The Australian Government: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Planning.

Harbour Trust: Planning

The Plan: Cockatoo Island (Wariea-mah)

The Site and Its Context

The Place

Refer to Figure 5.1 (PDF, 92kb ) Plan Area

Cockatoo is the largest of the Sydney Harbour islands. Its history is a rich mix of convict, penal, social reform and maritime industry.

The island lies at the junction of the Parramatta and Lane Cove Rivers - 'Moocooboola'.

The courtyard cluster of prison barracks, the water towers, workshops and houses all sit atop the hill, like an acropolis of sheer-sided sandstone, quarried to make the flat aprons for maritime industry.

An enormous complex of industrial workshops, cranes and a powerhouse furnish the island.

This is a place of cuttings - two magnificent docks lying nose-to-nose, rail tracks, slipways, tunnels and grain silos carved by hand into the top of the sandstone hill.

The island has been vacant since 1992 and many of the buildings have deteriorated. Some areas also contain contamination and industrial hazards from over a century of shipbuilding activity.

How the place evolved

Refer to Figure 5.2 (PDF, 158kb ) Historical Development

Natural Forces

This largest harbour island dominates a special triangular space bounded by Balmain, Drummoyne, Hunters Hill, Woolwich and Greenwich, with the other two smaller knolls of Spectacle and Snapper Islands nearby.

The landform is distinctive as a drowned knoll (with Spectacle and Snapper) at the end of the ridge following Lyons Road, Drummoyne. The knoll rises to a height of about eighteen metres above sea level and the sandstone geology is similar to the Woolwich and Drummoyne peninsulas.

Originally only 12.9 hectares in size, the island has been expanded over the years to 17.9 hectares through extensive cutting and filling forming extensive aprons at the lower levels.

A variety of woodland vegetation and shrubs would have once covered the rocky knoll, and almost all have been removed. Some plants grow on the cliff faces and cultural plantings have occurred in many areas. The deserted island has a nesting ground for seagulls and fig trees provide a food source for bats.

Cultural History

Indigenous
Aboriginal people would have used the island although no record has been found. Further research will be carried out into both pre and post European occupation. The Aboriginal name for the island is Wa-rea-mah.

Convict
The isolation of the island and its proximity to Sydney Cove made it ideal for construction of a prison to house convicts withdrawn from Norfolk Island.

From 1839-40 convict labour was used to cut deep into the rock and construct silos for storing the colony's grain supply. Quarrying on the island provided stone for a group of penal buildings on the island and for construction projects around Sydney, including the wall for semi-Circular Quay.

Prisoners built the large Fitzroy Dock and the machine shop from 1851 to 1857. The stone remains of the machine shop are now embedded in later industrial buildings on the island.

In 1864 the administration of the island was split between the NSW Department of Prisons and the Public Works Department who took over and expanded the dockyard around the foreshores.

Industrial School and Reformatory
In an attempt to give the island a new image, it was renamed 'Biloela' (Aboriginal for cockatoo) in 1870. The Cockatoo Island prisoners were relocated to Darlinghurst Gaol and the island's prison buildings became an Industrial School for Girls and a reformatory from 1871 until 1888. At the same time the Training Ship Vernon was anchored off the Island and was used to accommodate wayward and orphaned teenage boys. It was later replaced by the TS Sobroan.

Dockyard

Sutherland Dock, the second of the dry docks, was completed in 1890. For a short time it was the largest in the world. Shipbuilding and repair activities on the island expanded steadily.

The island became the Commonwealth Naval Dockyard in 1913 and the first steel warship built in Australia, HMAS Huon, was completed there in 1916 along with her sister ship Torrens and the cruiser Brisbane.

A new power station with a fine brick chimney was completed in 1919.

In 1933 the shipbuilding and repair facilities were leased to a private company, Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Co.

Following the fall of Singapore during the early part of World War II the island became the major shipbuilding and dockyard facility in the Pacific. Repairs and refits included work on the Queen Mary, Queen Elizabeth and major vessels of the Australian and US Navies.

