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Harbour Trust: PlanningManagement PlansManagement Plan, Mosman No. 4, Georges Head (Officers' Mess and Gunshot Alley), 1 March 2004IntroductionThe Trust's Comprehensive Plan sets out its vision for the harbour sites under its control and includes a process for the preparation of more detailed management plans for specific precincts, places or buildings. The Comprehensive Plan proposes the creation of a Headland Park that integrates Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay. The vision for the park is a place where the area's rich natural and cultural heritage, including its early aboriginal and military occupation will be protected and interpreted and where access will be provided to areas that have long been inaccessible to most people. The Trust has identified the creation of the Headland Park as one of its highest priorities. Its goals are to ensure that:
The Gunners' Barracks (later the Officers' Mess), fortifications and Gunshot Alley housing at Georges Head form an extremely important historic precinct within the proposed Headland Park and the Trust has decided that it should be conserved and adaptively reused as one of the early stages of the park's development. The purpose of this Management Plan is to guide this work. Commencement DateThis plan was adopted by the Trust on 1 March 2004 and came into force on that date. Land to which the Management Plan AppliesThe land covered by the Management Plan is shown by black edging on the plan at Figure 1 (PDF 117kb). All of the land is included within Lot 202 DP1022020 and is in the ownership of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Aims of this PlanThe aim of this Management Plan is to:
In doing this it also aims to:
Relationship with the Trust's Comprehensive PlanThis Management Plan is the middle level of a three tiered comprehensive planning system developed to guide the future of the Trust's lands. The other levels are:
This Management Plan describes specific outcomes for the Georges Head Precinct. It interprets the Trust's Comprehensive Plan and guides its implementation by providing more explicit detail about the way the precinct is adaptively reused and conserved. The Management Plan must be consistent with the Comprehensive Plan. In particular it must be consistent with the Outcomes identified in Part 7 of the Trust's Plan and must address the Objectives and Policies in Part 3. The Outcomes diagram in Part 7 of the Trust's Comprehensive Plan for Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay is reproduced at Figure 2 (PDF 448kb). The Objectives and Policies most relevant to this Management Plan are those relating to the conservation of cultural and aboriginal heritage and of the natural environment, access, the design approach, the adaptive reuse of buildings, transport management, storm water management and catchment protection. These Objectives and Policies were addressed during the assessment of the site and are discussed in more detail in the relevant sections of this plan. Relationship with other Trust Management PlansThis Management Plan is the fourth to be prepared by the Trust for land within the Mosman Local Government Area. All of the Management Plans must be consistent with each other. Related Policies and GuidelinesThere are a number of overarching policies and guidelines foreshadowed in the Trust's Comprehensive Plan that will also guide the conservation and adaptive reuse of the Georges Head Precinct. However, at this stage only a few have been prepared. As others are prepared they will also apply. Current policies include:
This Management Plan has to be interpreted having regard for these policies. The Trust's Headland Park Design FrameworkThe transformation of the former Defence bases into a unified area of parkland requires consideration of all of the elements that make up the public domain in a holistic manner and in a way that fulfils expectations about gaining access and enjoyment of the site. The Design Framework for the Headland Park is shown at Figure 3 (PDF 452kb). It identifies all of the elements that make up the public domain, how they need to work together as a network of spaces, and the principles that will guide their detailed design development within each of the Management Plan areas. The elements of the public domain comprise:
The development of the design framework and the design treatment of each of its elements will be drawn from the heritage values and characteristics of the lands, rather than imposing an arbitrary new "design statement". PrecinctsThe terrain and its relationship to the harbour is the first and most fundamental consideration for all of these elements. It is the terrain that has given rise to the historic uses of the area and it is its relationship to the harbour that makes these lands so special. The knolls along the plateau, the escarpment and succession of headlands naturally form identifiable precincts. The early fortifications at the escarpment and the associated Defence facilities on the knolls form clearly identifiable precincts. These include:
