cart. A second toll house was built in 1860 near the corner of what is today Cleveland Street and Anzac Parade. Although modified, this building still remains on the site.
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Bunnerong Road was not constructed until the 1860s and ran through the Lachlan Mill Estate to Bunnerong House on Botany Bay.
The area began to develop in the late 1800s when the Lachlan Mill Estate, no longer required as a water reserve for Sydney, was able to be developed. The then owner, Samuel Cooper, organized a town planning competition for the area to establish a model suburb to be called Kensington. While limited development occurred at this time, the grand homes of Todman Avenue represent visible remnants of this plan.
The tramline was extended into Kensington in 1900, providing transport to the newly established (1893) Kensington Racecourse. This racecourse was built alongside the existing Randwick Racecourse but was seen as a racecourse for the working class, being less formal and having fewer restrictions on its standards. Photographs from this time indicate the business of the trams heading to Kensington.
In 1917, when Anzac Parade was created from the widening of Randwick Road, Bunnerong Road between Tay Reserve and Gardeners Road was also included in this remembrance boulevard and renamed Anzac Parade.
The arrival of the tram saw development in the area greatly increase and Kensington boomed in the 1920s. Interwar subdivisions created rows of Californian bungalows covering much of the area. Apartment development began in the 1930s and today close to 60 per cent of all dwellings in Kensington are apartments, many built as three-storey walk-ups in the 1970s. This was especially catering for the growth of the University of New South Wales which opened on the site of the former Kensington Racecourse in the early 1950s. The National Institute of Dramatic Arts (NIDA) was established on part of the university grounds in 1958; and in 2001 opened their new purpose-built building on Anzac Parade, opposite the entrance to the University of NSW.
Trams ceased operating in 1960 and were replaced by buses on most routes.
Key Places of Interest
The key places of heritage interest within this precinct include:
Tay Reserve site of the former 1840s toll house.
University of New South Wales.
National Institute of Dramatic Art.
2.2.5 Precinct 5—Randwick Precinct
Randwick lay within the sand hills and swampland that dominated the area southeast of the settlement of Sydney in the early days of the colony. A track to the small settlement at Botany Bay ran along what is now Alison Road; and this largely inaccessible area was used by hunters, fishermen and timber gathers, plus pleasure seekers travelling to Coogee and Botany.
The setting aside of land for a racecourse on the old road to Botany (Alison Road) in 1833 encouraged the beginnings of development of the Randwick area. Simeon Pearce and his brother James arrived in Sydney from the English village of Randwick and, after buying market gardens in this area, began promoting the use of the name Randwick.
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The construction of the Asylum for the Relief of Destitute Children in 1856 brought notoriety and growth to the village of Randwick which developed around what is now Belmore Road, Avoca and High Streets. The village was complete with an English style village green called the ‘High Cross’ located opposite the asylum. Early sales were to prominent merchant businessmen and politicians; and by the 1870s, Randwick was viewed as one of Sydney’s most fashionable and healthy suburbs.
The arrival of a tram service along Alison Road in 1880 encouraged a building boom in the area with large estates divided for residential development. Randwick’s population tripled in the 1890s, growing to over 6000 people. Corana and Hygeia, a pair of large semi-detached mansions built in 1894 at 211–215 Avoca Street, are fine examples of the building boom of this period.
The trams brought huge numbers to the Randwick Racecourse, causing special tramlines and sidings to be created within the racecourse. In 1911, a new walled entrance off Alison Road allowed the Australian Jockey Club (AJC) to collect an entrance fee.
During World War I, the Asylum for the Relief of Destitute Children was converted for use as a military hospital and later a Repatriation Hospital. In 1953, this site was adapted to become the Prince of Wales Hospital.
Randwick’s continued growth in the 1950s and 1960s responded not only to the popularity of its location near the city and the sea, but also the establishment of the University of NSW and the expansion of the Prince of Wales Hospital. Many of the interwar bungalows were replaced in the 1960s and 1970s by three and four-storey flats.
Key Places of Interest
The key places of heritage interest include:
Randwick Racecourse.
Prince of Wales Hospital—former Asylum for the Relief of Destitute Children.
High Cross Reserve.
Captain Cook Statue (1874)—possibly the first statue of Cook to be erected in Australia.
Corana and Hygeia—a pair of large semi-detached mansions built in 1894.