Two tunnels were constructed under the plateau of Cockatoo Island in addition to the central one (circa 1912) and a new road provided access to the upper level.

Vickers Ltd took over Cockatoo Docks and Engineering Co Pty Ltd in 1947. Additional buildings were constructed during the 1950s and 1970s.

The maintenance and refit program for O-class submarines commenced on Cockatoo Island in 1968 and continued until 1991.

Following a review of naval dockyard requirements during the early 1980s, the Commonwealth Government decided that the lease of the dockyard would not be renewed after its expiry in 1992. Control of the island reverted to the Commonwealth Government at the end of 1992. A significant amount of plant and machinery was sold and some 40 buildings demolished during 1991. A number of wharves were also removed because of their condition.

Site Conditions Summary
Flora and Fauna

Almost all of the island's original vegetation and habitat has been removed to make way for development. However, the sandstone knoll of Cockatoo Island would have once been covered in a variety of woodland vegetation and shrubs. It would have been an unusual mixture of species due to an absence of fire, isolation, the lack of a reliable source of fresh water and the strong marine influence. It is unlikely that the island would have had a high diversity of species when compared to the mainland.

Today, some ferns, mosses and hardy shrubs grow between layers of rock on the cliff faces. The undulating plateau and northern slopes have many exotic species including large Moreton Bay Figs and Camphor Laurel trees. There is no evidence of permanent streams and water troughs and tanks were cut into the rock.

There are no known threatened species on the island. However, two trees that are listed as vulnerable in the NSW Threatened Species Conservation Act, 1995, were identified: the Magenta Lillypilly (Syzygium paniculatum) and Narrow-leaved Black Peppermint (Eucalyptus nicholii). Both of these specimens have been planted.

Of special note is the relatively high number of ferns and fern allies (10) growing in areas of reliable seepage on the exposed rock faces. These include the uncommon Skeleton Fork Fern (Psilotum nudum) and Slender Club Moss (Lycopodium laterale).

The island does not provide much habitat for native fauna. The lower level of the island supports few trees and consists mostly of introduced grass species on the northern and eastern sides. These grassed areas provide some foraging habitat for birds such as the Masked Lapwing, the White-faced Heron and Common Starling.

The plateau area provides slightly better feeding and shelter areas. The Moreton Bay (Ficus macrophylla) and Port Jackson (Ficus rubiginosa) fig trees on the northern slopes of the island provide a food source for the vulnerable species - the Grey-headed Flying-fox (Pteropus poliocephalus).

The tunnels running through the sandstone knoll is suitable habitat for bat species however, no micro-bats have been detected.

The rocky foreshore provides habitat for water rats (Hydromys chrysogaster) and a wide variety of marine animals and plants while the armour rock wall on the northern side of the island and the cliff areas around the convict buildings have become popular nesting grounds for Silver Gulls (Larus novaehollandiae).

Baseline flora and fauna surveys have been prepared for the island - see report prepared by GIS Environmental Consultants.

Buildings and Services

There are eighty buildings on Cockatoo Island with examples surviving from each era of the island's history. The range of functional and constructional types includes:

  • convict era sandstone buildings
  • steel-framed and clad industrial workshops dating from around World War I
  • several individual residences built in timber, masonry and stone
  • brick administration buildings erected during the 1930s
  • concrete air raid shelters from World War II
  • masonry industrial buildings constructed during and after World War II
  • various structures including 40 cranes, several wharves, and the
  • historic pumping machinery, switchboards and rectifiers housed in the Powerhouse

The current condition of the buildings and other structures on Cockatoo Island can be gauged by the fact that the island has been disused since 1992. There has been no maintenance of any description carried out until the Trust began undertaking repair and stabilisation works in 2001. The decision to close the dockyard was taken in 1987 and it is assumed that regular maintenance of buildings was wound down during the final years of operation.

