LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN TABLE OF CONTENTS
TABLE OF CONTENTS EXECUTIVE SUMMARY..............................................................................................4
THE SITE .............................................................................................................4
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE ...............................................................................4
CONCLUSION .......................................................................................................5
1.0 INTRODUCTION.................................................................................................7
1.1 AIMS OF THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN ..........................................7
1.2 BACKGROUND ..............................................................................................7
1.3 LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA .....................................................................7
1.4 EXISTING HERITAGE STATUS .........................................................................9
1.5 LIMITATIONS.................................................................................................9
1.6 METHODOLOGY ............................................................................................9
1.7 AUTHOR IDENTIFICATION .............................................................................10
1.8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS ................................................................................11
1.9 DEFINITIONS...............................................................................................11
1.10 ABBREVIATIONS..........................................................................................11
2.0 THE SITE AND ITS CONTEXT ............................................................................12
2.1 SITE DESCRIPTION......................................................................................12 2.1.1 EASTERN ELEVATION ..................................................................................................13 2.1.2 WESTERN ELEVATION .................................................................................................15 2.1.3 BASEMENT LEVEL........................................................................................................16 2.1.4 GROUND FLOOR..........................................................................................................17 2.1.5 FIRST FLOOR ..............................................................................................................19 2.1.6 SECOND FLOOR ..........................................................................................................20 2.1.7 ROOF .........................................................................................................................21
2.2 CONTEXT ...................................................................................................22 2.2.1 SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENT.....................................................................................22 2.2.2 VISUAL SETTING..........................................................................................................24
3.0 HISTORICAL EVIDENCE ...................................................................................27
3.1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCALITY .................................................................27
3.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE ........................................................................30 3.2.1 RESIDENTIAL PHASE....................................................................................................30 3.2.2 REDEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIAL USE OF THE SITE ..................................................38
3.3 CHANGES TO THE BUILDING.........................................................................48
3.4 HISTORY OF THE OCCUPATION OF THE SITE..................................................55
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4.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS ................................................................................57
5.0 ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE ......................................................63
5.1 BASIS OF ASSESSMENT...............................................................................63
5.2 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA...............................................................................63
5.3 STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE .....................................................66
5.4 RANKING OF SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIVIDUAL AREAS AND ELEMENTS..................67 5.4.1 BASIS OF RANKING......................................................................................................67 5.4.2 EASTERN ELEVATION ..................................................................................................69 5.4.3 WESTERN ELEVATION .................................................................................................70 5.4.4 BASEMENT LEVEL........................................................................................................71 5.4.5 GROUND FLOOR..........................................................................................................72 5.4.6 FIRST FLOOR ..............................................................................................................73 5.4.7 SECOND FLOOR ..........................................................................................................74 5.4.8 ROOF .........................................................................................................................75
6.0 CONSTRAINTS, ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES ....................................................76
6.1 PREAMBLE .................................................................................................76
6.2 ISSUES ARISING FROM THE STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE..............................76
6.3 PHYSICAL ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS ARISING FROM FABRIC, CONDITION AND
INTEGRITY .........................................................................................................77
6.4 SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORE AUTHORITY.................................................77 6.4.1 SHFA VISION AND CHARTER .......................................................................................78
6.5 HERITAGE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK ........................................................78 6.5.1 NEW SOUTH WALES HERITAGE ACT.............................................................................80
6.6 COMMUNITY GROUPS .................................................................................81 6.6.1 NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (NSW) ......................................................................81
6.7 BUILDING REGULATIONS..............................................................................81
6.8 BASELINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT...................................................82 6.8.1 BELOW GROUND .........................................................................................................82 6.8.2 ABOVE GROUND .........................................................................................................83 6.8.3 RECOMMENDATION......................................................................................................83
7.0 CONSERVATION POLICIES ...............................................................................84
7.1 PREAMBLE .................................................................................................84
7.2 APPLICATION OF THE BURRA CHARTER.........................................................84 7.2.1 CONSISTENT TERMINOLOGY ........................................................................................84
7.3 THE USE OF LAWSON HOUSE ......................................................................86
7.4 ASSET MANAGEMENT..................................................................................86
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7.4.1 SHFA RESPONSIBILITIES .............................................................................................86 7.4.2 ADOPTION, ENDORSEMENT AND REVIEW OF THE CMP..................................................87 7.4.3 REQUIRED APPROVALS................................................................................................88 7.4.4 TENANCY....................................................................................................................89 7.4.5 APPROPRIATE CONSERVATION SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE...............................................89
7.5 MANAGEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE ..................................................................90 7.5.1 RETENTION OF SIGNIFICANCE ......................................................................................90 7.5.2 CONSERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT FABRIC ......................................................................91 7.5.3 CONSERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT SPACES .....................................................................93 7.5.4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING...................................................................................94 7.5.5 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR.........................................................................95 7.5.6 CONTROLS ON INTERVENTION......................................................................................96 7.5.7 RETENTION OF FIXTURES AND FITTINGS .......................................................................96 7.5.8 INTERPRETATION.........................................................................................................97
7.6 NEW WORK POLICIES .................................................................................98 7.6.1 INTEGRATION OF NEW WORK.......................................................................................98 7.6.2 INTEGRATION OF SERVICES .........................................................................................99 7.6.3 ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE............................................................................................99 7.6.4 SIGNAGE AND EXTERNAL LIGHTING ............................................................................100
8.0 IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN..............................................................................102
8.1 PREAMBLE ...............................................................................................102
8.2 MANAGEMENT ISSUES...............................................................................102
8.3 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE..........................................................................102
8.4 EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE NEW SOUTH WALES HERITAGE ACT......................103 8.4.1 BACKGROUND...........................................................................................................103 8.4.2 STANDARD EXEMPTIONS ...........................................................................................103 8.4.3 SITE SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS ......................................................................................104
8.5 ADAPTIVE REUSE GUIDELINES ...................................................................104 8.5.1 BACKGROUND...........................................................................................................104 8.5.2 CRITERIA FOR COMPATIBLE REUSE OPTIONS ...............................................................105 8.5.3 ADAPTATION GUIDELINES GENERALLY.........................................................................105
9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY .............................................................................................107
10.0 APPENDIX....................................................................................................109
10.1 OCCUPATION AT THE SUBJECT SITE ............................................................109
10.2 MEASURED DRAWINGS..............................................................................118
10.3 ONGOING MAINTENANCE...........................................................................119
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CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
THE SITE
Lawson House is a four storey commercial building constructed c.1924 for the well known
confectionary company Cadbury-Fry Pascal as their Sydney Depot. The building was
designed by well known Sydney architectural firm Burcham Clamp and Finch in the Inter War
Free Classical style. Cadbury ceased use of the building in the mid 20th century,
subsequently used as a commercial warehouse and now as an auction house.
The building features frontages to both Gloucester and Cumberland Streets. The overall
shape of the building echoes the curvature of Cumberland Street and follows the sharp
angling of the Gloucester Street alignment. Due to the natural fall of the land down to the
east the Gloucester Street elevation is four levels high compared to the three on Cumberland
Street. The building is constructed of dark face brick with sandstone trim and a reinforced
concrete structure of suspended floors, columns and beams. The elevations are
symmetrically arranged with end bays that culminate in vestigial pediments. The bays on the
western elevation feature rusticate piers. Dressed and moulded sandstone is employed on
stringcourses, parapets, pediments and door surrounds. Internally, the building features the
original office layout to the ground floor formed by timber partitions. The other levels feature a
mixture of later partitioned office spaces and open plan display and storage areas. Lawson
House is largely intact and is in good condition.
STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Lawson House was constructed c.1924 as the Sydney Depot for the Cadbury-Fry
confectionary company and designed in the Inter War Free Classical style by architects
Burcham Clamp and Finch.
Historically, the building is evident of the Inter War period of development that occurred in The
Rocks. It is significant for the contribution the building makes to the historical and scientific
values of The Rocks. It also forms a small precinct of Inter War commercial buildings which
replaced Victorian period housing that was intended to be resumed prior to the First World
War. Historically, the building is associated with well known confectionary company Cadbury-
Fry Pascal Pty Ltd although the use was relatively short lived, it was not a flagship building of
the company and the ability to interpret this association has been eroded as the use has
ceased and machinery removed.
Lawson House is also associated with the well known Sydney architectural firm Burcham
Clamp and Finch. Stylistically and structurally it is similar to the other buildings designed by CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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John Burcham Clamp but owing to its construction date it does not demonstrate the
progressive techniques of style and construction that are evident in a number of his other
buildings.
Lawson House is aesthetically and technically representative of a restrained example the
Inter War Free Classical style of architecture featuring a robust form, prominent end bays,
dressed stone detailing, timber partitions and other early finishes to office and foyer spaces.
The building structure is relatively common for the period and typical for buildings used as
commercial warehouses.
The site demonstrates some research potential for relics related to the former residential use
of the site from the mid nineteenth century.
CONCLUSION
An analysis of the assessed significance of the place and the site’s relevant constraints,
issues and opportunities has resulted in a set of conservation policies and guidelines to retain
and enhance the cultural significance of Lawson House over the short and long term.
The Conservation Policies include:
• Conserve the commercial use of the existing building where possible. Allow for the
sympathetic adaptive reuse of the place where necessary for the conservation of
significance.
• Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority shall retain management of Lawson House as a
single entity within the overall context of The Rocks precinct.
• The statement of significance should be adopted as the basis for heritage management.
All decisions should consider and seek to retain the values identified in the Statement of
Significance.
• Extant building fabric, both internally and externally should be retained and conserved, in
accordance with the levels of significance identified in Section 5.4 Ranking of Individual
Areas and Elements of this Conservation Management Plan.
• The spatial qualities of Lawson House contribute to its significance and interpretation and
therefore should be conserved as part of its on-going use. Alterations may occur to the
spatial qualities of the building provided it does not impact upon the ability to interpret the
significance of the place or detrimentally impact upon significant fabric.
• The significant fabric of Lawson House should be maintained by the implementation of
the short, medium and long-term maintenance program outlined in Section 8.3 Ongoing
Maintenance.
• Intervention into building fabric for non-conservation purposes should generally be
restricted to approved programs of re-use or upgrading of service areas and facilities.
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• Features and fixtures associated with the site’s historic use as a commercial building
constructed in the Inter War Free Classical style of architecture should be retained and
preserved.
• The heritage significance of Lawson House should be interpreted on site by appropriate
methods.
• The introduction of new fabric should be undertaken in such a manner that it does not
result in a lessening of the cultural significance of the place. New work should be
identifiable as such and should, where possible, be capable of being removed without
damage to significant fabric or spaces.