Generally, these precincts have an institutional - parkland character, with the buildings often forming small-scale civic spaces or groupings. The open spaces on the saddles of the undulating plateau and the steep slopes also create distinct precincts. The steep slopes below the escarpment are predominantly open forest. The plateau is generally characterised as scrub and exposed rock ledges. The institutional parkland areas of the former bases on the knolls are generally on the Balmoral side of the ridge, extending to Middle Head Road where it merges with the suburban landscape. The parkland will form a succession of spaces from open hill tops with a sense of openness and height above all the surrounding land - such as at the cairn at Rawson Park, through more enclosed areas in the saddles and valleys, to places along escarpment edges. As the plateau narrows and winds towards the headland, these spatial experiences vary - as the views into Middle Harbour unfold and gain equal prominence to the views to the outer harbour and the ocean. Georges Head is one of the most spectacular locations within the Headland Park. At its edge the escarpment rises 65 metres above the harbour. This was an ideal location to site the fortifications, providing a commanding position with 270o views over the harbour entrance. The Gunners' Barracks are concealed from view and sheltered by their excavation into the escarpment. The Barracks are connected by a tunnel to the fortifications. The tunnel provided the gunners protection in the event of a call for fire. These remarkable defence installations are the culmination of a string of smaller barrack buildings associated with the fortifications. It is also a place that was significant to aboriginal people and part of Bungaree's Farm. Avoidance of any adverse impacts on this harbour landscape is a particularly important objective of the design approach for this site. The natural setting of the site is to be protected and enhanced. Streets and PathsThe access network needs to provide clear and convenient access to and through the Headland Park. Each of the elements of the network will be designed to reflect its role and function, and the desire to create an unfolding sequence of experiences in response to the environment it passes through. The network consists of the following elements, as shown in Figure 3 (PDF 452kb):
Suakin Drive provides the main access from Middle Head Road to Georges Head. The curvilinear road within the park passes through a succession of open, grassed spaces before skirting the knoll and descending to the Georges Head Precinct. On the descent into the precinct the road follows the edge of the World War 1 Hospital buildings with heath and bushland opposite. The sense of arrival to the precinct is heightened by the open parkland, exposed rock ledges, the informal arrangement of Barracks buildings and the gradual opening up of the views to the water as it winds its way to the escarpment. Within the Georges Head Precinct, Suakin Drive becomes a predominantly pedestrian zone permitting only service and disabled vehicle access beyond the turn of Commonwealth Avenue at Gunshot Alley. To create an openness and to maintain an uncluttered area at the frontage to the Barracks buildings, car parking is to be contained in an area behind the terraces of Gunshot Alley, in a space that also provides an attractive thoroughfare in the linkage of pedestrian spaces to the camouflaged fuel tanks and Georges Heights oval. The Georges Head Precinct will also provide new links to the pedestrian path from Chowder Bay, and Lower Georges Heights. EntriesIt is proposed that there will be numerous entries so that access opportunities are maximised and dispersed. This will accommodate people arriving from many different directions and by different modes of travel and will avoid concentrations of visitors. Entries in the public domain will not usually be built structures. Rather, they will be spaces that serve as an entry and do not need to be given strong emphasis. The experience of arrival to Georges Head is not limited to Suakin Drive. It may also be experienced by weaving through the hospital buildings, or by meandering along tracks from the Georges Head escarpment or Chowder Bay. The subtly changing terrain, which leads through to the dramatic edges of the escarpment, provides a range of different experiences of the Harbour - from distant glimpses of North Head to tree framed views of Macquarie Lighthouse. The sequence of spaces leading to the fortifications lookout is to intensify the experience of arrival at the open rock ledge through a progression of spaces conducive to a ceremonial procession. Significant Public PlacesThe Headland Park will have a range of public spaces offering a diversity of activities. They include passive recreational areas for picnics and social relaxation, areas for community sporting activities, places of contemplation within the bushland setting, and small civic spaces defined by former Barracks buildings for community gatherings or simply watching the passers by. These places will form a string of experiences connected by the main pathway network. All of these spaces are located and chosen to enhance an understanding and appreciation of the natural environment or the succession of uses that have responded to the location. The understanding of the historical defence of the harbour will be conveyed in the development of the spaces connecting the Officers' Mess building and rampart walls, the fortifications and the landscape of the escarpment itself, assisted by the demolition of the 1950s Barracks building - an intrusive element within this setting. LandmarksWithin each of the precincts, there are significant features that relate to the history or the natural beauty of the place. They are often beautiful or unusual structures, buildings or natural features that provide the focus in public places or points of interest along the way. The setting of these features will be designed to assist in