The convict era buildings are structurally sound and require some maintenance and restoration works in keeping with their heritage significance. Most of the industrial buildings, constructed using steel, masonry and timber in combination with steel or timber cladding, are structurally sound. The houses, constructed of sandstone or brick masonry with timber used for verandahs, roof and floor structures and some cladding, are also structurally sound and in relatively good condition. The island's wharves and many of the cranes will require significant structural repair and conservation work.

The island's water reticulation is in reasonably good condition and currently supplies water to virtually all buildings and apron areas. The sewerage system and electricity networks are outdated and will require a major overhaul. Stormwater and fire systems will also require repairs to bring them up to standard. A more detailed summary of the site conditions is at Section 12

Contamination

Cockatoo Island has a rich history that includes over 160 years of development, engineering and shipbuilding activity. Understanding this history provides a key to understanding the environmental condition of the island. Contamination on the island has resulted from the previous filling and waste disposal practices as well as the spillage and release of chemicals and materials that may have occurred on site. Consequently, various types of contaminants exist in soils, surface-water, groundwater and near shore sediments. Hazardous materials are also associated with the various buildings and structures that remain.

Examples of the range of contaminants on and around Cockatoo Island are listed below:

  • Chippings, quarry rubble, building rubble, and other solid and trade wastes have been used as fill for reclamation and shoreline advancement since early development of the island. As a result, fill on the island includes sandstone, demolition rubble, slag, ash, coke, scrap metal, fibro cement and rubbish. Contamination in these materials is predominantly heavy metals, polyaromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) and asbestos
  • Localised areas of contamination are associated with sumps, tanks and areas where chemicals were stored and used. Other areas where chemicals were stored or used may also have localised areas of contamination
  • All known underground storage tanks were removed during the Stage 1 Rehabilitation works carried out by the Department of Defence in 1999. It is likely that other unknown tanks remain on the site and will require removal
  • The residential precinct and garden areas have become contaminated largely due to the fallout of contaminated airborne dusts. The source of these dusts would have been primarily the powerhouse, incinerator and other furnace operations around the site. Contaminants of concern in these areas are mainly lead, with some PAHs and benzo(a)pyrene
  • Deteriorating lead-based paints on buildings and structures has contributed to contamination of the site. In many areas, flaking paint can be seen on walls and on adjacent ground. Lead, copper and zinc concentrations in these flakes can be very high
  • A large volume of asbestos may be assumed present in fill and asbestos materials are also present in some remaining buildings. Most of this asbestos is in the form of asbestos cement sheeting. Small amounts of fibrous asbestos millboard, insulation or rope also remain on-site
  • Other types of hazardous materials in buildings include synthetic mineral fibre, and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in lighting capacitors and electrical equipment. Specific buildings may also contain other hazardous materials such as mercury vapour lamps, drummed chemicals and oils, and solid and aqueous wastes
  • Contaminated wastes from site operations have been either disposed of, or washed into the stormwater and wastewater systems over the years. Much of this system is currently in questionable condition, with residual sludge and grit remaining in pits and lines. Assessment of these materials has shown elevated levels of heavy metals and occasionally high levels of hydrocarbon contamination
  • The washing of process wastes and contaminated sediments into the stormwater or wastewater system, or directly into the harbour, has been the primary mechanism for contamination of near shore sediments surrounding the island. These have included formulations used as marine anti-foul over the years. Contaminants from this source include TBT, mercury and copper
  • The erosion of contaminated waste fill from behind deteriorating seawalls has also been a significant source of contamination of near shore sediments
  • Assessment of near shore sediments has identified elevated levels of heavy metals and hydrophobic organic compounds such as TBT and PAHs. The most significant metals in sediments are mercury, copper and lead. While a 'halo' of contamination may surround the island, the highest concentrations may be found in the region of Sutherland Dock. Contaminated sediments are also likely to exist within the docks themselves

A more detailed summary of the Contamination Condition and priorities for remediation is in Section 12, Background Material.