• The extension or alteration of existing services in Lawson House is acceptable in the
context of re-use, but should not have a detrimental impact to the significance of the
building components as a whole.
• The following maintenance works are required in the short term to mitigate against further
deterioration of significant fabric:
o Water damage to sandstone stringcourse and parapet.
o Damage or cracked external brickwork particularly in corners of windows.
o Repair of rust on window frames.
o Plant growth in bricks at north end of western elevation.
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CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN INTRODUCTION
1.0 INTRODUCTION
1.1 AIMS OF THE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN
The aim of a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) is to identify the cultural significance of a
place by investigating its history, fabric and context. The level of cultural significance
determines the type and degree of acceptable change, the levels of maintenance required
and the type of adaptive re-use that the place can undergo. This information is then used to
suggest opportunities for making the place useable in order to keep it viable and ensure its
future.
This CMP is intended to be a practical document that will guide future decisions about the
place, Lawson House, in order that the cultural significance is not compromised through
inappropriate change. It will provide structure for the management and conservation of the
significant values of the place with regard to the relevant legislation and the requirements of
the stakeholders.
1.2 BACKGROUND
This report is based on a brief outlined in a letter from the Sydney Harbour Foreshore
Authority (SHFA), and as clarified in subsequent discussions with the Authority.
1.3 LOCATION OF THE STUDY AREA
Lawson House is located between Cumberland and Gloucester Streets, north of Grosvenor
Street on the edge of The Rocks Conservation Area. The building has frontages to each
street while the northern and southern elevations adjoin the neighbouring properties. Lawson
House is sited on Lot 1 of Deposited Plan 75779.
Figure 1: Cumberland Street map; the subject site has been labelled and its curtilage is indicated in bold.
Source: UBD Australian Cities Digital Directory
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Figure 2: Aerial view with subject site indicated in red.
Source: RP Data, http://www.realtor.com.au
Figure 3: Location of Lawson House within the context of The Rocks Conservation Area
Source: Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd, The Rocks Heritage Management Plan (2000), p.6.
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1.4 EXISTING HERITAGE STATUS
Lawson House is included as Listing Number 01557 Gazette No 85 on the NSW State
Heritage Register, together with 95 other items in The Rocks that are now individually entered
on The NSW State Heritage Register.
Lawson House, 212-218 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, is not listed independently on the
Register of the National Estate but is part of The Rocks Conservation Area which was listed
on 21/10/1980 as place file no. 1/12/036/0423.
1.5 LIMITATIONS
During the inspection of the site CPH was not allowed to inspect and photograph the
Director’s office (south west corner of the ground floor) and were advised that it featured
original joinery similar to that elsewhere on the ground floor and an air conditioning unit.
1.6 METHODOLOGY
The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Lawson House has been structured to fit
within the framework of The Rocks Heritage Management Plan (adopted February, 2002). It
conforms to the current guidelines of the New South Wales Heritage Council.
This CMP has been prepared in accordance with the guidelines of the Australia ICOMOS
Burra Charter, 1999; the NSW Heritage Manual ‘Conservation Management Documents’ and
the Conservation Plan (5th edition, 2000) by James Semple Kerr and published by the
National Trust of Australia (NSW).
A main objective of a CMP, as outlined in the J. S. Kerr’s Conservation Plan, is to set out the
significance of the item and develop appropriate policies to enable the significance of the item
to be retained in its future use and development. The NSW Heritage Manual indicates that a
CMP should be a concise document that makes reference to the other documentation where
necessary rather than repeating the information included in previous reports unless of
particular relevance.
The historical context in this CMP is based on primary sources where possible, reports and
previous research. The following resources were accessed during the course of investigations
for the CMP:
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Primary material from the following sources:
• City of Sydney Archives (including building plans and Council rate and valuation
books)
• Mitchell Library
• Sydney Water
• Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority records including Maintenance Files 1250.01.01
and 1250.02.01.
Reports used in the compilation of this CMP include:
• “Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street and 195 Gloucester
Street The Rocks” Prepared by Noosphere Ideas Pty Ltd in consultation with Duncan
Marshall for the SHFA in August 2005
• “188 Cumberland Street The Rocks, Sydney: Archaeological Assessment” Prepared by
Karyn McLeod for SHFA March 2002
• “171-193 Gloucester Street The Rocks NSW. A Research Design and Excavation
Methodology for Proposed Historical Archaeological Investigations at the Site.” Prepared
by Graham Wilson and Peter Douglas of Archaeological and Heritage Management
Solutions Pty Ltd on behalf of Stamford Windsor Ltd January 2005
• “The Rocks Heritage Management Plan”, Godden Mackay Logan, February 2002
Cadbury Pty Ltd, who commissioned the construction of the building and was the original
occupant, was contacted but following a search of their records they advised that they held no
records in relation to the subject building.
1.7 AUTHOR IDENTIFICATION
The principle author of this CMP is Benjamin Pechey (Senior Heritage Consultant) at City
Plan Heritage. Fiona Binns (Heritage Consultant) at City Plan Heritage has provided historical
research and documentation assistance.
Unless otherwise stated the photographs included in the CMP were taken by the author Ben
Pechey (Senior Heritage Consultant) or Fiona Binns (Heritage Consultant) City Plan Heritage
in January of 2006.
Plans and elevations of the existing building used throughout the CMP have been supplied by
SHFA. The drawing is entitled, 212-218 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, The Lawson
Building, Drawing No. 287-AR-2003, 6001 to 6006, 6010 to 6012 Issue A, dated 10.08.2005.
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1.8 ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS
City Plan Heritage would like to acknowledge the assistance of the staff at the SHFA in the
compilation of this report.
1.9 DEFINITIONS
The following definitions are derived from the Burra Charter 1991 and will be used for the
development of the conservation policies in Part 2 of this Plan.
Cultural significance Aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past, present
or future generations. It is synonymous with heritage significance
and cultural heritage value.
Fabric All the physical material of the place including components, fixtures,
contents, and objects.
Conservation All process of looking after a place so it retains its cultural
significance.
Maintenance The continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place,
and is to be distinguished from repair. Repair involves restoration or
reconstruction.
Preservation Maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding
deterioration.
Restoration Returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by
removing accretions or by reassembling existing components
without the introduction of new material.
Reconstruction Returning a place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from
restoration by the introduction of new material into the fabric.
Adaptation The Burra Charter defines adaptation as modifying a place to suit
the existing use or proposed use. For the purpose of this
conservation plan the definition of adaptation will be used as defined
in the draft Sydney Opera House Conservation Plan, 2002, prepared
by J. S. Kerr “modifying a place to suit proposed compatible uses”.
Interpretation All the ways of presenting the cultural significance of a place.
1.10 ABBREVIATIONS
CMP: Conservation Management Plan
SHFA: Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority
SHR: State Heritage Register SHI: State Heritage Inventory
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2.0 THE SITE AND ITS CONTEXT
2.1 SITE DESCRIPTION
Figure 4: Western (Cumberland Street) and eastern (Gloucester Street) facades of Lawson House.
Lawson House was constructed c.1924 as the Sydney Depot for confectioners Cadbury-Fry
and Pascall Ltd. The building, designed by Sydney architectural firm J. Burcham Clamp and
Finch, demonstrates characteristics of the Inter War Free Classical style of architecture.
Figure 5: West elevation vestigial pediment detail and sandstone parapet showing outline of the letters “CRAIG” from a former sign
Lawson House is a four storey building built to the site boundaries with frontages to both
Gloucester and Cumberland Streets. The overall shape of the building echoes the curvature
of Cumberland Street and follows the sharp angling of the Gloucester Street alignment. Due
to the natural fall of the land down to the east the Gloucester Street elevation is four levels
high compared to the three on Cumberland Street. The building is constructed of dark face
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brick with sandstone trim and a reinforced concrete structure of suspended floors, columns
and beams. The elevations are symmetrically arranged with end bays that culminate in
vestigial pediments. The bays on the western elevation feature rusticate piers. Dressed and
moulded sandstone is employed on stringcourses, parapets, pediments and door surrounds.
All windows are steel framed, multi paned and have soldier course brick lintels. Windows on
the lower levels are more vertically proportioned than those to the upper levels. The
Cumberland Street elevation features higher quality detailing and was designed as the
principle elevation.
The building features pedestrian and vehicular entrances from both frontages with the main
pedestrian entry from Cumberland Street. Internally, the building features the original office
layout to the ground floor formed by timber partitions. The other levels feature a mixture of
later partitioned office spaces and open plan display and storage areas.
2.1.1 EASTERN ELEVATION
Figure 6: Eastern Elevation (Gloucester Street)
The eastern elevation fronts Gloucester Street and is four storeys high. The elevation is
arranged with a podium ground level defined by the sandstone stringcourse and two slightly
projecting bays at each end. The bays are topped with vestigial pediments which extend
above the sandstone parapet that runs between the bays.
The basement level features a row of multi paned metal windows except for the northern most
opening, which is a small highlight window, and the southern most opening which is an
original entry door. Two of the windows on the southern end adjacent to the bay have been
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removed and replaced with a single large opening. The entry door is framed by sandstone
with a cornice above and classical motifs in the dressed stone.
Figure 7: East elevation door with sandstone cornice and metal framed windows with decorative sandstone headers to upper levels.
The upper levels are delineated by a stone stringcourse which features the name of the
building occupant. The side bays of the upper levels feature emphasised pilasters; the
ground floor level windows feature moulded stone headers and a stone stringcourse at the 2nd
floor sill level. The parapet also features the name of the building occupant between the side
bays.
Figure 8: East elevation later roller door showing some lettering to the
stringcourse above.
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2.1.2 WESTERN ELEVATION
Figure 10: Glass bricks covering basement light wells at Cumberland
Street elevation.
Figure 11: Western elevation showing the enclosed cart docks with changes in
brickwork evident circa 1970.
Source: SHFA
Figure 9: Western Elevation (Cumberland Street)
The Western Elevation fronts Cumberland Street with the ground floor at street level and
skylights to the basement level in the footpath. This elevation is also configured with end side
bays flanking a slightly lower section. The elevation features the original main entry towards
the southern end of the ground floor. The door features a small cantilevered box awning over.
The ground level originally featured three arched loading dock openings at the northern end.
Two have since been closed and replaced with windows to match original window. The first
and second floor levels feature the projecting end bays with rusticated pilasters flanking
horizontally proportioned windows. The façade between the side bays is further divided into
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three bays with two brick pilasters. Each bay features rows of three square highlight
windows.
2.1.3 BASEMENT LEVEL
Figure 12: Public entryway from Cumberland Street and box awning overhead.
Figure 14: Basement office windows addressing the Gloucester Street vehicular
entry. Figure 13: Basement view showing
some of the stored items and the light well at rear. Services suspended from
the ceiling are also shown.