2.2.6 Precinct 6— Rozelle Stabling Maintenance Depot
The Rozelle Stabling Maintenance Depot lies on land that was originally part of the estuary of Rozelle Bay. By the 1880s this land had been reclaimed and contained three small cottages.
The Rozelle Goods Yard opened on the site in 1916 as part of a scheme to reduce congestion on the suburban lines by creating separate railways for goods trains. It was originally designed to hold traffic proceeding to Darling Harbour, then Sydney’s main goods yard. Later, grain and coal handling facilities and wharves were developed at White Bay near the Rozelle Goods Yard.
The yard was also a locomotive depot until World War II and contained a turntable, water columns and coal storage facilities.
During World War II, the depot was used by the American Army for storage; and during the war years, trains loaded with soldiers bound for active service overseas would arrive at the yard.
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After World War II the depot was used as a holding place for a variety of freight. Trainloads of wheat, barley and other grains arrived at the depot from numerous country branch lines and were transferred to silos for storage before being loaded onto ships.
Coal exports increased in the 1960s, and in 1967 the electrification of the line from Dulwich Hill to Rozelle allowed the movement of electrically hauled freight trains from the Blue Mountains and Gosford to be taken to the Rozelle Yard.
The goods line from Rozelle to Pyrmont closed in 1996; and in 2000, the light rail service to Lilyfield opened using the tracks from the Rozelle Stabling Maintenance Depot near Brennan Road. For a few years the yard was used irregularly but closed completely in c2007.
Key Places of Interest
The key place of heritage interest includes:
Remnants of the former Goods Yard.
2.3 Key Historic Themes
In preparing to interpret cultural places, it is important to present their past in an informative, interesting and easily accessible way. This is achieved through communicating the history and significance of the site using key historical themes and stories.
The following table considers the CSELR route in relation to Australian historic themes identified by the former Australian Heritage Commission; and state historical themes developed by the Heritage Division of the Office of Environment and Heritage. The following themes have been identified as relevant to understanding the history of CSELR. A short commentary relating the site to each of the historical themes has been provided.
Table 2.1 Heritage Division historical themes and their relation to CSELR. Australian Historic Theme Peopling Australia NSW State Theme: Aboriginal Cultures and Interactions with Other Cultures The Cadigal clan of the Eora people are the traditional owners of this land. Sydney Cove was one of the many estuaries and deep water coves within the Cadigal’s traditional lands. As skilled hunter gatherers who seasonally and opportunistically harvested, they held deep connections to the land that sustained them both physically and spiritually. The arrival of the settlers dramatically altered the circumstances of the lives of the Cadigal people, yet Aboriginal people continued to live around Port Jackson for a century after European settlement. Since colonisation, Aboriginal people have continued to voice their rights to land and justice with strength and tenacity. Bennelong (pictured) was one of two Aboriginal men captured by Governor Phillip to assist him with his understanding of the Aboriginal culture. A hut was built for him on
the eastern side of Sydney Cove and this area became known as Bennelong Point.
Spaces in the city and along the CSELR route are part of Aboriginal people’s history and traditions, their continuing culture, and contemporary life. Relevant Precinct All.
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Australian Historic Theme Tracing the Natural Evolution of Australia NSW State Theme: Environment—Naturally Evolved The route of the CSELR covers areas that demonstrate the natural topography of early Sydney. Port Jackson was created by the cutting action of water through the Hawkesbury and Narrabeen sandstone laid down over the past two million years. Within Port Jackson, Sydney Cove is a small catchment formed by two ridges straddling a narrow inlet running south from Sydney Harbour. Into this cove drained a freshwater stream which was given the name the Tank Stream.2 Extending southeast of Sydney, the Hawkesbury Sandstone was overlaid with rolling sand dunes and extensive freshwater swamps where the Botany swamp system formerly ran from the wetlands of Centennial Park to the shores of Botany Bay.
Australian Historic Theme Developing Local, Regional and National Economies
NSW State Theme: Environment Cultural Landscape The modified landscape includes the reclaimed cove which was renamed Circular Quay; the channelled and tanked water of the Tank Stream used for Sydney’s initial water supply; the modification and use of the Lachlan Swamps as a freshwater supply for Sydney; and the conversion of large areas of the sand hills and swamp land southeast of Sydney for recreation and residential subdivision.