a greater understanding and appreciation of their significance and the Headland as a whole. The Georges Head Precinct provides two spectacular landmarks above the Harbour - the James Barnet designed Gunners' Barracks (later the Officers' Mess), a building of high architectural value and the adjacent battery emplacement (the A84 or Georges Head Battery). EdgesThe most dramatic edges are along the escarpment. It is the transition between the steeply sloping open forest and the plateau. The primary consideration is the protection and enhancement of the bushland on the steep slopes through the introduction of stormwater management and bush regeneration. Where environmental conditions are suitable public access will be provided. This will be in locations related to the fortifications and scenic lookouts. Some of the precinct edges are dominated by untidy service areas, sheds and paved areas of low heritage or environmental value. Elements that remain intrusive will be removed to reveal the natural terrain and to clearly identify the precincts. Within the Georges Head Precinct there will be regeneration and expansion of bushland around the edges of the precinct that will assist in framing the group of buildings. The relationship of buildings to the public domain requires design consideration. They may be permeable pavilions in a park, helping to articulate the experience of moving through the parkland, entries that frame views to the space within or beyond, or frontages that invite interaction by providing covered verandahs or outdoor seating. The Gunshot Alley parkland contains buildings with a traditional building orientation of primary frontages (street facing), and secondary side and rear façades, more typical of a street rather than as buildings in an open, grassed parkland. The framework proposes that the frontages of each building remain as the main address to the public space. To reinforce this, and given that the likely continued use of the buildings on the northern side of Suakin Drive as private residences, the bushland is to be pulled through at the sides of the buildings, satisfying the reasonable privacy expectations of the occupants. At the rear of the Gunshot Alley terraces it is proposed to provide a reasonable separation between the buildings and the public spaces containing the car park and pathway. Plans Prepared for Neighbouring LandsIn addition to the Trust's policies there are plans and policies prepared by neighbouring land managers that provide a context for this Management Plan. Most of these plans are identified in Section 7 of the Trust's Comprehensive Plan. However, the following is particularly relevant to the George's Head Precinct: Sydney Harbour National Park Management PlanThe Georges Head Precinct adjoins the Sydney Harbour National Park. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has prepared a Management Plan that applies to the whole of the National Park including Middle Head and Georges Heights. The Management Plan outlines general and specific objectives for the National Park with the overall strategy for the park being the protection and restoration of the park's natural vegetation and the maintenance and adaptive reuse of important historic places. The park is divided into precincts with emphasis to be given to the following strategies in the Middle Head Georges Heights Precinct:
High priority projects, that are relevant to the Trust's Headland Park, include the preparation of a weed control program, feral animal management and the preparation of a fire management plan. The NPWS plan proposes that the Middle Head and Georges Heights fortifications will continue to be used for historic tours and passive recreation. Mosman - Manly Bush Fire Risk Management Plan 2000This plan was prepared under the Rural Fires Act 1997 as a sub plan of the NSW State Bushfire Plan. It applies to the Mosman local government area including the Trust's land and the adjoining National Park. The plan sets out strategies for the minimisation of bush fire risk including things such as hazard reduction. There is also a draft District Bush Fires Operations Plan which sets out the way in which firefighting will be coordinated and managed. The Trust has completed an assessment of bushfire risk at Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay and this assessment informed the preparation of this Management Plan. The Trust will also cooperate with other agencies in the implementation of plans prepared under the Rural Bush Fire Act. Site DescriptionThe plan area is approximately 3.4 hectares and is located on the cliff edge overlooking Chowder Bay and the harbour. It enjoys spectacular views from Manly to the Sydney CBD. The site is dissected by Suakin Drive and is bounded on the east by steep bushland slopes, on the northwest by the WWI Hospital and WRAAC Precinct and to the southeast by the Chowder Bay Precinct. The only vehicular access to the precinct is by Suakin Drive which forks from Middle Head Road at the northern end of Georges Heights Oval. Pedestrian access is currently via the Trust's existing walking track that links the Chowder Bay Precinct with the Lower Georges Heights Precinct. Erected on the site are six former defence buildings including a row of six single-storey terraces erected by the Royal Engineers between 1898 and 1900, the 1873 James Barnet designed Gunners' Barracks (now the Officers' Mess) and the 1950s Officers' Accommodation building, three residences (the Married Sergeants' Quarters and the 1913 Barracks), the A84 (Georges Head) and C9a (Gunshot