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The basement floor is given predominantly for storage of large items of furniture. Accordingly,
a large proportion of the floor to the north is open with no partitioning and the concrete
structure visible. At the northernmost end there is a modern kitchenette and original WC. To
the south, the driveway area is separated from the storage area by partitions. There is a small
office area immediately to the north of the driveway which has a bay of windows addressing
the Gloucester Street entry. The office extends to the goods lift which is accessible from the
north and south sides of the lift. Enclosed by a grille and roller door, the lift accesses all four
floors of Lawson House and is an original feature. A second partitioned area at the
southernmost end of the floor operates as a secure work area and storage for ceramics and
small items. The current SHFA plans show a WC at the east wall of this area which has since
been removed. There are fire stairs at the northern and southern ends of the building
accessing all areas. The floor is exposed concrete and the walls are painted brick. At the
Cumberland Street elevation the basement level also features three recessed light bays.
Figure 15: Brickwork in basement showing raised ground floor level. Images also show later
suspended services including lighting and sprinkler systems.
There is evidence at this level of modifications to the ground floor. The floor was raised as
evidenced by the new brickwork above the concrete beams and a lower pitched portion of
roof below the current foyer suggests there may have been a stair case at the ground floor
elevation. The new ceiling consists of suspended acoustic panels and all services and fittings
are modern and suspended from the ceiling. This is standard throughout the floors.
2.1.4 GROUND FLOOR The ground floor retains much of its original fabric. The layout and use of the floor is similar
to its original purpose, providing office space and a public face or front of house for the
building and business. The building is accessed by a set of double doors with original timber
and later glass panelling. The entrance hall is marbled and features a plaque laid when the
building was opened for Lawson’s. The foyer offices have generally retained the original
layout and the majority of original joinery is intact. The timber partitions have been ideintified
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as Queensland maple.1 Later partitions have been inserted to form additional offices north of
the original office spaces. The masonry walls of the offices are generally intact although a
window opening has been inserted between offices along the western side.
Figure 18: Office corridor view tomain foyer showing masonry
partitioning.
Figure 16: Plaque in entry foyer. Image also showing some wall
marbling.
Figure 17: Detail of timber joinery to
ground floor meeting room five.
The bathrooms are original with a few modern fittings and fixtures to the female bathrooms
while the male bathrooms feature mostly original fittings, fixtures and finishes inlcuding glazed
ceramic wall tiles and terrazzo floors. The timber staircase to the first floor is a recent
addition, constructed when the first floor bathroom and kitchenette were remodelled in 1993.
Figure 19: Originally a strong room was fitted to the rear of the ground floor office. This was
demolished c.1990.
1 Feasibility Estimate and Report for the Fire Safety Upgrading and Refurbishment or 212 Cumberland Street and 16-18 Grosvenor Street, prepared by Harry Bate for SHFA, October 1993, p1 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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To the north, where the original cart docks have been enclosed, the floor has been raised to
create a showroom area. There is a modern kitchenette to the northeast corner. The original
painted brick walls are retained although they are covered with plasterboard.
Figure 20: View of ground floor show room area.
.
Figure 21: Modern stair hall to first floor gallery.
Figure 22: Modern stainless steel and glass fittings in ground floor ladies WC however
most fabric in the ground floor WCs remains intact.
2.1.5 FIRST FLOOR The first floor is used for storage and as a public showroom and gallery. It has been
remodelled extensively at the southern end. One of the bathrooms was demolished to
accommodate the new public staircase to the gallery, while the other was converted to a
smaller staff bathroom and kitchenette that feature later fittings. There are two small storage
and service areas at each end of the floor. The southern one is orignal with brick walls while
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the northern one is constructred of plasterboard to a metal frame and houses the computer
server. The floor is open plan and the original painted brick walls are covered in the same
lightweight panelling (possibly masonite) used on the ground and second floors. This
panelling facilitates the display of objects on the walls.
Figure 23: View north of open plan first floor gallery.
Figure 24: Southern section of the first floor, housing the remodeled bathroom and staff kitchenette.
2.1.6 SECOND FLOOR The second floor houses the specialist departments and art storage and is also essentially a
large open floor plan. The southern end of the floor features a series of later partitioned
offices including a kitchenette and one separate enclosed office in the south western corner
by the fire stairs. Some partitioning in the centre of the floor separates the storage areas and
there is a WC to the northeast corner. As with the basement, the concrete structure is
exposed, the walls are painted brick and the lighting and sprinkler systems are suspended
from the ceiling.
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Figu ern re 25: Second floor modkitchenette.
Figure 26: Partitioning to central area of second floor. Concrete flooring and suspended services are also shown.
2.1.7 ROOF The roof is accessed by the fire stair at the southern end of the building. The roof is
trafficable and covered in an asphalt membrane. The lift overrun is housed in a rendered
masonry pitched roof structure along the eastern elevation. The roof is covered in terracotta
shingles and feature wide eaves with brackets. The air conditioning plant is located at the
southern end of the roof.
Figure 27: Lift motor room located on the roof and the original goods lift.
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2.2 CONTEXT
2.2.1 SURROUNDING DEVELOPMENT
Figure 28: “Charlotte House" or former NSW Housing Board Building adjacent to the subject site with detail of Sandstone entryway.
Source: Building image from NSW Heritage Office website
Located at the southern end of The Rocks Conservation Area, Lawson House is surrounded
by a variety of building types from the 19th through to the 20th Century. Adjacent to the south
is the former NSW Housing Board Building which is a four storey face brick building
constructed c.1921 which is also identified on the SHFA s170 Register and is entered on the
State Heritage Register. The building is similar in scale and massing to Lawson House and
forms a prominent corner element with elevations to Cumberland, Gloucester and Grosvenor
Streets.
Figure 29: East elevation of the Reynell building, north of the subject site at 202 -210 Cumberland Street as it stands today and circa 1970.
Historic image source: SHFA
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Adjacent to the north at 202-212 Cumberland Street is the Reynell Building which is a two
storey late Federation building constructed in the Warehouse style. It is lower in scale than
most other buildings in Gloucester and Cumberland Streets and is currently undergoing major
refurbishment as part of the development of the vacant lot to the north of the Reynell Building.
The proposed building on this site will be thirty storeys and the Reynell building itself will have
additional storeys constructed.
Figure 30: Former commercial buildings; the Howard O’Farrell and the Australian Drug Company Buildings adjacent to the Reynell building.
Source: RP Data
Figure 31: Gloucester Street view, image showing the Reynell Building and the site of the former commercial buildings.
To the west of the subject site across Cumberland Street is the Bradfield Highway which
defines the edge of The Rocks precinct. To the east of Lawson House across Gloucester
Street is the St Patrick’s Church and complex. The complex consist of various buildings
occupying the block of Grosvenor between Gloucester and Harrington Street including the
Patrick's Church (1840), the convent (1840 and 1896) and the Presbytery and School (1914).
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The Church is approximately two storeys in scale, constructed of ashlar sandstone in the
Victorian Gothic style. South of the site and across Grosvenor Street is Lang Park which is
identified on Schedule 8 Part 3 - Archaeological/Townscape/Landscape Items of the Sydney
LEP 2005. The park is most grassed with mature trees at the edges.
Figure 33:
Figure 32: St Patrick’s church opposite the s
site on Gloucester Street.
ubject
2.2.2 VISUAL SETTING Views to and from Lawson House are quite limited due to the curvature of Gloucester and
Cumberland Streets, as well as the height and siting of the building itself. While Cumberland
Street is located on a natural ridge line, Lawson House is located at the southernmost point,
on the border of The Rocks and the City, where the land is not as steep. Coupled with the
building height at a comparatively small four storeys, Lawson House subsequently cannot be
viewed from anywhere in The Rocks apart from within its context as part of the streetscape of
Cumberland and Gloucester Streets. A relatively complete view of the western elevation can
be garnered from the Harbour Bridge exit ramp.
Figure 34: West elevation as viewed from the Harbour
bridge exit ramp.
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The views from the subject building are also relatively limited due to the built up nature of the
surrounding area. Views to buildings in the immediate context are available from Cumberland
and Gloucester Streets but distant views are limited due to the curvature of the streets. The
Bradfield Highway obscures views to the west from Cumberland Street and the lower levels of
the building but the upper levels allow views to the Harbour Bridge, Observatory Hill and the
buildings along Kent Street. Views south from the two street frontages include Lang Park
which provides a visual buffer to high rise development further south. Due to the alignment
and form of the building views in this direction from within the building are relatively limited.
Figure 35: Streetscape views to the north on Cumberland and Gloucester Streets. These views are rather limited by the curvature of the streets.
Figure 36: Streetscape view south from the corner of Grosvenor and Gloucester Streets to St Phillips church on York Street.
There are some views north from the roof of the building however these are likely to be
obscured by further development of the adjacent Reynell Building and the construction of the
proposed thirty storey residential and commercial building on the site of the former Australian
Drug Company and Howard O’Farrell buildings. The roof of St Patrick’s Church across
Gloucester Street is also visible. Beyond the church the view is limited due to high rise
development although toward the south east Lang Park creates a visual buffer.
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Figure 37: View North West over the Bradfield Highway from the roof of the subject building showing the National Trust Headquarters, Observatory Hill and the Harbour Bridge.
Figure 38: View east to St Patrick's Church and city high rises
from the roof.
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3.0 HISTORICAL EVIDENCE
3.1 DEVELOPMENT OF THE LOCALITY
A more comprehensive history of the developing colony at The Rocks is available in The
Rocks Heritage Management Plan produced by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority and
available online. This summary is based on the history contained in this plan.
Prior to colonisation, The Rocks area was used by Aborigines although they preferred to live
in harbour bays and rivers that provided more resources. Archaeological excavations in he
Rocks have identified deposits, both prehistoric and historic. Finds have included two shell
midden sites and any future discoveries would be of very high significance to the Aboriginal
community.
Sydney Cove and The Rocks were settled in 1788 primarily as a place to house convicts and
also as part of a large program of exploration and colonisation by the British during the 18th
and 19th centuries. The colony soon expanded initially due to agricultural and whaling
activities and later with other industries such as wool and gold. Early settlement around
Sydney Cove featured the convict and military camps while later the waterfront was used for
government purposes and then private wharfs were established as merchants took advantage
of the Colony’s expanding trade.
The name of the area, The Rocks, responded to the nature of the landscape, which also
enforced a disorderly pattern of settlement as roads and paths needed to traverse the ridges,
steep lanes and stairs went across the ridges and buildings were sited into platforms and
escarpments of quarried sandstone.
Figure 39: Charlotte Place. Cumberland and Gloucester streets are evident in the bottom left hand corner of the image and the southernmost part of the
subject site is just visible.