Australian Historic Theme Developing Local, Regional and National Economies NSW State Theme: Commerce George Street developed as Sydney’s main commercial and retail centre from the early days of the colony. High Street shopping and other services developed along Devonshire Street; and in Randwick and Kensington as part of the subdivision and growth of these communities.
Relevant Precinct City Centre, Surry Hills, Kensington/Kingsford and Randwick.
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Australian Historic Theme Developing Local, Regional and National Economies NSW State Theme: Transport The evolution of transport infrastructure, combined with changes to power sources from horse to steam, and electricity to diesel, has been the impetus for moving people in and around the city and its growing network of suburbs. Beginning with horses and then moving to ferries, trams, trains, buses and cars; the city has grown and developed in line with the expanding transport network.
Relevant Precinct All. Australian Historic Theme Building Settlements, Towns and Cities NSW State Theme: Towns Suburbs and Villages Sydney and its surrounding suburbs have developed in response to different influences including the expansion of transport infrastructure. Surry Hills grew in response to Sydney’s population growth; Randwick was an upper class retreat on the outskirts of Sydney; while Kensington began as a planned model suburb. Their development reflects the social and class aspirations of the day and is still demonstrated through the subdivision layout and housing styles.
Relevant Precinct All. Australian Historic Theme Developing Australia’s Cultural Life NSW State Theme: Leisure Since the first cricket match was played on the Sydney Common as part of the Military Cricket Ground in 1852, leisure activities have evolved reflecting the changing composition of the city of Sydney and its surrounding suburbs. The Randwick Racecourse, established in the 1830s, remains a major feature of the area and continues to draw huge crowds to the racing carnivals. During its history, Moore Park has hosted a zoo, over a century of agricultural shows, and continues to cater for a range of organised sporting competitions and leisure pursuits. In the city shopping has outgrown the theatre
as the major commercial leisure activity. For Surry Hills, art galleries, cafes and pubs reflect contemporary trends in leisure. Relevant Precinct City Centre, Surry Hills, Moore Park and Randwick. Australian Historic Theme Marking the Phases of Life NSW State Theme: Birth and Death Death was marked by cemeteries along the proposed light rail corridor at two locations, George Street and Devonshire Street. Both of these cemeteries have long since disappeared from these streets and from public memory. The locations of the initial George Street, and then the Devonshire Street cemeteries reflect the growth and development of early Sydney.
Relevant Precinct City Centre and Surry Hills.
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2.3.1 Assessment of Historic Themes
All of the above themes together contribute towards an understanding of the history and significance of the place.
The proposed CBD and South East Light Rail passes through a diverse landscape and many heritage items of State and Local significance. It covers areas relating to the earliest settlement within Sydney including areas of housing, commercial development, water supply, recreation and transport. It covers parts of the original tram routes established in Sydney from the 1870s and interacts with local stories and characters that add to the story of the journey.
The next step is to develop key stories for interpretation that reflect identified historical themes.
2.4 Key Stories for Interpretation
The historical themes link to the heritage places and values along the proposed route of the CSELR and provide the main topics or key stories for interpretation. The key stories for interpretation, linked to the themes at the CSELR, are:
‘Our Country’ in the City
Stories of the first encounters with Aboriginal people in Sydney Harbour, such as Bennelong.
Land rights and the continuing struggle of Aboriginal people for equity, respect and recognition have been powerful themes of black/white relations in Sydney since colonisation.
The natural environment and changes wrought by human use and occupation, including the reclaimed cove and tank stream; the conversion of the Lachlan Swamps for Sydney’s water supply; and the recreational and residential areas which now cover the sandhills of southeastern Sydney.
Trams, Traffic and Troubadours
Fares from the floorboard—the conductor rode on the outside floorboards to collect the fares. Many of the conductors became local Sydney identities. They were known as ‘tram troubadours’ and featured in a column in the Sydney Sportsmen newspaper.
Congestion on the lines—trams were so busy. The intersection of King and George Streets saw eight million tram movements annually by 1920.
Powering up—from horse to steam, and electric to diesel—development of power and public transport. George Street was used as a trial for Sydney’s first electric trams. This trial was so successful that by 1901 tramlines were built along Pitt and then Castlereagh Streets to ease congestion on George Street.
