We will continue to keep the community informed about any disruptions or closures that might be associated with these projects, and where required we will consult with the community at key stages of the projects.
Details about our current schedule of heritage restoration and conservation projects can be found below. You can also subscribe to our e-newsletter to receive news and updates as they become available.
No heritage restoration or conservation works are currently underway at – or scheduled for – Chowder Bay / Gooree, Mosman. Continue to check here for updates.
| Status | Start date | Further information |
| In progress | 17 July 2024 |
The Harbour Trust is replacing a deteriorated timber wharf, known as the Patrol Boat Wharf, on the southern side of Cockatoo Island (map). The works will enable us to access and repair a historic crane. Once the works conclude, public access to the Patrol Boat Wharf will be possible
New piles for the wharf have been installed as part of this project. Works are now focused on constructing the new deck, which will involve sawing, drilling and hammering timber. It is anticipated the works will conclude by the end of November 2024. The crane repairs will commence in 2025.
To minimise impacts to the community, hours of work are limited to:
We apologise for any temporary inconvenience and appreciate your patience as we work to restore Cockatoo Island’s heritage. Please note that public ferry access to/from the island will not be affected by the works.
If you have any questions or would like more information, please contact the Harbour Trust at:
| Status | Start date | Further information |
| Not started | July 2024 |
N/A |
The Harbour Trust will be undertaking restoration work to the many cranes on Cockatoo Island. This will help to preserve them for future generations to appreciate the important role they played on the island during its time as a shipyard. During the works, access to the cranes may be restricted at certain times with fencing. Building 141 will also be closed to the public, this is to accommodate the painting of the cranes.
This work is expected to begin July 2024 and be completed by the end of the year. Please check the disruption page for the most up to date information on any closures or access restrictions.
| Status | Start date | Further information |
| In progress | December 2023 |
N/A |
The Harbour Trust is undertaking work on Buildings 9 (B9) and 20 (B20) on Cockatoo Island. These heritage houses are being extensively repaired to allow the Harbour Trust to use the heritage homes as short-term accommodation for the public.
The project commenced December 2023 and is in its final stage. We encourage you to watch this space over the coming months as further updates and information becomes available.
No heritage restoration or conservation works are currently underway at – or scheduled for – Georges Heights, Mosman. Continue to check here for updates.
| Status | Start date |
| In progress | August 2024 |
The historically significant Greenway Wall is undergoing conservation works. The wall is a remnant of the original Macquarie Lighthouse, which was designed by convict architect Francis Greenway and completed in 1818.
The works will restore the integrity of both the wall and the land terrace it retains. Further, the wall’s original length will be interpreted through a new landscaping design incorporating First Nations concepts. Traditional stone conservation methods will be used and the new work will involve materials, colours and finishes which will be sympathetic to the character of the wall and its surroundings. The intention of the conservation works is to restore the Greenway Wall, in part, to a known earlier form including the missing crenelated form. The wall has been previously damaged by the removal of some top course stones, as well as some erosion of the landscape behind it over time.
The Harbour Trusts commenced the work in August 2024 and it is anticipated to run until the end of 2024, subject to the findings from technical surveys and site conditions.
To limit the disruption to residents, members of the public and businesses around the site, the working hours will be strictly limited to between 7am and 5pm, Monday to Friday.
No heritage restoration or conservation works are currently underway at – or scheduled for – the former Marine Biological Station at Camp Cove. Continue to check here for updates.
No heritage restoration or conservation works are currently underway at – or scheduled for – Middle Head / Gubbuh Gubbuh, Mosman. Continue to check here for updates.
| Status | Start date | Further information |
| In progress | December 2023 |
N/A |
The Harbour Trust has been undertaking work on the gun emplacements at North Head Sanctuary to better communicate their historical purpose and heritage values. This work has involved the removal of hazardous materials and structural repairs and the restoration of gun emplacement 2.
The work commenced in December 2023 and has now been completed. The ground floor of gun emplacement 2 at North Head Sanctuary is now open to the public. Gun emplacement 1 will be kept as a historic relic site and can be viewed.
The final installation of safety railings to gun emplacement 2 is currently underway, once this is completed the upper level will be reopened for public access.
Following extreme weather in March 2022, 2 sections of the sandstone wall at North Head Sanctuary collapsed. The Harbour Trust has been undertaking work to ensure that the sections of the wall can be repaired and reinforced to prevent this from occurring in the future.
One section of the wall has been repaired, with each stone replaced in its original position. Work is still underway to work in collaboration with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to repair the second section.
The first section of the sandstone wall, located near the North Head Sanctuary Visitors Centre has been repaired and reopened to the public. Work is underway to repair the second section of the wall in collaboration with NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service. Further updates will be provided shortly.
| Status | Start date | Further information |
| Completed | March 2024 to August 2024 |
The Harbour Trust has finished repairing the Retort House and the space is now ready to serve the community in new and meaningful ways. The works included the preservation of the Retort House’s historic fabric, the removal of hazardous materials and activities to return the building to a watertight condition and prevent further deterioration. Constructed in 1886 using a rare type of prefabricated iron, the Retort House provides visitors with a window into the era when the site of Sub Base Platypus hosted a gasworks (1877 to 1937).
No heritage restoration or conservation works are currently underway at – or scheduled for – Woolwich Dock & Parklands. Continue to check here for updates.
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