Source: State Library SPF 85 c. 1870.
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The early urban form of The Rocks was to change drastically in 1900 after the bubonic plague
passed through the area. Much of the precinct was resumed with many buildings
demolished. According to a scheme submitted by Messer’s Hickson Davis and Vernon the
area was replanned with streets realigned and terrace housing and flat buildings later
constructed. The redevelopment continued through into the 1920s.
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Figure 40: 1903 Housing Board Plan showing street realignments and approximate location of the subject site. Source: SHFA
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On the ridge at Cumberland Street residential buildings had always predominated in both
function and scale though there were also some hotels. As previously noted, Cumberland
Street had formerly been located to the west of its current location and along with Gloucester
Road; the street was realigned in the replanning of the area following the plague.
Nevertheless the residential character of the streetscape certainly persisted in the post plague
Rocks. The building of The Sydney Harbour Bridge commenced in 1923 with construction of
the approach spans, which had a profound effect on the development of the precinct and the
residential character of Cumberland Street. As many as 300 houses were demolished and
plans for The Rocks revisited.2
It was in the initial resumption and redevelopment phase that Cumberland Street and
Gloucester Street were realigned at the northern end yet around the subject site the
alignment of both streets look to have remained approximately the same. It was for this
reason that the early housing of the subject site remained until the site was redeveloped for
the construction of the Cadbury-Fry Pascall Ltd Depot in 1924.
Figure 41: Image showing harbour bridge demolition on Cumberland Street. The
Australian Drug Company and Reynell buildings are visible to the right of the image.
Source: State Records- image number 12685-a007
2 The Rocks Heritage Management Plan, SHFA, Volume 1, February 2002, pp7-9 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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A number of other buildings in the immediate vicinity also belong to this early Inter War phase
of redevelopment in which Victorian dwellings resumed and lots were amalgamated for the
construction of commercial buildings. Other buildings such buildings include:
• Former NSW Housing Board Building (c.1921) at 16-18 Grosvenor Street
• Australian Drug Company (c. 1924) at 194-200 Cumberland Street
• W.T Baker and Co. Building (also known as Publicity House or the Howard
O’Farrell building) at 190-192 Cumberland Street (c.1924)
• Science House (c.1931) at 157-169 Gloucester Street
The Rocks landscape was changed again when many houses and streets were removed to
make way for the Sydney Harbour Bridge between 1925 and 1932. The Bridge essentially
spilt the area into Millers Point to the west and The Rocks to the east.
3.2 DEVELOPMENT OF THE SITE
3.2.1 RESIDENTIAL PHASE
Figure 42: Detail of Lesueur's 1802 Map showing the clear demarcation of Cumberland and Gloucester streets.
Source: Ashton and Waterson, Sydney Takes Shape: A History in Maps.
The site is known to have been occupied from the early years of the nineteenth century,
although it is likely that, like the other ridges of The Rocks, it was occupied by the
encampment of settlers in the first weeks of the arrival of the First Fleet in 1788. Lesueur’s
1802 “Plan of the town” (Figure 42) shows the church at the end of Gloucester Street and
some buildings indicated in the vicinity of the subject site with the alignment of Gloucester and
Cumberland Streets was already established.3 The surveyor Charles Grimes noted four
3 “Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street and 195 Gloucester Street The Rocks” Prepared by Noosphere Ideas Pty Ltd pg 4 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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owners/occupiers at the subject site over two or possibly three allotments in his 1803-1807
field book (Figure 43). The names are unclear but may be Kavanagh, Hardy, Bhilan, and
Elgen. James Meehan’s 1807 “Plan of the Town of Sydney in NSW” clearly indicates the site
and nearby parcels of land that were given over to leasehold. At this time the subject site was
still on Crown Land.4 (Figure 44)
Figure 43: Drawing othe subject site. Surveyors field books Charles Grimes 1803-1807
f
Source: State Records NSW SZ 731)
Figure 44: Detail of Meehan's 1807 map.
Source: Ashton and Waterson, Sydney Takes Shape: A History in
Maps.
By 1822, the settlement of The Rocks was reasonably well established and plans show single
allotments occupying the site, these were most likely dwellings. Nine years later the Hoddie,
Lanner and Mitchell “Map of the Town of Sydney” (Figure 45) provided street names and both
Cumberland and Gloucester Streets were clearly marked as terminating at Charlotte Place
(now Grosvenor Street). Many of these residents would have been employed in occupations
associated with the port including labourers, carters, carriers, agents, importers etc.5
Land at the subject site remained Crown land until the 1830s and Department of Land titles
information shows the subject site to be an amalgamation of various lots granted at this time
4 Ibid 5 Ibid CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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as part of Section 64 including all of Lot 13 granted to William Davis in 1836, part of lot 15
granted to Thomas Bray and Edward McRoberts in 1839, part of lot 12 granted to Elizabeth
Gaunson in 1840, part of lot 11 originally granted to James Glover in 1840 and part of lot 16
originally granted to Christopher Crane in 1840. This also included the whole of lot 14 granted
to William Henry Dowling in 1841.6
Figure 45: Detail of Lanner, Hand Mitchell'1831 map
Source
oddie s
: Ashton
y
and Waterson, Sydney Takes Shape: A Historin Maps.
Figure 46: detail of William Henry Wells' 1843 map showing at least two buildings within the subject site curtilage.
Source: Ashton and Waterson, Sydney Takes Shape: A History in Maps.
A survey of the Sydney Council Rate Books and the Sands Directory from the 1850s
highlights the predominantly residential character of the subject site. It would appear from this
assessment that there has been little or no history of industry on the site. There has been
some commercial use in the form of boarding houses and businesses operating from
residences, such as boot makers, dressmakers, jewellers and tailors. The dwellings on site
6 Department of Lands Prior Title Information. Volume 3645 Folio 237. CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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were in private ownership until approximately 1907 when the land was acquired by the NSW
Government Rocks Resumptions.
218 Cumberland Street
171 (later 197-199) Gloucester Street)
195
Figure 47: Plan of subject site 1857
Source: Sydney Water Old Council Plan (OCP) 133 June 1857
218 212-216
199-197 195
Figure 48: 1865 Trigonometric Survey showing the recently constructed buildings at 212-216 Cumberland Street
Source: Sydney Water
In terms of the types of buildings on the site, the individual timelines of buildings on each of
the allotments and a further list of the tenants (some with occupations listed) is attached as
Appendix 10.1. In summary, the site was dominated by the large brick and stone terraces
characteristic of residential investment building in The Rocks. There were also some wooden
buildings and smaller scale single storey dwellings on the site, however these occurred earlier
rather than later according to the rate books. By the 1870s the predominant construction
medium was brick and the majority of residences were at least two storeys.
212-216 Cumberland Street: Previously illustrated maps have shown buildings on the subject site as early as 1807. One of
the earliest rate book entries for Cumberland Street was in 1848 listing two double storey
brick houses at 212 and 214, the second being a public house with stables and a pair of
shingled single storey wooden houses at 216 and 218. By the end of the 1850s, these
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buildings were all demolished. 212 remained vacant until the late 1870s. No 214 featured a
small timber dwelling which seems to have occupied the site until 1876.7 At No 216 a stone
dwelling was built circa 1857 and was replaced by a two storey brick residence in c.1865
before being demolished in 1876.
As noted the individual dwellings at 212, 214 and 216 Cumberland Street were demolished
c.1876 with the rate books recording a row of three four storey brick terraces in 1877 yet they
are also identified on the 1865 Trig Survey (Figure 48). Each had a slate roof, seven rooms
and balconies to the rear (east) elevation (Figure 49). The rear elevation of the terraces at
212-216 Cumberland Sreet is depicted in the Lionel Lindsay etching, "Old Houses at
Gloucester Street." The row of terraces remained on site until the 1920s and the construction
of the existing building for Cadbury-Fry Pascall Ltd.
195 Gloucester Street
Rear of 212-216 Figure 49: Lionel Lindsay etching: "Old Houses at Gloucester Street" Showing 193 Gloucester Street and the rear of 212-216 Cumberland Street.
Source: National Gallery of Australia Image number 83.749 (not dated)
218 Cumberland Street: 218 Cumberland Street had a less intermittent early building history, the two or three storey
brick residence built in 1857/8 remained on site until 1877. A new brick residence was built in
1877; it was three storeys but had fewer rooms and a shingled roof. This dwelling is
recorded onsite by survey plans until 1901 (Figure 51) and in rate books until 1923.
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218212-216
195-197
Figure 50: Metropolitan Detail Series City of Sydney Section 61 circa 1887. ML ZM Ser4 811.17/1
Figure 51: Detail of The Rocks Resumption Plan at the subject site c.1901 (SHFA Files)
195 Gloucester Street: The rate book entries for 1857 show a shingled two storey stone residence consisting of two
rooms at No 195. By 1865 a three storey brick building is recorded, which had three rooms
and a slate roof. This building is depicted in Figures 49 and 52 showing its slender three
storey form. It is likely this three storey dwelling remained on site until 1921, although there
are some discrepancies in the rate book entry dated 1907-1911.
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197 & 199
195
Rear of 212-218 Cumberland Street
Figure 52: View north along Gloucester Street showing subject site circa 1901. Image also shows buildings demolished for the Housing Board building to the
south of Lawson House.
Source: 171-193 Gloucester St, The Rocks, NSW. “A Research Design and Excavation Methodology for Proposed Historical Archaeological Investigations at the Site”,
Archaeological and Heritage Management Solutions Pty Ltd
197 & 199 Gloucester Street: The allotment now known as 197 Gloucester Street consisted of a pair of terrace houses from
the mid nineteenth century until the 1920s. The dwellings were commonly identified as 197
and 199 and have a parallel history of ownership and development. Rate books show a pair
of two/three storey houses had been on the site from 1857 until at least 1921 before the site
was cleared for the construction of the Cadbury warehouse. The form of the terraces is
evident in Figure 52 which shows a two storey building with rooms in the roof, dormers and a
cantilevered balcony across the first floor façade. The dwellings were described as stone
prior to 1877 and brick thereafter however they were otherwise quite similar, having a slate
roof and six to seven rooms.
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216-212195199-197
Figure 53: Survey plan showing extant dwellings on the subject site c.1923, just prior to the construction of the subject building. Mid to late Victorian dwellings are extant at
195 and 197-199 Gloucester Street and 21-216 Cumberland Street.
Source: Sydney Water Survey Detail Sheet DS 412
Figure 54: Subdivision at subject site with Lawson's
House curtilage drawn over the site.