A Touch of class—Sydney’s trams had open carriages for smokers and closed carries for non–smokers. On race day, a first class tram carriage was available for Randwick races, complete with padded seats. Trams had identities and were often given nicknames such as Toast Rack trams, Rattlers or Bone Shakers.
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Stores, Styles and Services
Stores—department stores, arcades and emporiums developed along George Street providing all kinds of wares and social encounters for a day in town.
Style—putting on your best clothes—women in the city.
Services—the city was the place for services such as banking and post.
Just for Fun
Since the Military Cricket Ground was established on the Sydney Common in 1852, cricket has been a main feature of Moore Park.
Before Taronga there was the Moore Park Zoo.
Some things stay the same—Randwick Racecourse began in the 1830s and remains just as popular today.
Some things change—The Agricultural Show, or Sydney’s Royal Easter Show, held at Moore Park for 116 years moved to its new location at Sydney Olympic Park in 1998.
Drink Up—the brewery, the 6 o’clock swill at local pubs to the trendy bars of today.
Slums, Boulevards and Village Greens
Diverse Sydney—the slum, the village and the model suburb.
Sydney remembers—Anzac Parade.
Without a trace—Sydney’s two historic cemeteries have long since disappeared.
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Historical Images: Precinct 1—City Centre Precinct
A View of Port Jackson, New South Wales in 1793 by GH Hammersley. (Source: PXD 960 SLNSW)
Bennelong as painted when angry after Botany Bay Colbee was wounded, Port Jackson Painter (date unknown c1788). (Source: Natural History Museum)
1830 sketch of Aboriginal People in Sydney by Augustus Earle. (Source: Alexander Turnbull Library, Wellington NZ)
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1938 Day of Mourning Protest and Conference Sydney. (Source: SLNSW Q059/9)
1988 Aboriginal Protest March for Freedom Justice and Hope. (Source: Newspix)
Opening ceremony at the 2011 City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year Parade. (Source: Flickr, Copyright: Dawn Woodhouse)
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Trams and pedestrians share Circular Quay in the 1920s. (Source: NSW State Records)
Before World War I, the Sydney Sportsman newspaper published a column named ‘Tram Troubadours’, featuring short poems and caricatures of the tram staff. (Source: Kennan, DR ‘The South-Eastern Lines Of The Sydney Tramway System’, Transit Press Sydney, p 72)
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Trams and shoppers along George Street, near GPO, in 1910. (Source: David R Keenan, ‘City Lined of the Sydney Tramway System’, Transit Press, Petersham, p 11)
Trams in Eddy Avenue, Central Railway, in 1959. (Source: Sydney Tramway Museum)
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Trams running along George Street near Hunter Street, photograph taken by Kerry and Co, Sydney, Australia, c1884–1917. (Source: Powerhouse Museum)
Trams running along George Street near Sydney Town Hall, photograph taken by Kerry and Co, Sydney, Australia, c1884–1917. (Source: Powerhouse Museum)
1910 Gowing Bros advertisement. (Source: SLV La Trobe Rare Books Collection)
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1909 postcard promoting Anthony Hordern’s New Palace Emporium. (Source: Powerhouse Museum)
Children’s Christmas party at Trocadero Theatre,George Street, held by Radio Station 2CH in 1936. (Source: SLNSW)
Trams on George Street near Brickfields Hill, taken by Kerry and Co, Sydney, Australia, c1880–1923. (Source: Powerhouse Museum)
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Pedestrians on George St c1900, from Frederick Danvers Power collection. (Source: SLNSW)
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Ingenues arrive, Central Station, Sydney, 1928–1929, photograph by Sam Hood. (Source: SLNSW)
Heavy rain in the city, 1935, by Sam Hood, taken near Central Station. (Source: SLNSW)
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Historical Images: Precinct 2—Surry Hills Precinct
1954 view of Devonshire and Crown Streets. (Source: City of Sydney Archives)
1924–1927 Standard Brewery and Toohey Brewery on Elizabeth Street. (Source: SLNSW)
Shakespeare Hotel Devonshire Street 2000. (City of Sydney Archives)
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Left: Kate Leigh, notorious underworld figure who lived in Devonshire Street. (Source: Razorhurst—The Cutting Edge Adventure