The Planning Context

Cockatoo Island is unincorporated. This means that it does not fall within any Local Government area. However, it has a visual and historic relationship with surrounding islands (Spectacle Island and Snapper Island) and the land-based Local Government areas of (Leichhardt, Canada Bay and Hunters Hill).

The southern apron of Cockatoo Island faces the foreshore area of Canada Bay and Leichhardt. These areas are generally zoned for medium to high-density residential development. Potential impacts such as noise and visual amenity will need to be carefully considered with regard to future waterfront industry on Cockatoo Island. The northern apron of the island faces Hunters Hill. The areas of Hunters Hill most visible from Cockatoo Island are open space, with a number of low-density residential developments.

At present there are no public transport services to the island. However, a number of ferry services pass the island each day and have the potential to include Cockatoo Island as a stop.

State plans nominate Cockatoo Island as part of the 'Working Waterfront' and as an opportunity for open space and water-based access. State departments and the Trust have identified potential sites for land-based facilities for servicing the harbour's islands, particularly in relation to heavy materials and storage, as an important part of Working Harbour.

More detailed information on these matters can be found in Section 12 - Background Material.

Consultation Outcomes Summary

During consultation it became evident that the history of Cockatoo Island is very important to the community. This includes all aspects of its history from Aboriginal to convict and maritime history.

Issues that were highlighted for consideration included the need to identify the contaminated areas of the island and to develop a program of remediation and the need to study the Aboriginal heritage of the island.

The community also highlighted the requirement for land bases to support working harbour activities and the role of the island in apprenticeship training.
The most common themes for future uses included revitalising the "working harbour" by introducing small scale maritime industry back onto the island whilst at the same time, preserving the historical buildings and allowing for public space and tourism activities.

There was also a strong view expressed by the community that residential and high-rise buildings should not be permitted on the island.

Qualities

The island is the farthest knoll at the end of the Drummoyne (Lyons Road) ridge. Snapper and Spectacle Islands are also outcrops on this same submerged ridge.

Cockatoo Island is the dominant landform in the large basin of water bounded by the shores of Woolwich, Drummoyne, Birchgrove and Balmain. The island breaks this body of water into a series of passages between it and the mainland, and the dominant form of the island actually disrupts the appreciation of the basin as a single body of water.

The name Cockatoo Dockyard gives a false impression of a single function when in fact the island's function was highly varied, ranging from heavy shipbuilding and engineering to small boat construction and design, fine joinery and cabinet making. This diversity of activity is reflected both in the buildings, their materials, scale and pattern of windows and the spaces created between them. As a result, when on the island, even on the top, the harbour outlook is restricted to occasional glimpses and is secondary to the view of contained and defined spaces. Conversely, many of the buildings and places are not apparent from the water and can only be appreciated by actually being in them. The gaol courtyard is the most obvious example, but it applies to even the largest buildings like the turbine hall that is absorbed into the mass of the whole island.

In this way Cockatoo Island is quite different to the smaller islands of the harbour where the surrounding waters are always apparent. The sheer diversity and interesting detail of the buildings and ground-form draws attention away from the harbour.

The island's evolution has been organic and accretive as it has been modified and adapted as required - to fulfil a particularly large contract or to accommodate changes in ship size and building technology. The fundamental character of the island derives from this reworking of existing buildings and facilities. Over time there was also an articulation of the activity, whereby administration occupied the old gaol buildings, residential, white-collar design, lofting and fine joinery occupied the top of the island and the heavier industry the aprons. Many buildings were demolished and replaced over the life of the island but more commonly they were modified, enlarged and adapted. This applied to even the oldest buildings and the apparent disregard for their cultural value in the past is indicative of the primary need to maintain a functional dockyard often with very limited means.