Source: LPI Volume 3645 Folio 237 September 1924
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3.2.2 REDEVELOPMENT AND COMMERCIAL USE OF THE SITE Cadbury-Fry Pascall Sydney Depot The first Cadbury factory was built in Australia in 1922 following the company’s successful
English merger with Fry and Sons. Australia had been an important market for the company
since the 1880s and after the factory was established in Claremont, Tasmania, the company
merged with Pascall to become Cadbury-Fry and Pascall8. Two years later the City Council
approved a building application for the subject site to construct the “New Sydney Depot” for
Cadbury-Fry-Pascall Ltd, the cocoa and chocolate manufacturers9. The new warehouse siting
was perfect because of its proximity to the harbour which would enable easy receiving of
deliveries from Tasmania. The building was designed by the Sydney firm of Burcham Clamp
and Finch who had an office in Macquarie Street. Burcham Clamp also designed “Wyoming”,
an office building on Macquarie Street and collaborated with Walter Burley Griffin to create
the Methodist Church in 1915, now used as the Mosman Art Gallery. The architecture of
Burcham Clamp and Finch is discussed further in section 5.0.
Figure 55: Original plan drawings of the western elevation of Cadbury - Fry and Pascall Ltd by Burcham Clamp and Finch 1924. Image showing the three original cart docks.
Source: Sydney archives Centre Development Application 1049/24
8 Cadbury Australia website http://www.cadbury.com.au/sites/cadbury/index.php?pageId=30 9 “Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street and 195 Gloucester Street The Rocks” Prepared by Noosphere Ideas Pty Ltd pg 5 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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Fi s gure 56: Gloucester Street elevation as drawn in 1924 by Burcham Clamp and Finch. A cart dock waproposed but not built in the original plans.
Source: Building Application 1049/24 City of Sydney Archives Centre
Building plans which survive in the Sydney City Archives are consistent with the packaging,
assembly, storage and distribution of product however the use of the building was not
specified on the plans.10 The basement plans show three “cart docks over” on the ground
floor which is accessed from Cumberland Street and a fourth on the basement level from the
Gloucester Street elevation, which was never built. Provision for awnings and other materials
are outlined and the goods lift is clearly indicated servicing all floors. Fire stairs and egress
are noted at the southern elevation, with the primary access stairs located at the north side of
the building. Plans indicate that the ground floor also featured offices, creating a front of
house and providing a “face” for the Cadbury operations in Sydney.11 From the Cumberland
Street elevation visitors entered a small vestibule area, with typist’s rooms to the right and
manager’s offices to the left. A corridor led the visitor left to the general offices and enquiry
counter and a showroom was directly opposite these offices. A second small service lift is
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10 Ibid 7 11 Ibid
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indicated along the eastern wall of the showroom, servicing only the ground floor and the
assembly room above. Ground floor plans also indicate three glazed prismatic lighting bays in
the Cumberland street pavement allowing light to the lower basement floor. These are still
present at the subject site.
Figure 57: Original Basement floor plan. Building Application 1049/24
Source: City of Sydney Archives Centre
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Figure 58: Ground floor plan.
Source: Building Application 1049/24 City of Sydney Archives Centre 1924
Figure 59: First floor plan.
Source: Building Application 1049/24 City of Sydney Archives Centre 1924
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The first floor was dedicated almost entirely to assembly and may in part have looked similar
to the packing department at Claremont shown in Figure 60. There was also a small area for
advertising and document storage. Some possible amendments have been pencilled onto
these plans at the southern end of the first floor and may indicate additional larger storage
areas or offices. The second floor plan gives no indication as to its use while the roof plan
shows a parapet and cornice and some building services such as a man hole, motor room
and down piping are also indicated.
Figure 60: Section of the packing department for chocolate assortments at Claremont.
Source: “By Mountain and Sea” Claremont Tasmania Cadbury Brochure, Mitchell Library
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Figure 61: Second floor plan.
Source: Building Application 1049/24 City of Sydney Archives Centre 1924
Cadbury-Fry continued to use the building throughout World War II, during which time they
were the official supplier of chocolate to the armed forces.12 Records show that in October of
1949 Cadbury-Fry and Pascall applied to the Council for the installation of a bowser tank and
the associated under ground piping for petrol on the premises13. The petrol fill box was
transferred from Cadbury-Fry and Pascall to Craig Mostyn and Co. in 1958, although there is
some suggestion that they may have vacated the premises as early as 195114. It is not known
exactly when Cadbury Fry vacated the warehouse at Cumberland Street.
Cadbury Chocolate was unable to provide further documentation or pictorial evidence relating
to the subject site.
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12 Cadbury Australia website http://www.cadbury.com.au/sites/cadbury/index.php?pageId=30 13 City of Sydney Archives Record Item 4848 NSCA- ITM 148023 14 “Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street and 195 Gloucester Street The Rocks” Prepared by Noosphere Ideas Pty Ltd pg 7
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Figure 62: Cadbury Truck in front of Lawson House. The three cart docks are still in place and visible to the rear. Source: State Library NSW image
d6_21877 circa 1946
Warehouse and Offices Following the vacation of Cadbury-Fry and Pascall, the subject site was occupied as
warehouses and offices. It is likely that Craig Mostyn and Co. first occupied the building in
1958 when the petrol fill box was transferred. Figure 63, taken in 1961, clearly shows the
western elevation and awning of the subject site bearing the name “Craig Mostyn and Co.”
From their humble beginnings in 1923 Craig Mostyn and Co. has become one of Australia’s
most successful companies, exporting selected Australian produce. Originally the company
exported leather, harvested wattle bark for the tanning industry and sold tanning machinery in
Australia15. In the 1920s and 30s they expanded into eucalyptus oil, wool, rabbit skins and
tallow which became the mainstay export. Fruit also provided an excellent export opportunity
and gradually the company also acquired mills and by 1960 Craig Mostyn and Co was
exporting large quantities of bark16. The subject site was probably used as it was under
Cadbury-Fry and Pascall, as an office and packaging and distribution facility although there is
no documentary evidence. Similarly, the site’s proximity to the harbour would have been
beneficial for the exportation of the company’s goods.
Figure 63: This 1961 picture of St Phillip’s Church on York Street also shows the western eof the subject site on the left hand side of the image.
levation
Source: City of Sydney Archive
citation number NSCA CRS
47/2220
15 http://www.fambiz.com.au/?content=generationsarticle&pdf=Generations_2005_Dec 16 Ibid CITY PLAN HERITAGE
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
Craig Mostyn and Co. lodged two applications with the City Council for alterations to the
building during the 1960s. The 1967 application included a request to replace the goods lift
with a new passenger lift, erecting a roof top lift motor room and laying new roof decking in
connection with the use of the premises as a warehouse and associated office17. The
additional motor room was to match the building exterior with face brickwork and aluminium
coping. This alteration never took place though it was approved.
Figure 64: Detail of York Street elevation plan showing alterations to cart docks. Source: Building Application
1044/68 City of Sydney Archives
Centre
The second development application lodged in December 1968 requested permission to carry
out significant alterations to the exterior at the western Cumberland Street elevation as well
as the ground floor interior; including the filling in with brickwork of the two southernmost dock
entrances, the erection of an internal wall, the removal of interior partitions and the
repositioning of fire doors.18 The new face brickwork was proposed to match the existing and
three new windows were designed to complement the contemporary ground floor windows
and were aligned vertically with the smaller windows on the second storey above. Existing
vents were repositioned in the new brickwork. Internally, the floors at the northern end of the
building were raised. A new ceiling was constructed below the original beams and acoustic
tiles were applied to match existing panels and for soundproofing. The petrol pump installed
by Cadbury was relocated to the northernmost dock where the floor was retained at the
existing level. This new space was to be used as offices. This application was approved and a
single dock entrance remains today.
17 City of Sydney Archives Record Item 5623/68 NSCA-ITM 18522 18 Deed from Commercial Banking Company of Sydney Ltd on behalf of Craig Mostyn and Co 28/12/70 File no. 1/1 D2430 of Sydney Archives Record Item 1044/68 NSCA-ITM 166464 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
In 1982 the building was occupied by Lawson’s and a plaque in the foyer refers to the
opening by Governor Sir James Marshall, for JR Lawson Pty Ltd19. Lawson has been a
household name in auctioneering since 1870 when James R Lawson senior established
himself as the leading auctioneer in Sydney Town. At that time, everything from groceries
such as tea and salt, through to sailing ships were sold by public auction, often on the
wharfs.20 In September 2001 Menzies Group of Companies acquired the historic Sydney
auction house Lawson’s and the company was then expanded into two brands with the
Cumberland Street office now named Lawson-Menzies, targeting the upper end of the
Australian auction market for art, wine, jewels and decorative arts as well as prestigious
house contents auctions.21
Under Lawson and later Lawson-Menzies, the site was used not only for storage and
distribution, but evaluations and public auctions. In order to enhance and rationalise this use,
permission has been granted for various internal alterations since 1993. A report was
prepared and submitted in 1993 and carried out some time later, most likely in 1995, for a
significant refurbishment to the fire safety facilities including new fire doors and installation of
smoke detectors and portable fire extinguishers throughout, as well as new lighting in the fire
stairs. Some internal and external repainting took place along with repairs to the windows and
side doors, the front entry doors and frame were refurbished and picture rails were
reinstated.22
The report also included a recommendation which was carried out in 1994 for the application
of a waterproofing membrane to the roof, while the sump and gutter as well as a section of
corroded down pipe were repaired.23 Floor plans included in the report indicate considerable
additional partitioning to all levels which is undocumented as well as a partially completed
cool room at the northern end of the basement level which may have been constructed when
the building was occupied by the wholesalers Craig Mostyn and Co.
In 1995 Lawson House was refurbished, with some internal partitions demolished in the
Decorative Arts Department, Interview and Collection Areas on the Basement Level. Floor
finishes were also modified in these departments and security gates to the loading dock
installed. At the ground level, more partitioning was demolished in the Administration and
Jewellery Departments including reuse of glass panels. The original 1924 strong room was
19 “Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street and 195 Gloucester Street The Rocks” Prepared by Noosphere Ideas Pty Ltd pg 7 20 Lawson Menzies Auctioneers, Sydney and Melbourne. http://www.lawsonmenzies.com.au/history.html 21 Ibid 22 Feasibility Estimate and Report for the Fire Safety Upgrading and Refurbishment of 212-218 Cumberland Street and 16-18 Grosvenor Street. Prepared by Harry Bate Oct 1993 pp2-4 23 Ibid pg 2 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
also demolished24. The tea room was refurbished and the existing toilet/ kitchen facility was
upgraded to a new client toilet facility. There was also some modification to the area behind
reception.25 There were significant first floor renovations when the tea room was refurbished,
including a new timber staircase. The bathrooms were demolished and converted to a new
staff toilet and kitchen facility.26 The original date of installation of these is undocumented
though they are shown in Bates’ 1993 plans. To accommodate a new data and
telecommunications area, there was some general demolition and removal of all partitions on
the second floor, along with a refurbishment of the WC.