Above: Children in Hills Reserve (Frog Hollow),Surry Hills, 1949, part of Ted Hood’s Children of Sydney’s Slums photographic collection. (Source: SLNSW)
Below: 1960 aerial of John Northcote Place. (Source: City of Sydney Archives)
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Historical Images: Precinct 3—Moore Park Precinct
1865 watercolour of Randwick Road Tollhouse by Samuel Elyard. (Source: SLNSW)
c1880s–1890 Steam and Electric Trams Near Moore Park. (Source: Randwick Local Studies Library)
Trams and buses conveying school children from Moore Park, following Queen Elizabeth II coronation pageant. (Source: Sydney Tramways Museum)
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Zoological Gardens at Moore Park by Henry King. (Source: SLNSW)
1935 photograph of children playing marbles in Moore Park. (Source: SLNSW)
1960s photograph of Anzac Parade, showing the Anzac obelisk. (Source: City of Sydney Archives)
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Historical Images: Precinct 4—Kensington/Kingsford Precinct
Watercolour of woolwashing in Kensington. (Source: Randwick & District Historical Society)
1891 conceptual drawing for the suburb of Kensington. (Source: NLA)
Promotional booklet of Kensington, ‘At the Eastern gates of the City: Watch Kensington Grow’ by real estate agent Arthur Rickard. (Source: SLNSW)
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1890 photograph of 1840s Toll House at Tay Reserve on the corner of Anzac Parade and Alison Road. (Source: Randwick & District Historical Society)
Tram pulling into Kensington Tram Stop, c1911. (Source: Sydney Tramway Museum)
Tram on Anzac Parade, Kensington, travelling to La Perouse, 1960s. (Source: Sydney T ramway Museum)
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Day at Kensington Racecourse in1900–1910. (Source: SLNSW)
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Four socialists brave the cold to watch polo at Kensington Racecourse in c1935. (Source: SLNSW)
1902 and 1904 Kensington Racecourse programs. (Source: Randwick and District Historical Society)
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1954 UNSW’s first building view from Anzac Parade. (Source:
2006 New Law Building, University of NSW. (Source:
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1960s University of NSW outreach to Asia and beyond. (Source: http://www.recordkeeping.unsw.edu.au/documents/60anniversary_slide_14Sept.pdf)
In 1963, NIDA founded ‘The Old Tote Theatre’ in a dilapidated tin shed on the UNSW grounds. The theatre later moved to the Parade Theatre on Anzac Parade, Kensington, and then eventually to the Sydney Opera House. Photograph of students outside the Old Totes Theatre, taken in 1969. (Source: NIDA Archives)
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Historical Images: Precinct 5—Randwick Precinct
‘My Lady Goes to Randwick’ newspaper article, printed in The Sun 6 October 1929. (Source: Randwick and District Historical Society)
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c1920 traffic leaving Randiwck Racecourse at the junction of Alison Road and ANZAC Parade. (Source: Sydney Tramway Museum)
Fashionable crowds at Randwick Racecourse on Metropolitan Day, 1937. (Source: SLNSW)
Tram in the reserve track along Alison Road, Randwick, c1955. (Source: Sydney Tramway Museum)
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Left: Portrait of Simeon Pearce, the first mayor of Randwick, taken in c1890 by JT Gorus. Pearce owned most of Randwick at one time, including the land that the Children’s Asylum was built upon (Source: SLNSW).
Above: 1866 photo of the Destitute Children's Asylum Randwick by Freeman Bros & Prout. (Source: SLV)
Drawing of the Dining Hall, part of the article “The Randwick Asylum: How the Destitute Children are Cared For, April 1890’, published in Illustrated Sydney News, 17 April 1890, p17. (Source: SLNSW)
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The Children’s Asylum was converted into a Miltary Hospital during World War I. The staff and patients are enjoying afternoon tea at the hospital, photograph taken between 1914–1918. (Source: SLNSW)
1950s aerial looking west along High Street towards UNSW campus under construction. (Source: Randwick City Library)
State Heritage Listed Corana and Hygeia 211–215 Avoca Street. Randwick. (Source: Office of Environment and Heritage, Heritage Division).