Alley) batteries and a tennis court. See Figure 1 (PDF 117kb). Site AnalysisHeritage Conservation - Archaeology, Buildings, Places and PlantingsThe Georges Head Precinct is recognised as being of great heritage importance. The decision in 1870 by the British Government to withdraw its troops from the Australian colonies and to pass defence responsibilities to the individual colonies resulted in the NSW government adopting an "outer line" of defence strategy for Sydney Harbour. This consisted of a series of batteries at Georges Head, Middle Head, Bradleys Head and inner South Head. As a consequence construction commenced in 1871 on the A84 (Georges Head) and most probably the C9a (Gunshot Alley) batteries at Georges Head. The construction of a 'military' road system to access these defence systems occurred simultaneously. This was followed by the construction of the Gunners' Barracks (now the Officers' Mess) and later the Officers' Barracks - since demolished. Many years later a row of six single-storey terraces known as Gunshot Alley, a new Barracks building (1913) and a detached cottage, (the Married Sergeants' Quarters), were added. The sequence of construction is shown on the plan at Figure 4 (PDF 130kb). Most of these buildings and the gun emplacements are still intact and as a consequence the place is listed on the Register of the National Estate - see Australian Heritage Commission Database Number 102619. Individual places within the precinct are also listed as individual entries- Batteries A83 (outside management plan area) and C9a are Reg. No 103295, the Officers' Mess is Reg. No 2871, and the Battery for Five Guns (A84) is Reg. No 2870. Suakin Drive forms part of the listing of the Military Road Framework (Reg. No 103266). Section 30 of the Australian Heritage Commission Act 1975 places an obligation on the Trust not to take any action that adversely affects a building or place that is identified on the Register unless the Minister for the Environment and Heritage is satisfied that there is no feasible or prudent alternative and the Australian Heritage Commission has had the opportunity to comment on the proposal. The site is also listed on the State Heritage Register - number 00987 and the NSW National Trust Register of Classified Places. In September 2003 the Trust engaged Eric Martin and Associates to prepare a Conservation Management Plan for the precinct. This identified the following phases of military occupation at Georges Head:
During the preparation of the Conservation Management Plan, archaeological assessments were undertaken by Marilyn Truscott (for Eric Martin & Associates). These field surveys indicate that certain parts of the precinct are of higher archaeological sensitivity than others. Whilst all the built structures are archaeologically important, the spaces between them are also important because it is likely that they contain cultural material as evidence of past activity not necessarily recorded elsewhere. The areas considered to have the highest sensitivity are identified in Figure 5 (PDF 954kb). Ground disturbance in the areas identified as having archaeological sensitivity must be undertaken according to the archaeological principles as outlined in the NSW Heritage Office Archaeological Guidelines. Aboriginal HeritageThe site has no known archaeological significance for the area's original inhabitants, the Borogegal clan. However, it lies partly within an area surveyed in 1841 and known as King Bungaree's Farm. This was an experiment by Governor Macquarie to introduce a selected group of Aboriginals to the ways of European farming. The Trust engaged the Australian Museum to undertake a survey to identify Aboriginal archaeological sites and any associated issues related to Aboriginal heritage for six sites at Middle Head. This included the Georges Head Precinct. The Museum advised that no Aboriginal archaeological sites were found. However, as with all sites at Middle Head and Georges Heights there is some moderate archaeological sensitivity with the potential to uncover material during subsurface exposure or removal of superficial layer - where this occurs on undisturbed land. As a result it is recommended that a monitoring program for archaeological material be carried out during subsurface exposure or removal of superficial layers and that a qualified archaeologist should conduct the monitoring. Bush Land and Natural ValuesConacher Travers Environmental Consultants were engaged to prepare a flora study of Trust and NPWS lands at Middle Head and Georges Heights. The study found that:
The Trust consequently commissioned Conacher Travers to undertake a targeted survey of Acacia terminalis ssp terminalis. No specimens were found within the Management Plan area. However, 26 specimens were located close to the northwest of the site. Conacher Travers Environmental Consultants also prepared a comprehensive fauna study of Trust and Department of Defence lands at Middle Head and Georges Heights. The survey identified a number of native fauna species that are considered to be common in the area. Less common species observed were the Tawny Frogmouth, Boobook Owl, Diamond Python and White-striped Mastiff Bat. These species are considered to be vulnerable to numerous ecological threats. No threatened species were found. The report recommended that:
Phytophthora cinnamomiDieback related to the root-rot fungus Phytophthora cinnamomi (Pc) has been listed as a key threatening process under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 and the Department of Environment and Water Resources has prepared a Threat Abatement Plan to guide actions by Commonwealth agencies to prevent the spread of this disease and to limit its effects on vulnerable or endangered native species. Sampling carried out by the Royal Botanic Gardens (RBG) on behalf of the Trust has identified the presence of Pc in areas of dieback within the National Park - downslope from the Trust's existing walking track. As a consequence Environmental Resources Management Australia (ERM) was engaged to undertake sampling around the Officers' Mess, the A84 Battery, Gunshot Alley and along the existing walking track. Samples were collected at 14 sites and sent to the Royal Botanic Gardens for analysis. Pc was not detected in any of the 56 samples collected. The Royal Botanic Gardens advised that existing vectors for the introduction of the pathogen included stormwater and nutrient laden run-off. It recommended that the Trust improve these conditions in order to reduce the risk of the spread of the disease into the adjoining healthy bushland areas. Bushfire RiskIn 2002 the Trust commissioned Geospatial Integrity to undertake an interim review of the fire risks and to identify necessary mitigation works for the lands at Middle Head, including land at the Georges Head precinct. The interim review made a number of recommendations including maintaining an Asset Protection Zone (APZ) in a corridor to the east of the Officers' Mess building and the residential buildings along Suakin Drive. Following on from the interim review, the Trust commissioned Conacher Travers in 2003 to prepare a Bush Fire Management Plan (BFMP) for the Trust's land at Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay, including the Officers' Mess precinct. The Draft BFMP recommends:
StormwaterIn 2003 the Trust commissioned Storm Consulting to prepared a Stormwater Management Plan (SMP) for the Trust lands at Georges Heights, Chowder Bay and Middle Head, including the Georges Head Precinct. A key guiding principle of the SMP is to mimic or restore natural water balances and to address water quantity impacts (i.e. peak flows and volumes of runoff) in addition to water quality (i.e. with less runoff, less pollutants are conveyed into receiving waters). The Draft SMP provides a number of general principles for the Trust to consider in its management of stormwater flows, including:
More specifically for this precinct, the Draft SMP identified the possibility of using the camouflaged fuel tanks for storing stormwater runoff from Georges Heights, with the catchment including part of the Georges Head precinct. It is also feasible for stormwater to be collected at detention points near the Officers' Mess building before being pumped to the fuel tanks. The stored water could be made available for a range of uses, including the irrigation of formal landscaped areas and as a fire reserve. Hazardous MaterialsIn October 2003 Hibbs and Associates Pty Ltd undertook a Hazardous Materials Survey of buildings and structures at Georges Heights Training Command. This included all the buildings within the Georges Head Precinct. For the purposes of this survey, 'hazardous materials' included materials containing asbestos, synthetic mineral fibre (SMF) materials, deteriorating lead based paints and fluorescent light ballast capacitors containing polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB's). Generally, the asbestos materials identified are in a stable condition and do not present a significant asbestos related health risk. Priority works include repair or removal of damaged asbestos cement materials, removal of AC debris and removal of asbestos products that may be affected by proposed demolition or renovations. These would be detailed in a Hazardous Materials Management Plan prior to undertaking building renovation or demolition works. SMF Materials The principal sources of SMF materials are the SMF batt insulation in the roof space, SMF insulated air conditioning ducts, SMF insulated hot water tanks and SMF containing ceiling tiles. These materials are to be removed prior to the commencement of any renovations or demolition works. PCB's Fluorescent light fittings in all of the buildings other than the Officers' Mess are new and are unlikely to be fitted with capacitors containing PCBs. It is recommended that capacitors in old fittings are removed prior to demolition or renovation works and disposed of appropriately. Lead Based Paints Lead based paints were identified in most buildings. However, the paintwork is in good condition and does not require remedial work. Where painting is to be carried out as part of building renovations, these will be performed as a lead risk job according to the appropriate Australian Standard. Contamination and RemediationIn 1999 PPK - Environment and Infrastructure was engaged to conduct a two-stage contamination assessment and geotechnical study of the lands to be transferred to the Trust, including the Georges Head Precinct. The purpose of this assessment was to provide information regarding contamination on the lands so that potential land uses and initial requirements and costs for remediation could be determined. This report identified a number of potentially contaminated areas associated with a variety of contamination sources. For the plan area, these included:
Subsequent site sampling and analysis identified no widespread gross impact from these sources. However, elevated lead concentrations in surface soils were found at isolated locations only. It is unlikely that remediation of these hotspots would be required to allow for the residential, public open space or commercial uses planned for the area. However, the Trust will:
An additional important environmental outcome will be to minimise the potential for offsite migration and environmental impact of site contamination, including nutrient and pollutant transport in surface water. The Stormwater Management Plan being developed for the site will also address these requirements. ServicesIn March 2002 PPK Consulting undertook a detailed survey in order to establish the extent and condition of site services. The study looked at electricity, telephone, water, fire, sewerage and stormwater services and made a number of recommendations to rationalise and upgrade the services. Compliance with the Building Code of AustraliaTrevor R Howse & Associates Pty Ltd was engaged to assess the Officers' Mess Building. The assessment was conducted on the basis that the proposed use for the building is as a function centre or restaurant. The building was assessed in respect of:
The study found that the building was non-compliant with many aspects of the BCA and would require alterations to bring it up to standard. These changes will be implemented subject to the future use of the building. In consideration of the heritage significance of the building the report recommended that changes meet the NSW Heritage Council criteria that works be "readily reversible" In October 2003 the Trust also commissioned HACCP Australia to assess the kitchen facilities in the Officers' Mess building at Georges Heights. The report found that the kitchen has been well maintained and that its design will present few problems to a commercial kitchen operation. AccessibilityIn September 2003 the Trust commissioned Spinal Cord Injuries Australia (SCI) to evaluate the accessibility of the Georges Head Precinct. The report identifies the main pedestrian paths of travel around the precinct and made recommendations in respect of:
These recommendations have been incorporated into the design outcomes for the precinct. Transport ManagementIn 2003 the Trust commissioned Maunsell Australia Pty Ltd to prepare a Transport Management Plan (TMP) for Middle Head, Georges Heights and Chowder Bay. The TMP identifies measures to minimise reliance on access by private motor vehicles and to maximise access by public transport, walking and cycling. The TMP also considers the cumulative impacts of the development of Trust lands and neighbouring sites such as HMAS Penguin, Sydney Harbour National Park and local sporting facilities. Consultation with key agencies such as HMAS Penguin, National Parks and Wildlife Service, Mosman Council and State Transit was integral to the development of the plan. General recommendations relevant to Georges Head include the:
More specific recommendations of the TMP for Georges Head include the continued use of Georges Heights Oval as a public parking facility for large special events. Traffic and ParkingTraffic management and accessibility by motor vehicle are issues that are particularly important in the Georges Head Precinct. In September 2003 the Trust engaged Chris Hallam and Associates Pty Ltd to undertake a review of the access and parking options for the precinct. The main issues covered by this report include:
The major findings of the study were:
Summary Statement of Cultural SignificanceThis Statement of Cultural Significance is derived from the Conservation Management Plan prepared by Eric Martin and Associates. Georges Heights and in particular the Officers' Mess Precinct is culturally significant for the important role it played in the strategic defence of Sydney. This commenced with the initial fortification phase in 1871 and extended through the submarine mine defence phase, the federation of Australian States and thus it became part of the wider coastal network of defences. The site is part of the network of fortifications that were established to protect Sydney Harbour from attack. Alterations to the A84 Battery show the continual evolution and development of defensive systems and the application of the most modern technology and building techniques. The buildings in the precinct illustrate the evolution of defence accommodation from the 1871 Gunners' Barracks (now the Officers' Mess) to 1892 Married Quarters (Gunshot Alley Terraces) to the 1954 separate individual rooms (Officers' Mess Accommodation). The buildings have been associated with key people in NSW history particularly:
The site has remained in government and military ownership from the earliest British settlement and thus provides strong research potential in its structures and surface cultural deposits to demonstrate past ways of military life. The construction of the fortifications on the site followed the departure of British Imperial forces in 1870 and is evidence of the British Government's resolve that colonies with responsible government should bear the cost of their own defence. Georges Head has outstanding aesthetics as a prominent headland. The site is valued by the local community and Defence personnel for its role as a vantage point and as a gateway to the harbour. It is also a rare remnant of fragile natural environment, and for its historical uses. Georges Head is part of the Middle Head and Georges Heights defence site listed on the Register of the National Estate (101087) and the plan area also contains three items with individual listings; the A84 Battery (listed as Battery for Five Guns), Battery C9A, and the 1873 Gunners' Barracks (listed as the Officers' Mess). The whole of Suakin