External brickwork was steam cleaned and the stone work stabilised in the same year with
studies indicating that similar work had been undertaken in the past 20 years. Other minor
repairs and alterations included the replacement of the parapet wall flashings and the rain
heads, while down pipes and stormwater footpath crossings were also cleared.
New stair carpet followed in 1996 and the awning on Cumberland Street was remodelled. The
metal fascia was straightened and treated and the awning roof sheeting was renewed. New
Interview and Catalogue Rooms were created in the basement.27 Some additional partitioning
on the ground floor in 1997 obscured the windows to Cumberland Street. In 2000 the first
floor kitchen and bathrooms were again completely re-fitted. There have also been some
alterations to the facades which cannot be traced to any council building application records
including the vehicular entrance on Gloucester Street and the provision of security bars to the
ground floor windows at the Cumberland Street elevation.28
24 Lawson’s Refurbishment: Schedule of Works. Document number 154.01 SHFA File number 1250.01.01 25 Ibid 26 SHFA File number 1250.01.01 27 SHFA file number 1250.02.01 28 “Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street and 195 Gloucester Street The Rocks” Prepared by Noosphere Ideas Pty Ltd pg 7 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
3.3 CHANGES TO THE BUILDING
West Elevation
Key: Areas remodelled after 1958 Areas remodelled after 1993
Areas remodelled at an unknown date
• In 1968 the removal of two of the cart docks was approved. They were filled in and
windows were constructed based on the existing ground floor windows.
• In 1995 the awning was remodelled.
• In 1995 the external brickwork was cleaned and there was evidence of cleaning
works having been undertaken in the previous 20 years.
• The parapet wall flashings, sump, rain heads and any corroded down pipes were also
repaired or replaced at this time in conjunction with the work on the new weatherproof
roof membrane.
• Security bars have been added to the elevation although the date of this addition is
unknown.
• Parapet signage has obviously been altered with each occupation phase of the
building.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
East Elevation
Key: Areas remodelled after 1993
•
•
•
•
CITY PLAN
MAY 2006
Areas remodelled at an unknown date
In 1995 the external brickwork was cleaned and there was evidence of previous
cleaning works having been undertaken in the previous 20 years.
The parapet wall flashings, sump, rain heads and any corroded down pipes were also
repaired or replaced at this time in conjunction with the work on the new weatherproof
roof membrane
The addition of the vehicular entry is not traceable to any SHFA file or Council
Building Application file. The date of this modification is therefore unknown.
As with the west elevation the parapet signage has been altered with each
occupation of the building.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
Basement Floor
Key: Areas remodelled after 1958 Areas remodelled after 1993
Areas remodelled at an unknown date
• All partitions shown in the above floor plan are modern.
• Those partitions in the office area to the south were probably constructed after 1993
during various modifications.
• The smaller office area on the Gloucester Street boundary addresses the vehicular
entry and may have been constructed concurrent to the driveway. (As previously
mentioned the installation of the vehicular entry is not traceable to any council
approvals or SHFA files and the date therefore is unknown).
• Under the ownership of Craig Mostyn and Co there was a partially constructed
prefabricated cool room at the north end of this floor. This may have been in the
location of the third office area and may have been constructed as early as 1958
when Craig Mostyn and Co took over Lawson House.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
The Ground Floor
Strong Room
Service Lift
Key: Areas remodelled after 1968 Areas remodelled after 1995
Areas remodelled at an unknown date
• Floor raised and two of the Cumberland Street cart docks were enclosed
accommodating additional office areas for Craig Mostyn and Co. 1968.
• Craig Mostyn and Co also remodelled some interiors, removing some partitions
although details are unknown.
• Suspended ceiling installed on Ground floor in 1968.
• Bathrooms refurbished 1993.
• Travellers Room retained and stair hall constructed within the room 1995.
• The original 1924 strong room was removed in 1995. The office area was also
shortened at this time to accommodate a large show room area.
• Kitchenette remodelled 1995.
• Service cupboard and access adjacent to G2 office enclosed and accessed via G2
• Partitions erected in the former show room on east side and secondary service lift
removed. Date unknown.
• Manager’s office partitioned to create a separate administrative area with a smaller
office adjoining the general office area behind reception. Date unknown.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
The First Floor
Former Service Lift
Additional
office areas
Key: Areas remodelled after 1995 Areas remodelled at an unknown date
• New bathroom and staff kitchen area constructed in former advertising area in 1995.
The facilities were also remodelled in 2000. The room had been converted to a staff
kitchen and bathroom facility prior to the 1995 re-fit although the date of its original
conversion is unknown.
• Timber stairs installed in 1995.
• WC at northern end of floor was probably also remodelled at this time.
• Pencilled additions to the original plan indicate there may have been additional office
areas to the south of the floor though it is not known whether these additional areas
were constructed and if they were, when they were removed.
• As noted at the Ground floor elevation, the secondary service lift has been removed
though it is not known when this occurred.
• Additional room constructed at northern end of the floor to house electrical and
computer services. Again, the date of construction is unknown.
CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
The Second Floor
Key: Areas remodelled after 1993
Office
Kitchenette
Storage
•
•
•
•
CITY PLA
MAY 200
Additional office space at southern end of floor is a recent construction, probably after
1993.
Kitchenette and partitioned storage area at south end of building probably also date
to the 1993 renovations.
WC 2-4 refurbished in 1995.
Partition and doors dividing the floor are also recent, as are the walls in the open
office area 2-1.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
The Roof
Key: Areas remodelled after 1993 Areas remodelled at an unknown date
• New roof membrane in 1995.
• Additional services at south end of roof. Their installation date is unknown though
they are likely to be modern.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
3.4 HISTORY OF THE OCCUPATION OF THE SITE
Prior to 1926 the site was occupied by numerous dwellings with a vast number of tenants. A
comprehensive history of each allotment and their numerous occupiers and owners is
attached in Appendix 10.1 Occupation of the Subject Site. This information has been
compiled from the Sydney Council Rate Assessment Books hereafter referred to as the Rate
Books and the Sands Directory.
212214216
Gro
sven
or S
treet
Cumberland Street
Gloucester Street
195 197-199
218
Figure 65: Occupation of Subject Site prior to 1857 to mid 1860s
Gro
sven
or S
treet
212214216
195 197-199
218
Figure 66: Occupa
CITY PLAN HERITAGE
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
Gloucester Street
tion o
Cumberland Street
f Subject Site from mid 1860s to c.1877
55
LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN HISTORICAL Evidence
Gro
sven
or S
treet
Cumberland Street
Gloucester Street
195
212-216197-199
218
Figure 67: Occupation of Subject Site c.1877 to c.1923
Tenants after 1924:
• Cadbury Brothers Limited 1924-1929
• Cadbury-Fry and Pascall 1929-1957
• Craig Mostyn and Co. 1957- Late 1970s/early 1980s
• Lawson Menzies 1982-present
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
4.0 COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
The level of significance of an item is determined by its value relative to other comparable
items, be they in a local or international context. The rarity and/or representativeness of the
item are considered as part of the overall analysis of its significance. Comparisons will be
made between suitable buildings for the purposes of establishing significance in relation to
the rarity criteria and representativeness criteria of the NSW Heritage Council’s ‘Assessing
Heritage Significance’ guidelines.
The level of significance of an item is determined by its value relative to other comparable
items, be they in a local or state context. The rarity and/or representativeness of the item are
considered as part of the overall analysis of its significance. Comparisons will be made
between suitable buildings for the purposes of establishing significance in relation to the rarity
criteria and representativeness criteria of the NSW Heritage Council’s ‘Assessing Heritage
Significance’ guidelines.
The significant characteristics of Lawson House which have been used to undertake the
comparative analysis are:
• Commercial buildings characteristic of the Inter-War building period in Cumberland and
Gloucester Streets and the wider Rocks area.
• Buildings designed by the architects J. Burcham Clamp and Finch.
Lawson House has been compared to other buildings with similar characteristics which have
been identified listed on the SHFA Section 170 Heritage Register. The information in the
Section 170 listings provided the historical background for the buildings.
Inter-War Commercial Buildings Lawson House is a warehouse/factory constructed in the Inter War Free Classical style for
Cadbury-Fry Pascal Pty Ltd. As previously noted, the majority of Inter-War buildings in The
Rocks tend to be hotels or commercial buildings and thus there is a wealth of comparable
buildings in the vicinity of the subject site.
Adjacent to the south of the subject site is the NSW Housing Board Building, also known as
Charlotte House. It was established in The Rocks as part of the changing Government Social
Policy during the operation of the Sydney Harbour Trust (1902-27). In the wake of growing
unemployment and homelessness, the board regulated public housing and facilitated
affordable private housing in NSW and The Rocks where the problem of housing was directly
related to the Resumptions. The building was constructed c.1921 shortly before Lawson
House. It is a four storey face brick building occupying the entire end of the Cumberland and
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Gloucester Streets block. The building is not distinct in style with its main features being the
dark face brick, rendered lintels, stone stringcourse, unadorned emphasised pilasters, high
proportion of solid to void elements and dressed stone to the entry and ground level quoins.
The form and fenestration is akin to that of the Stripped Classical style however it does not
feature the simplified classical motifs indicative of the style. The original building form has
been compromised through the addition of the fourth floor and alterations have also occurred
to the interior.29 The significance of the building is of historical and social significance for its
ability to reflect various Government operations throughout the twentieth century and of
aesthetic significance owning to its form and detailing.
Figure 68: Former NSW Housing Board Building.
Source: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au
Science House is located at 157-169 Gloucester Street on the corner of Essex Streets. It was
constructed c.1931 and won the Royal Australian Institute of Architects inaugural Sulman
Medal as a building of outstanding architectural merit. It is a 6 storey building consisting of a
rusticated stone podium, three levels of face through the centre and a top level featuring
dressed stone detailing. Internally the building is described as having significant fabric and
spaces which area highly intact. Science House was designed by prominent architects
Peddle Thorp and Walker. The building features an internal structure of reinforced concrete
floors and columns with non-load bearing walls.30 Science House has been identified as
highly significant for its historic, aesthetic and social significance for the Sulman Medal award,
the execution of the architectural style and its association with various professional
organisations.