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Historical Images: Precinct 6—Rozelle Stabling Maintenance Depot
An early image of the Rozelle stabling/maintenance depot looking west towards Catherine Street Bridge (nd). Brennan Street, now the City West Link, is to the left of the image. (Source: Oakes J, 2002, Sydney’s Forgotten Goods Railways, Australian Railway Historical Society, p 43)
1960s view of the Rozelle stabling/maintenance depot looking west towards Catherine Street Bridge. (Source: Oakes J, 2002, Sydney’s Forgotten Goods Railways, Australian Railway Historical Society, p 48)
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1929 plan showing the usage of the Rozelle stabling/maintenance depot at this time. (Source: Oakes J, 2002, Sydney’s Forgotten Goods Railways, Australian Railway Historical Society, p 46)
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2.5 Endnotes
1 Park R 1975, The Harp in the South, Penguin Books, Ringwood, p 138. 2 ‘Tank Stream Conservation Management Plan’ prepared by Sydney Water for Asset Management and Sydney Water Corporation, 2003, p 11.
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3.0 Approach to Interpretation
3.1 Interpretation as a Conservation Process
Interpretation is an essential part of the heritage conservation process. As important as authentic restoration and regular maintenance, the active interpretation of heritage places supports community recognition, enjoyment and understanding of a site’s values and significance.
The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance 1999 (the Burra Charter) explains:
interpretation means all the ways of presenting the cultural significance of the place. Interpretation may be a combination of the treatment of the fabric (eg maintenance, restoration, reconstruction), the use of and activities at the place, and the use of introduced explanatory material. (Article 1.17)
Article 24.1 of the Burra Charter goes on to state:
Significant associations between people and a place should be respected, retained and not obscured. Opportunities for the interpretation, commemoration and celebration of these associations should be investigated and implemented.
The Burra Charter notes that ‘for many places, associations will be linked to use’. Article 25 continues:
The cultural significance of many places is not readily apparent, and should be explained by interpretation. Interpretation should enhance understanding and enjoyment and be culturally appropriate.
Based on the history and heritage values associated with the precincts and places of heritage value along the proposed light rail route, this section of the HIS provides an outline of the known and potential audiences for interpretation. A selection of the resources that will inform interpretation planning for this project (including collecting institutions, archival repositories and organisations) are also identified, as are a range of potential opportunities for interpretation.
3.2 Audiences for Interpretation
Interpretation will be most successful when it is targeted specifically to audience needs in terms of orientation, information and personal safety, and when it responds to known audience behaviour. Communicating the history and significance of the CSELR route within public areas or in a way that enables people to access interpretation (such as through digital media) will be an important part of reaching users.
Transport for NSW estimates up to 9000 passengers per hour will travel on the CSELR in each direction.
Audiences for interpretation are likely to include:
local residents within Sydney CBD, Surry Hills, Moore Park, Kensington, Randwick and Rozelle;
regular commuters including workers, students and teachers at Sydney Boys High School, Sydney Girls High School, UNSW, and NIDA;
intrastate, interstate and international tourists;
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racegoers to Randwick Racecourse;
Centennial Parklands visitors including recreational users and sporting events attendees at Moore Park; and
employees, patients and visitors of the Prince of Wales Hospital.
Each of these audiences will respond to and learn from interpretation in a range of ways. One of the issues in planning interpretation for the CSELR route ‘audiences’ is the high variability in the frequency of use between daily commuters on the one hand and one time users on the other. Any interpretation needs to be visually engaging and interesting so that it appeals to people on a daily basis as well as to one time visitors.
Interpretation of the history and heritage values linked to the precincts along the proposed light rail route will help to ensure significant aspects of our city are remembered, communicated and appreciated by known and potential audiences, including visitors and the wider community.
3.3 Available Resources
There are a number of resources available to inform the interpretation of the CSELR route. The key resources include:
Sydney Tramway Museum;
City of Sydney Archives;
NSW State Library;
Australian Railway Historical Society;
Local district historical societies;
The Powerhouse Museum; and
Potential archaeological relics uncovered during future archaeological excavations along the CSELR route.
3.4 Opportunities for Interpretation
In response to the identified audiences, available resources and the proposed project; the following opportunities for interpretation have been identified:
interpretive signage/or evocative historical imagery applied at select light rail stops;
Development of an online exhibition, or digital publication outlining the history and significance of the precincts and places along the CSELR; and
‘Walk the Line’—self guided tour along the CSELR route that could be downloaded from a website, developed as an app, or printed as a brochures or booklet.
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4.0 Heritage Interpretation Concepts and Media
4.1 Introduction
A wide range of interpretive initiatives are available for heritage places—from simple pedestal signs and soundscapes, to art installations and public events. The elements proposed below have been identified following consideration of the history of the precincts and associated heritage places; the identified themes and interpretive stories (Section 2); the proposed project; and the varied needs of the potential audiences (Section 3).