Drive also forms part of the Military Road Framework listing (Reg. No 103266). The site is also listed on the NSW State Heritage Register (00987) and on the National Trust of Australia Register of Classified Places. OutcomesThe outcomes for the Georges Head Precinct are shown on Figure 7 (PDF 277kb). Design ConceptThe primary objective of the proposed design improvements is to convey the evolution of all of the elements that comprise the fortifications on Georges Head and the relationship between these elements and the harbour - at a spectacular location that may have also been a significant place for Aboriginal people. Minor changes that make a significant difference The main changes proposed are improvements to the environmental conditions such as drainage, bush regeneration and the removal of intrusive elements such as chain wire fences, some inappropriate plantings, overhead power lines, street signs, paved areas, water tanks and some buildings. See Figure 8 (PDF 257kb). It is proposed to maintain a simple and open landscape treatment - such as lawns, native grasses or ground covers, and to reveal natural features such as rock outcrops. This will allow visitors to appreciate the gradual, undulating fall of the terrain towards the escarpment and the relationship between the buildings - including those set well beyond the edge, out of sight from the harbour. It is also proposed to expand the bushland to envelope the buildings and help frame the grouping. The proposed planting will take account of required bush fire mitigation measures - see the section of this plan relating to Bushfire Management. The sequence of arrival Unlike Lower Georges Heights and the lawn area at Chowder Bay, this precinct is not envisaged as a place for picnics and similar passive recreation. It provides a setting for a significant group of heritage buildings and includes some of the main points of interest at Middle Head - the Officers' Mess and fortifications and the spectacular lookout. It is a transitional place and potentially a place for functions and ceremony. The design treatment of the area is intended to improve the sense of arrival along Suakin Drive - as it winds between Training Command HQ and the heath planting, gradually revealing views of the harbour. Beyond the junction with Commonwealth Avenue, Suakin Drive will be predominantly a pedestrian street, permitting only vehicular access by service vehicles, disabled visitors, taxis and residents of the three existing dwellings. Existing intrusive car parking adjacent to the Officers' Mess and Officers' Accommodation will be removed - see Figure 7 (PDF 277kb). All public parking other than for disabled visitors, will be located behind the Gunshot Alley terraces where there is an existing cleared area that was previously used for Defence parking. The configuration of the proposed car park provides for a generous curtilage to the rear of the terraces, enabling them to be viewed in their entirety. Safe pedestrian access from the car park to the Officers' Mess and the proposed lookout will be provided and will include the lower section of Suakin Drive. This section of Suakin Drive will be predominantly a pedestrian thoroughfare. Direct access from the Gunshot Alley car park to the Officers' Mess will also be provided. However, service vehicles, taxis and disabled visitors will still be able to drive to the Officers' Mess. The paved parking area adjacent to the rampart wall surrounding the Mess will be reduced in area to reveal more of the wall and to improve the setting and sense of enclosure of the Mess. A number of pathways within the Headland Park lead to Georges Head. Each of these will benefit from the simple, open landscape treatment proposed within the precinct. For example, the pathway from the knoll in the World War I Hospital precinct descends along the edges of successive courtyards and buildings. The removal of the fences, gate, poplar trees and power poles will heighten the contrast between the two precincts and continue the flow towards the escarpment. The lookout over the gun emplacements The most intrusive structure to be removed is the 1954 Officers' Accommodation. This white painted brick, boomerang shaped building built is located on the headland behind the fortifications and directly adjacent to the massive cutting within which the Officers' Mess is sheltered. It detracts from the heritage value of the fortifications and adjoining mess building. It is also visually dominant and its removal will reveal the domed headland with the geometric incisions in the rock ledge that form the fortifications and connection to the former Gunners' Barracks (now the Officers' Mess). It is proposed to replace the Officers' Accommodation with a lookout and ceremonial area. The concept design for this was prepared by Richard Leplastrier and is illustrated in Figure 9 (PDF 228kb). It proposes a slightly mounded form that melds sympathetically with the dome of the rock promontory and evokes the merlons that were originally constructed to protect the gun emplacements. The slight elevation of the lookout will enable safe access and viewing over the fortifications and the harbour without the need for safety rails around the fortifications. This will avoid any interference to the line of sight and avoid any adverse visual impacts on the harbour landscape. Access to the fortifications will be by guided tour. It is proposed that this area could also accommodate ceremonies and functions at the culmination of a processional route that includes the present roadway above the Officers' Mess cutting. Adaptive Reuse of BuildingsThe Georges Head Precinct includes a number of important heritage buildings that need to be conserved and made accessible to the public. This will be facilitated by their adaptive reuse and occupation. The primary objectives for the adaptive reuse of buildings are set out in Section 7 of the Trust's Comprehensive Plan. Future uses will need to satisfy criteria relating to public benefit, heritage conservation, traffic generation, parking requirements and transport needs, environmental impact, service and infrastructure constraints, BCA requirements and the Objectives and Policies set out in Section 3 of the Trust's Comprehensive Plan. The general principles that underlie the selection of uses are:
The main buildings at Georges Head are the:
As identified in the Conservation Management Plan the features intrinsic to the heritage significance of the Georges Head Precinct should be conserved. This includes the overall landscape of the site, which is considered to have outstanding aesthetics as a prominent headland in Sydney Harbour. The Conservation Management Plan recommends that the landscape as it exists is an important part of the site and setting and should be retained as it is today. Features and infrastructure such as fences, some vegetation, electrical poles and storage tanks should be removed as part of any reuse of the site. Officers' Mess The Officers' Mess operated until September 2002 and as a consequence retains a functioning, commercial kitchen, dinning areas, bar and lounge areas. It is considered by the community to be an iconic heritage building and its adaptive reuse must ensure ongoing public access. The future use of the Officers' Mess must also satisfy the recommendations of the 2003 Conservation Management Plan and the Building Code of Australia. One of the highest priorities of the Trust will be to carry out essential renovations to the Officers' Mess in accordance with the Conservation Management Plan. The first project will be the replacement of the existing corrugated asbestos cement roof with slate. The Conservation Management Plan also recommends that there be no extensions be made to the Officers' Mess as part of its adaptive reuse. Another important consideration in determining the use of the building is the need to address its constrained access and to provide adequate parking. The Review of Access and Parking Options undertaken by Chris Hallam and Associates has shown that it is feasible for these issues to be addressed satisfactorily, without compromising the Trust's objectives of discouraging increased private motor vehicle use. In addition, parking for people with a disability can be provided near the main entrance of the Officers' Mess building. The most likely uses that satisfy all these matters, including the recommendations of the Conservation Management Plan, are a restaurant, function centre or the like, including some level of interpretation and/or display. Gunshot Alley Terraces The Gunshot Alley terraces are also important heritage items and any future use must satisfy the recommendations of the 2003 Conservation Management Plan and the Building Code of Australia. Importantly, the Conservation Management Plan recommends that extensions to Gunshot Alley terraces should not be permitted. The terraces were refurbished in the 1980s and some internal alterations were made so that they could be used as individual offices and for training purposes. None of the houses have functioning kitchens or bathrooms and this limits the range of uses that they can be put to. Consistent with the most recent use of the building and the Conservation Management Plan, offices, studios, education, training, functions or the like have been identified as possible uses. Married Sergeants' Quarters (detached cottage) This simple cottage was built around the turn of the century and has been continuously occupied since then as a single-family residence. It is proposed that the cottage retain its existing residential use. Maintaining residential use has the advantage of providing a certain level of 'passive surveillance' for the precinct. Intrusive additions to the historic landscape will not be permitted. 1913 Barracks (Nos. 131 and 132 Barrack Road) This group of buildings was built in 1913 as Barracks and a detached kitchen. The Conservation Management Plan recommends retaining these buildings and removing modern additions to restore the exterior to its original state. The Barracks are now occupied as a pair of a semi-detached houses and it is proposed to continue this use. Intrusive additions to the historic landscape will not be permitted. Water Sensitive Urban DesignThe principles of Water Sensitive Urban Design (WSUD) are to be incorporated into the redevelopment of the Georges Head Precinct in order to achieve water quality, water conservation and ecological objectives. Effective integration of these objectives will require the application of concepts on a catchment wide basis. The key concepts to be applied are:
Phytophthora cinnamomiThe Trust is developing and implementing a Phytophthora Management Strategy in cooperation with neighbouring land managers, as part of an inter-agency Phytophthora Working Group.
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Sydney Harbour Federation Trust · PO Box 607 · Mosman NSW 2088 Australia · Tel 02 8969 2100 · Fax 02 8969 2120 · TTY 02 8969 2152 Business Hours: Mon to Fri, 9am to 5pm This page last modified 8 December, 2006 |
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