29 NSW Heritage Office: http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_01_2.cfm?itemid=5053180 30 NSW Heritage Office Website: http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/07_subnav_01_2.cfm?itemid=5053194 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Figure 69t
d m
Source: NSW State lib
: Science House showing he Australian Drug Company
building to the rear before olition of its tower. 1930-1940.
rary. Image
e
number 35012
The Bushells Building, located at 121-127 Harrington Street, was constructed between 1924
and 1925 at approximately the same time as Lawson House. It is a seven storey face brick
building consisting of regular fenestration, moulded cornice and stringcourse and rendered
window spandrels and upper level. The building structure consists of load bearing brick walls
with timber and concrete floors. The building is not demonstrative of the characteristics of a
particular architectural style of the period although its fenestration and use of materials is
reminiscent of Federation Warehouse style buildings. Given its style and construction
technique the building is somewhat backward looking for its period of construction. Its
primary significance lies in the historic association with the Bushells Company, who are
prominent in the commercial life of Australia and The Rocks, the ability of the building to
demonstrate its use by the company.
Figure 70: The Bushells’ building after the recent refurbishment.
Source: RP Data
Figure 71: The Bushell’s building before and after the recent
refurbishment.
Source: www.heritage.nsw.gov.au
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
It is concluded that Lawson House is representative of Inter War commercial buildings in The
Rocks. Its style, form and detailing are well executed in comparison to many buildings as
evident in the use of dressed stone and mouldings but it does not reach the level of aesthetic
excellence evident in an award winning building of the time such as Science House. In
comparison to buildings of the Free Classical style, the use of motifs such as columns and
arched openings is not as strong other comparable buildings. The building employs
construction techniques typical of the period and the building type with reinforced concrete
floors and columns and non-load bearing brick walls. It is concluded that the building is
typical and representative of the Inter War period style and construction without reaching the
heights of aesthetic excellence demonstrated by similar buildings in the area.
J. Burcham Clamp and Finch John Burcham Clamp was a recognised Sydney architect active between 1899 and 1931. A
gold medallist of the Institute of Architects (NSW), prominent freemason and one time
Building Surveyor for the Anglican diocese of Sydney, Burcham Clamp designed more than
30 commercial buildings throughout the course of his career. He also designed numerous
private homes, residential flat buildings and more than a dozen churches, as well as shops
and institutional buildings. He was known for his efficient planning, competent design and
sound knowledge of construction. Until his death, Burcham Clamp partnered with Barry
Clifford Finch from 1923 -1931.
Despite the fact that there are many of Burcham Clamp’s buildings and designs which can be
dated to this period it is not known which of these were specifically designed with Finch. The
only other commercial building designed during their partnership was “Berlei House” on
Regent Street, Chippendale c.1921. Typically utilitarian, the building is constructed in the
Chicagoesque style and features a horizontally proportioned façade treatment suggesting the
expression of the internal structure. The spandrels express the division of storeys and the
large window openings are of horizontal proportions. The emphatic cornice is also typical of
the style. Berlei House has been altered since its construction with the window frames and
awning replaced and the ground floor altered including the relocation of the original entry.
The expression of Berlei House’s structure in the external form and fenestration is in contrast
to Lawson House as the external treatment of Lawson House conceals rather than expresses
the internal structure with the façade treatment reminiscent of earlier building techniques
which employed load bearing external walls.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Figure 72: Berlei House also by the architect J Burcham Clamp. Image depicting the
original façade 1920-45.
Source: National Library of Australia nla.pic-vn3071724
One of Burcham Clamp’s more celebrated buildings was the commercial office building
known as “Wyoming” on Macquarie Street, Sydney. It was one of the earliest examples of
high rise building in Sydney and notably shares elements of both Federation and Inter-War
Free Classical styles of architecture. Typical elements of both styles are the symmetrical
façade, and the use of contrasting materials and textures, a vestigial pediment and narrow
intercolumniation. More typical of the Federation period, the ground floor is treated as a base
and Clamp has repetitively used non classical oriels and bays. Wyoming features a reinforced
concrete structure which is relatively modern for its 1909 construction date as many larger
buildings were still using load bearing external walls. Constructed almost 15 years later than
Wyoming, Lawson House employs similar construction techniques and vocabulary of detailing
(although not such high quality). Therefore, Lawson House is a building typical of its time
where as Wyoming employed newer technology, although both buildings were treated in a
relatively traditional exterior. Due to the use of more modern construction techniques and the
much higher quality detailing Wyoming is considered to be a more important building in the
catalogue of Burcham Clamp.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS
Berlei House and Wyoming feature relatively forward looking techniques. The façade
treatment of Berlei House reflects the internal structure and the internal structure of Wyoming
is relatively new technology for its time. Lawson House does not feature any innovative or
progressive characteristics as it uses a structure that by 1924 was common technology and
treats the exterior in a traditional style.
Figure 73: “Wyoming” Commercial Office Building at 175-181 Macquarie Street
c.1909-1911.
Interestingly, also among Clamps repertoire were other purpose-built factory and warehouse
buildings designed for newly established Sydney confectioners including Steadman and
Henderson Sweets, Ltd for whom he designed theirHenderson Sweets Ltd Clarence Street
building and the warehouse at Rosebery as well as Wrigleys Australasia’s Rosebery factory,
all constructed after 1914.
When considering the vast body of works accomplished over the course of Burcham Clamp’s
three decade long career, it is obvious that he utilised a number of architectural styles with
skill and Lawson House is reasonably representative of these talents. In design and ornament
the building is predominantly functional and utilitarian and does not demonstrate the high
degree of aesthetic character that other of his buildings exhibit.
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
5.0 ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
5.1 BASIS OF ASSESSMENT
In assessing the cultural significance of a place it is necessary to adequately research and
consider all the information relevant to an understanding of the place and its fabric. The Burra
Charter (1999) defines the cultural significance as being “aesthetic, historic, scientific or social
value for past, present or future generations”.
The assessment of cultural significance is undertaken because it is necessary to understand
the values of a heritage item before making decisions about the future of the item. This then
leads to decisions that will retain these heritage values in the future.31
The ‘Statement of Significance’ indicates what heritage values of a place should be
conserved, and is used as a basis for the formulation of specific guidelines for the
development of conservation policies of a place. The Conservation Plan by J. S. Kerr (fifth
edition, 2000, National Trust), considers the following three criteria as a useful starting point in
assessing the nature of significance:
• ability to demonstrate a process, a custom or style;
• associational (historic) links for which there is or is not surviving physical evidence;
and
• formal or aesthetic qualities.
The following assessment of significance addresses the criteria endorsed by the NSW
Heritage Council, and is in accordance with the NSW Heritage Manual ‘Assessing Heritage
Significance’ guidelines.
5.2 ASSESSMENT CRITERIA
a) An item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
• Constructed c.1924, Lawson House is historically representative of the Inter
War phase of commercial redevelopment in the state significant precinct of
The Rocks. The site was originally planned for resumption in the early part of
the twentieth century, however the planned resumptions of the Victorian era
dwellings were interrupted by the First World War and redevelopment of site
and some surround properties did not occur until the 1920s. Consequently
the building stock in this area consists largely of commercial buildings which
31 NSW Heritage Manual, Assessing Heritage Significance, 2000, p.2
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN ASSESSMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
contrasts to the terrace housing and flat buildings constructed during the
Federation period of resumptions. Lawson House is one in a group of four
Inter War commercial buildings in the block bounded by Grosvenor,
Gloucester, Essex and Cumberland Streets.
b) An item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons, of importance in NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
• The subject building was originally constructed for use as a factory and
warehouse by the well known company Cadbury-Fry who have produced
confectionary in Australia for over 80 years. The main Cadbury factory and
headquarters was located in Claremont, Tasmania and the subject building
was not a flagship building of the company but the ‘Sydney Depot’. The
building was constructed within two years of the main factory and is
considered to be evident of Cadbury’s requirement for a depot in a major
centre most probably to facilitate trade. The change in use of the building
after only 40 years of occupation and the removal of machinery has hindered
the ability to interpret the use of the building by Cadbury-Fry.
• Subsequent occupants of the building include the Lawson Menzies,
auctioneers, and Craig Mostyn and Co, an exporter of goods. Research to
date has not demonstrated that these companies are of historical importance
to the local area.
• Lawson House was designed by Sydney architects Burcham Clamp and
Finch. John Burcham Clamp was prominent throughout the first quarter of
the twentieth century and designed significant buildings such as Wyoming on
Elizabeth Street, Sydney.
c) An item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in NSW (or the local are natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
• Lawson House largely intact example of an Inter War Free Classical
warehouse building. It is features a robust external treatment of prominent
end bays with vestigial pediments and a high proportion of solid to void
elements with rows of almost horizontally proportioned windows to the upper
levels. The solidity of the façade treatment is affirmed through the use of
dressed stone stringcourses and parapets. The detailing is relatively
restrained with a limited use of classical motifs but some decorative
stonework to openings, wall panels and parapets and brickwork quoins to
piers. Internally the building features a structure of reinforced concrete floors
and columns. It has retained some original features such as the fittings and
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finishes and to the entrance and offices on the ground level including
Queensland Maple office partitions. The building is considered to be an
aesthetically representative example of an Inter War Free Classical
commercial building.
• There are some Inter War commercial buildings in the vicinity of Lawson
House, however they are visually disparate and some elements are not of
high aesthetic quality. There is not the level of quality or consistency for it to
be recognised as an aesthetically significant precinct.
• Lawson House makes a strong contribution to the streetscape and the urban
morphology of state significant precinct of The Rocks owning to its form,
details and materials.
d) An item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in NSW (or the local area) for social, cultural or spiritual reasons
• Research to date does not show that an identifiable community or cultural
group holds a special association with the subject building.
• The people of NSW generally demonstrate a special association with The
Rocks area and the subject building makes a contribution to the urban
character of The Rocks.
e) An item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
• Prior to the construction of the subject building, the site was occupied by a
row of three terraces and a separate brick residence which fronted 212-216
and 218 Cumberland Street respectively. A stone dwelling and a pair of brick
terraces at 195 and 197-199 fronted Gloucester Street. These buildings date
from the mid to late nineteenth century. There has been significant
disturbance of the site with the excavation for the basement level,
consequently very little evidence relating to the Cumberland Street structures
is likely to remain. There is moderate potential for relics relating to the
Gloucester Street dwellings such as building foundations and yards with a
higher potential for deeper subsurface features such as wells and cess pits
including the rear outhouses for the terraces at 212-216 Cumberland Street.
f) An item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the cultural or natural history of the local area)
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• Research to date demonstrates that the subject site does not exhibit any
degree of rarity for which it is significant.
g) An item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of NSW’s
• cultural or natural places; or
• cultural or natural environments.
• (or a class of the local area’s cultural;
• or natural places; or
• cultural or natural environments)
• Historically, the subject building is representative of the Inter War phase of
commercial redevelopment in state significant precinct of the The Rocks.