It is anticipated that refinement of the suggested interpretative concepts and media will be undertaken as part of subsequent and more detailed stages in the interpretation planning process. Client and stakeholder review and comment will also play an important role in selecting which of the proposed interpretive concepts will be developed and detailed.
4.2 Interpretive Concepts
By interpreting the history and heritage values associated with the light rail route with regard to the history of Sydney’s tram network, there is an opportunity for people to understand and appreciate historic themes and stories that may otherwise be forgotten. This in turn will lead to a deeper understanding of the course and pattern of the city’s history and heritage values.
The concepts identified are intended to effectively communicate the history and significance to the identified audiences in engaging ways as part of the light rail project.
Given the nature of the project and the impacts arising, interpretation is considered to be an important mitigative measure.
We understand that there is a requirement to ensure that interpretation at any of the proposed tram stops is kept to a minimum. As part of this HIS, we have identified several concepts including some signage.
The recommended interpretive concepts are:
Interpretive signage, or evocative historical imagery applied at select light rail stops.
Development of an online exhibition or digital publication outlining the history and significance of the precincts and places along the CSELR in a dynamic visual format.
‘Walk the Line’ A self-guided walking tour that may be downloaded from a website, developed as an app, or printed as brochure.
To ensure best practice for interpretive media, all initiatives must be authentic and site specific. A commitment to high-quality design, development and consistency, as well as rigorous evaluation in the development stages, is also vitally important.
This HIS recommends that resources be set aside for detailed design and content development of initiatives to ensure a unified, accessible and consistent interpretive experience.
Examples of the interpretation concepts proposed in this HIS are provided at the end of this section.
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4.3 Conclusions
Integrating interpretation as a core part of the future planning and development of the light rail project is an important consideration. The concepts proposed for interpretation are both on site and off site. On-site interpretation includes signage or historical digital images applied at select light rail stops. Off-site interpretation includes digital media such as an ‘app’ or website so that audiences can access interpretation about the light rail corridor and the history of its precincts and places, when it suits them.
Interpretation should convey the history, themes and stories in an engaging and interesting way so that significant previous layers of the rail corridor’s development are able to be appreciated.
Further work to develop and implement the selected interpretation concepts will be required. Some of the tasks that will need to be undertaken to develop and implement interpretation for the light rail route are outlined below.
4.3.1 Development and Implementation Tasks
The following table provides a summary list of tasks related to the next stages in the interpretation planning process.
Tasks Stage 2—Content Development Confirm appropriate media and forms for interpretive initiatives. Confirm appropriate locations for interpretive initiatives. Develop concepts for interpretive initiatives and media. Select images for use on interpretive media; seek permission to use or copyright for selected images. Prepare text for interpretive media. Provide a summary of installation tasks and an overview maintenance strategy for interpretive media. Stage 3—Implementation
Detailed design of interpretive media. Evaluation of selected interpretive media Production of interpretive media. Installation
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Interpretive Concept 1—Signage at Light Rail Stops or Historical Images
Location Select light rail stops.
Audience All.
Historic Themes All, as relevant to each precinct.
Interpretative Historical images can help create a sense of place and mood. Historical imagery could be used as an interpretive Concept signage element or applied to areas of glazing or other surfaces at select light rail stops to convey the history and character of the area.
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Interpretive Concept 2—Online Exhibition or Digital Publication
Location Designated CSELR website or other appropriate websites. Audiences All audiences but particularly those wanting a deeper level of content. Historic All. Themes Interpretative Website presenting the history and significance of the site in an engaging, varied and accessible way. Use of Concept archaeological information, historic plans, oral history recordings and possible 3D imaging of the site’s evolution.
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Interpretive Concept 3—Self-Guided Tour
Location Online and available at various distribution points. Could be downloadable via designated CSELR website or other suitable website.
Audience All, especially tourists to Sydney.
Historic Themes All themes.
Interpretation This concept ‘Walk the Line’ is for a self-guided walking tour that focuses on areas of historic interest along the Concept light rail route. People can select to walk the route in its entirety or to explore areas and places of historic interest surrounding select stops. Can be printed as a booklet or brochure, downloaded as an app and made available in other languages.
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