Similarly, all of the original vegetation was removed and the island has had a bare appearance for many years. The harshness of the bare scraped rock on both the cutting faces and the top of the island near the granaries is also part of its character. A few Moreton Bay and Port Jackson figs have established themselves on the last remnant of the original rock outcrops on the northern face. The 'softest' part of the island is the residential area that has a number of large Camphor Laurels.

The most extensive demolition of buildings and wharves occurred after the closure of the dock, resulting in large open areas on the northern and eastern aprons. These give the impression of grassed open space with a vegetated slope backdrop facing north and a large harsh plane facing east with a bare cliff backdrop. The extensive boulder rock "rip-rap" shoreline also dates from this period.

The overall quality of the island is its diversity that derives from its organic development over a long period of time. This diversity, combined with the complexity of the topography and outlook means that it is difficult to perceive the island as a single unified entity. The Trust is seeking to retain this diversity and richness through its planning work.

The Plateau
  • There is generally little outlook from the top of the island apart from particular points such as the tennis court
  • An overall organic layout that has developed over tim
  • There are no streets because there were no vehicles
  • Residential atmosphere is disrupted by the juxtaposition and insertion of alien elements - granaries, searchlight tower, water tower
  • Orientation of building fronts towards the harbour looking outward and back towards the city
  • Houses with 'higgledy-piggledy' back yards
  • Lawns, garden beds, exotic tree species
  • Maze-like/domestic/paling fences - suburban
Workshops and drawing offices
  • Straight-forward circulation between 'civic' urban spaces at each end - sunken court to the north and open area near joinery shop to the south
  • Rigid and simple geometry determined by light and air and lightweight activities that allowed multi-storey accommodation
Gaol
  • Harsh, enclosed, paradoxically introverted
  • Sandstone walls, sandstone buildings, sandstone flagging and bedrock
  • The same use of on-site quarried stone as at Goat Island
North apron
  • Open to waterway
  • Waterway open, informal objects in the landscape, hints of former use - geometry of sheds
East apron
  • Vast and simple - cliff-water-horizontal plane
  • The feeling that something has been removed, perhaps something could be put back
Main halls
  • "Cathedral" of industry
  • Haphazard juxtapositions of buildings added over time
  • Unforgiving, tough and bare, human comfort is not a consideration
  • Hidden concealed in the bulk and profile of the island
  • Individual building blocks built onto each other to form a single building mass
  • Clearly defined single street
South Apron
  • Interventions can be contemporary
  • No clear ordering apart from dock alignments
  • Utilitarian village due to modest scale of buildings - modest scale of boat building
  • Scattered glimpses through between buildings

Top of page

Significant Values and Considerations

Natural Values

Refer to Figure 5.3 (PDF, 114kb ) Heritage Values and Figure 5.4 (PDF, 164kb ) Natural and Cultural Values


Cockatoo Island is the largest harbour island. Located at the meeting of three waterways, it affords magnificent harbour views and is a visual landmark with its distinctive silhouette. The man-made cliff lines clearly reveal the Hawkesbury sandstone.

Cultural Values
  • As an island within this widened area of harbour it has been chosen as a:
    • gaol - isolated but overlooked
    • site for granary silos - secure yet accessible
    • site for maritime industry/shipbuilding - deep water, close to other industrial sites
  • The convict remains are of particular importance. The convict period and subsequent uses as female reform institution and criminal gaol provide a wealth of evidence of military, penal and charitable practices in New South Wales
  • The convict gaol is the only surviving, imperially funded public works establishment in New South Wales. It is a remarkable remaining collection of sandstone structures
  • The convict-constructed silos are the finest and probably the only group of rock cut silos in Australia. They demonstrate the value of food supply to the young colony and their lack of use was an expression of the relationship between England and its colony
  • The Fitzroy Dock (1851-57) is the first proposed and the oldest surviving dock in Sydney
  • The Fitzroy Dock and remains of the stone workshop building were convict built for the Royal Navy and were the beginning of ship repair and construction facilities on the island
  • The island provides evidence of technological achievement in the development of Australia maritime industry - both naval and commercial
  • It has a significant collection of buildings, wharves, slipways, cranes and associated shipbuilding machinery (despite sale and demolitions) remaining to interpret the shipbuilding activities of the island - the legacy of a major dockyard in Australia's main port city
  • It represents the growing industrial independence of the colony in ship repair, maintenance and shipbuilding and from government ownership to private ownership
  • Sutherland Dock is an engineering milestone in Australia and was the largest dock in the world at the time of its construction. It contains its original travelling jib, steam cranes and caisson rollers
  • The powerhouse is an unrivalled combination of original buildings and rare electrical equipment
  • The importance of the dockyard in Australian industrial development; fabricating equipment for power stations etc and training apprentices
  • The strong associations many former workers feel for the island and remains of the dockyard

