The Australian Government: Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. The Sites.

Harbour Trust: The Sites

Marine Biological Station: Projects and Activities

 

The following list in an summary of current and completed projects and activities at the former Marine Biological Station. The list is not exhaustive.

 

List of Current and Completed Projects and Activities
Read Details
Creation of a new Public Park
Completion of public park, to be officially opened November 2005
Leasing of the House
Leasing proposals of the house being considered
Essential Repairs Undertaken
Restoration of the foundations and flooring of the house
Handover to the Harbour Trust
The site transferred from Defence Housing to the Harbour Trust

 

 

Projects and Activities

New Park at Camp Cove Beach
New Park at the Marine Biological StationNew Public Park

A new foreshore park is now complete at the former Marine Biological Station at Watsons Bay.

The park provides public access from Victoria Street to Camp Cove beach.

Work to the park included turfing and planting, the construction of an interpretative walkway and park entrance as well as a foreshore wall and steps to the beach.

A new fence was also installed between the park and the residence.

The residence was built in 1881 for the Russian scientist and explorer Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay and became the centre of his research into the study of Australian fauna and flora at that time. It will be leased as a residence.

Click here to read the media release about the opening of the new park (PDF 87kb ).

 

 

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Leasing of the House
Fireplace inside the HouseFireplace inside the House

In line with the adopted management plan for the former Marine Biological Station, the Harbour Trust has operated an expressions of interest process for the residential leasing of the house.

Through the management planning process, it was decided that using the building for the purpose for which it was designed is the best way to conserve this beautiful residence.

Interest in leasing the historic cottage was strong and most proposals included input from heritage architects.

The successful lessee will be expected to conserve the house and grounds in a manner that conveys their historic significance and also provide regular public access to the house via public open days.

 

 

 

 

 

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Essential Repairs Undertaken

 

Essential repairs have been carried out to ensure safe access and security and to prevent further deterioration. Floors, walls and the the roof inside the house required restoration and repair.

Ongoing monitoring of security and fire risks is taking place.

 

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Handover of the former Marine Biological Station
Handover CeremonyHandover Ceremony, 2001

In early October 2001 the then Minister for the Environment, Sen Robert Hill received the keys to the former Marine Biological Station from the Defence Housing Authority.

The property came to the Harbour Trust as a result of the efforts of community groups and individuals to prevent its sale.

This remarkable property was built at the southern end of Camp Cove in 1881 at the instigation of Russian scientist Nikolai Miklouho-Maclay. For the past 100 years, the former station has housed military personnel.

 

 

 

 

 

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