Figure 5.3 (PDF, 114kb ) Heritage Values, shows the ranking of buildings resulting from the Conservation Management Plan carried out by Godden Mackay Logan for the Department of Defence dated May 1997.

Top of page

Outcomes

Vision and Benefits

Refer to Figure 5.5 (PDF, 234kb ) Outcomes and Figure 5.6 (PDF, 116kb ) Concept Sketch

As an island, Cockatoo has the potential to be a special place to visit. The cuttings and the central, remnant knoll provide distinct elements, like islands within an island. Each should be developed as a collection of complementary attractions - a combination of maritime/convict, history/cultural and venue/place of ceremony.

The plan for Cockatoo Island proposes the revival of working maritime facilities at the heart of the historic maritime industrial precinct of Sydney Harbour.

The island's achievements will be recognised and inspire the future direction.

Its potential as a cultural venue at a landmark harbour location will be realised.

The island will provide a rich diversity of places to visit by an expanded network of water transport for leisure and convenience.

Actions

The island's revival needs a diverse range of activities and a considerable population to overcome and compensate for its isolation. Resuscitation of the island in a befitting manner will take time. The first task is to protect the island and its extraordinary buildings and fixtures from further deterioration prior to commencing restoration and remediation.

Cockatoo Island requires a step-by-step process of re-occupation. Activity needs to start small and compact, providing a density and sense of vibrancy. Later it can expand to provide active nodes rather than scattered activities throughout the island.

Initial actions may include the:

  • Facilitation of water transport and public access
  • Facilitation of 'back-of-house' boat building and repair
  • Maintenance and upgrade of fragile infrastructure, including slips, winches, wharves and docks
  • Remediation and management of contamination
  • Provision of modular and expandable services

The southern apron is the most appropriate place to start these uses.

The northeast apron also has the potential as a major venue for cultural activities in the immediate term. Initially the buildings may not be able to be occupied or used. However, the outside spaces can provide a wonderful setting for smaller events and exhibitions.

The island tours will be built upon with the gradual addition of supporting facilities and attractions.

An island walk is to be developed that retraces the pattern of occupation from convict gaol to maritime industry.

Access and Pathways

A number of land bases to service Cockatoo and the other harbour islands with bulky goods and services is required. These bases should have good arterial road and ideally rail connections. So far, State Government agencies have identified five potential sites: Berrys Bay, Darling Harbour Wharf 8, Rozelle Bay, White Bay and the Horse Paddock at Woolwich (refer to Section 4, Woolwich).

Visitors and workers could arrive at the island by ferry, as in the past, or by a shuttle boat service. There is also an opportunity for landing quays for smaller craft.

Public pathways need to be designed so that they do not detract from the heritage values and character of the island, its buildings and their setting. It is important that their design assist with the interpretation of the island and its values.

Interpretation and visitor facilities could be created and the island tours expanded.

The convict gaol precinct requires repair, restoration and interpretation. This work could include the excavation of the underground isolation cells.

Interpretation of the granary silos could involve exposing the sandstone and creating a plaza/forecourt between the residential area and workshops. A walk along the cutting (possibly within the edge of the adjacent turbine workshop) would also reveal the convict carved granaries.

The dwellings and gardens, repaired and improved, could be included in the island tours.

Outcomes for Specific Precincts
Northern Apron

The northern apron could provide a venue for low-key boat building, repair and hardstand storage in a park-like area that extends up the hillside. It has the potential to become an open space that conveys dramatic changes and uses such as the original shoreline, demolished workshops, rails, cuttings, cranes and convict terraced gardens.

The northern apron also provides a landing place for barges transporting goods.

Contamination of the north apron needs to be contained and managed as will the on site treatment of storm and wastewater.

Southern Apron

The workshop areas south of the docks are most suited to maritime activity such as small boat construction, amateur, community or commercial boat building activities and back-of- house repair or servicing of charter vessels.

The large hardstand and workshop spaces could be used for boat storage, repair, maintenance and chandlery or even utilised by groups such as the Australian National Maritime Museum, Sydney Heritage Fleet or as training facilities. In the interim they may be suitable for special events or as film sets and studios.

The North East Apron

There is potential to create a significant civic space facing the city and the historic coal loader at Waverton that lies across the expanse of water. The northeast apron could become a place for boat repair and storage, events on a grand scale or the site for a major cultural facility. There is a need to retain flexibility in determining the uses for the apron as the island is brought back to life.

The waterfront sheds might be adapted for shipbuilding and repair, studios or commercial uses.

The Workshops

There is potential to better reveal the convict-built workshop and to form a waterfront plaza. This will be guided by the findings of a conservation management plan to be prepared for the dockyard precinct.

Fitzroy and Sutherland Docks

Neither of the docks is currently operational. However, the long-term plan is to recommission one of them and although some essential repairs have been made to the Fitzroy Dock Caisson the Sutherland Dock may be more suited for this purpose. In the meantime both docks offer areas for sheltered water for small boats.

The Submarine Re-fit Workshop

This building is suitable for refurbishment and adaptation for a range of uses including: office studios, archival storage,
maritime research or accommodation for collections or exhibits.

Power Station/Pump House

The power station is an unrivalled combination of rare electrical equipment and original buildings and will be retained as a historical artefact.

The Plateau

The residences, workshops and offices could provide for a mix of function/meeting facilities, visitor accommodation, commercial offices/studios and venues for conferences, functions and special training, e.g. as part of summer-school campus.

Overnight accommodation could enhance the island's attraction, from simple hostel to self-contained accommodation.

The convict gaol precinct requires careful interpretation and any future uses will be determined by a conservation management plan to be prepared for the precinct.

New service infrastructure is required and this provides an opportunity to develop and promote ecologically sustainable water, waste and energy systems.

Principles for Building Retention, Removal and New buildings

The adaptive re-use of buildings on Cockatoo Island must convey their past uses. The character, such as the harsh convict precinct or the industrial scale and form of the workshops, must be retained.

New building and structures may be required to fulfil the primary objectives for the Island. The scale, form, materials, finishes and interface with the public domain of new buildings must provide a sympathetic relationship to the heritage values of the island, its buildings and fixtures and assist with interpretation of heritage buildings or fixtures that have previously been removed.

Criteria for uses

Future uses must draw from the island's significance and contribute to:

  • Maritime working harbour facilities
  • Accessibility and interest for visitors
  • A diversity of uses and activities
  • On-island accommodation
  • Maritime-related tourism and training activities
  • An interesting working environment
  • The creation of a special venue for certain types of events
  • An understanding and appreciation of the island's rich heritage
Other initiatives

Conservation works, educational and other cultural programs to convey the totality of the island's heritage will be developed in association with others - such as the Australian National Maritime Museum, the Heritage Fleet, the Powerhouse Museum and former workers.

The feasibility of establishing an aboriginal cultural centre on the island will also be investigated in consultation with the Aboriginal community.

Opportunities for sponsorship to realise the above programs and the resuscitation of the island will be explored.

Top of page