Lawson House also contributes to a small precinct bounded by Grosvenor,
Gloucester, Essex and Cumberland Streets that features four Inter War
commercial buildings that is historically representative of this phase and type
of development in The Rocks.
• Lawson House is a good representative example of the Inter War Free
Classical style of architecture in the local area.
• Lawson House is not considered to be an excellent representative example of
J Burcham Clamp’s architectural work. A number of other well known
buildings designed by Burcham Clamp featured a progressive use of
structural technology or façade design.
5.3 STATEMENT OF CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE
Lawson House was constructed c.1924 as the Sydney Depot for the Cadbury-Fry
confectionary company and designed in the Inter War Free Classical style by architects
Burcham Clamp and Finch. Lawson House contributes to the representative historic and
aesthetic values of the state significant precinct of The Rocks through its architectural style,
built form, streetscape contribution and period of construction.
Lawson House is primarily significant to the local area for its historic and aesthetic values.
Historically, the building is evident of the Inter War period of development that occurred in The
Rocks. It is significant for the contribution the building makes to the historical and scientific
values of The Rocks. It also forms a small precinct of Inter War commercial buildings which
replaced Victorian period housing that was intended to be resumed prior to the First World
War. Historically, the building is associated with well known confectionary company Cadbury-
Fry Pascal Pty Ltd although the use was relatively short lived, it was not a flagship building of
the company and the ability to interpret this association has been eroded as the use has
ceased and machinery removed.
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Lawson House is also associated with the well known Sydney architectural firm Burcham
Clamp and Finch. Stylistically and structurally it is similar to the other buildings designed by
John Burcham Clamp but owing to its construction date it does not demonstrate the
progressive techniques of style and construction that are evident in a number of his other
buildings.
Lawson House is aesthetically and technically representative of a restrained example the
Inter War Free Classical style of architecture featuring a robust form, prominent end bays,
dressed stone detailing, timber partitions and other early finishes to office and foyer spaces.
The building structure is relatively common for the period and typical for buildings used as
commercial warehouses.
The site demonstrates some research potential for relics related to the former residential use
of the site from the mid nineteenth century.
5.4 RANKING OF SIGNIFICANCE OF INDIVIDUAL AREAS AND ELEMENTS
5.4.1 BASIS OF RANKING Lawson House has been carefully assessed to determine a relative grading of significance
into five levels. This process examines a number of factors, including:
• Relative age
• Original design quality
• Degree of intactness and general condition
• Extent of subsequent alterations
• Association with important people or events
• Ability to demonstrate a rare quality, craft or construction process
Grading reflects the contribution the element makes to overall significance of the item (or the
degree to which the significance of the item would be diminished if the component were
removed or altered) and not the significance of the element in a wider local or regional
context.
EXCEPTIONAL Rare or outstanding element directly contributing to an item’s significance
and crucial to the understanding and appreciation of the significance. High
degree of intactness. Original fabric associated with early construction
period or significant phase of use or association.
HIGH Demonstrates a key element of the item’s significance or is associated with a
significant phase of use. It is important to and aids in the understanding and
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appreciation of the place’s significance. It may have suffered from alterations
which do not detract from significance, but generally demonstrate a high
degree of intactness and original fabric. This may also include fabric
inserted in the conservation of a place (restoration or reconstruction)
provided it is accurate.
MODERATE Fabric or spaces formerly of higher significance that have been altered or
modified, but which make a contribution to the overall significance of the
item. May also include fabric from an original or significant phase of use but
which is not integral to the understanding of the primary significance.
LITTLE New fabric associated with present use and does not detract from
significance. May include fabric related to conservation works or an adaptive
reuse which is not restoration or reconstruction but has achieved a
sympathetic outcome.
INTRUSIVE Later fabric or alteration which obscures or detracts from significant fabric or
the overall significance of an item.
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5.4.2 EASTERN ELEVATION EXCEPTIONAL 1. Overall from and arrangement of original elements and details HIGH 2. windows 3. parapet and pediments 4. ground level door 5. flag poles 6. cornices and entablatures 7. decorative stone work 8. pilasters 9. face brickwork 10. sandstone footing MODERATE N/A LITTLE 11. Security bars to basement level windows 12. Signage next to driveway 13. Steel capping to side of entry 14. Fire hydrant panel INTRUSIVE 15. later roller door opening 16. concrete bulkhead/lintel over garage entry
Figure 74: Grading of Fabric on Eastern Elevation. NB. Fabric of High Significance has not been individually identified but is included within that marked as Exceptional.
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5.4.3 WESTERN ELEVATION EXCEPTIONAL 1. Overall from and arrangement of original elements and details HIGH 2. windows 3. parapet and pediments 4. main entry including joinery and details 5. flag poles 6. cornices and entablatures 7. decorative stone work 8. pilasters 9. loading dock opening 10. ventilation grates 11. light well bricks MODERATE NA LITTLE 12. Awning 13. Later windows and brick walling to ground level 14. Light attached over roller door 15. later roller door in original opening 16. security bars INTRUSIVE NA
Figure 75: Grading of Fabric on Western Elevation. NB. Fabric of High Significance has not been individually identified but is included within that marked as Exceptional.
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5.4.4 BASEMENT LEVEL EXCEPTIONAL 1. Structure throughout including columns, ceilings and floors HIGH 2. Fire stairs 3. External painted brick walls 4. Original brick walls to light well bays 5. Lift structure and lift including grates, roller doors timber cladding, switches, fittings and
timber threshold (all floors) MODERATE 6. North east WC (original floor and wall coverings) LITTLE 7. Painted brick above concrete bulkheads 8. Suspended acoustic ceiling panels 9. suspended services 10. modern kitchenette fit out 11. later partitioning 12. doors to fire stairs (all floors) INTRUSIVE 13. garage door and entry
Figure 76: Grading of Fabric and Spaces on the Basement Level
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5.4.5 GROUND FLOOR EXCEPTIONAL 1. Structure throughout including columns, ceilings and floors HIGH 2. Fire Stairs 3. External painted brick walls 4. Original office spaces 5. Original joinery including picture rails, skirtings, floors, doors, highlight windows and
fittings in Hall, foyer, WCs and offices. 6. Reception desk (front section) 7. Geometric and lettered fanlights throughout 8. Original tiling to WCs 9. Terrazzo floor and partition in WCs 10. Original light and fittings in men’s WC 11. Lift structure and lift including grates, roller doors timber cladding, switches, fittings and
timber threshold MODERATE 12. Marble cladding to dado and floor and skirting in entry lobby LITTLE 13. later window and door alterations to original wall in offices 14. Later lightweight office partitions 15. Reception desk (section behind) 16. Stair to first floor gallery 17. Modern floorboards and coverings (carpet) 18. Modern wall finishes (paint colour) 19. Raised timber ramp to gallery 20. Urinal and toilets in WCs 21. Air-conditioning unit in south west corner office 22. Raised floor of north gallery 23. North gallery kitchenette (inserted into original bathroom, with modern fittings and
fixtures) 24. Masonite wall panels in front of original painted brick in gallery INTRUSIVE N/A
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Figure 77: Grading of Fabric and Spaces on Basement Level
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5.4.6 FIRST FLOOR EXCEPTIONAL 1. Structure throughout including columns, ceilings and floors HIGH 2. Fire Stairs 3. Original brick wall to remodelled staff area 4. painted brick walls 5. storage room along southern wall (brick wall and concrete floor) 6. Lift structure and lift including grates, roller doors timber cladding, switches, fittings and
timber threshold (all floors) MODERATE 7. Original WC in northeast corner including terrazzo floor and wall tiling brick arch over door
and door glass and joinery LITTLE 8. later stair and joinery between first and ground floors 9. air-conditioning units to the west wall 10. later room in northwest corner made from lightweight partitions 11. floor covering (carpet) 12. south kitchenette (linoleum floor, modern joinery) 13. South WCs (modern urinals and toilets, joinery, floor and wall coverings) 14. Later door shelving and door joinery to southern storage room INTRUSIVE N/A
Figure 78: Grading of Fabric and spaces on the First Floor
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5.4.7 SECOND FLOOR EXCEPTIONAL 1. Structure throughout including columns, ceilings and floors HIGH 2. Fire Stairs 3. Painted brick external walls 4. Lift structure and lift including grates, roller doors timber cladding, switches, fittings and
timber threshold (all floors) 5. storage room along southern wall (brick wall and concrete floor) MODERATE 6. Original WC in northeast corner including terrazzo floor and wall tiling brick arch over door
and door glass and joinery LITTLE 7. Kitchen fitout 8. later office partitions INTRUSIVE N/A
Office
Kitchenette
Storage
Figure 79: Grading of Fabric and Spaces on the Second Floor
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5.4.8 ROOF EXCEPTIONAL 1. Roof Structure HIGH 2. Parapet walls 3. Stair hall and fire stairs 4. Lift overrun 5. flag poles MODERATE 6. Original WC in northeast corner including terrazzo floor and wall tiling brick arch over door
and door glass and joinery LITTLE 7. Roof covering and water proofing 8. refurbished flashings and capping 9. services and plant equiptment INTRUSIVE N/A
Figure 80: Grading of Fabric and paces on the Roof
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6.0 CONSTRAINTS, ISSUES AND OPPORTUNITIES
6.1 PREAMBLE
This section outlines various major issues involved in the preparation of the conservation
guidelines for the site. It takes into consideration matters arising from the statement of
significance, procedural constraints imposed by cultural conservation methodology such as
that of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter. It identifies all statutory and non-statutory
listings that apply for the site and describes constraints and opportunities arising from these
listings.
6.2 ISSUES ARISING FROM THE STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
Considering the Statement of Significance, the following issues need to be addressed in the
conservation guidelines.
• The principle significance of the place relates to the representative aesthetic values of the
building as evident in its architectural style and its integrity. These aesthetic values
should be conserved.
• The building contributes to the State significant precinct of The Rocks through its
architectural form and character. It is historically representative of the Inter War period of
redevelopment in the precinct and contributes aesthetically to the visual character of the
area. It is necessary to conserve the contribution of the building to the significant
character of The Rocks area.
• The building has maintained a commercial warehouse type use for over 80 years. The
retention of that use, or a related use, will aid in the conservation of the building’s
significance. However, the use is typical for building of this type and is not of primary
significance and should not be conserved to the detriment of the primary significant
values of the place. The significance of the use allows for sympathetic adaptive reuse.
• There is an opportunity to enhance the ability to interpret and appreciate the association
the building has with the Cadbury-Fry Company.
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6.3 PHYSICAL ISSUES AND CONSTRAINTS ARISING FROM FABRIC, CONDITION
AND INTEGRITY
Considering the physical condition and integrity of the place, the following issues, constraints
and opportunities need to be addressed in the conservation guidelines.
• Lawson House is largely intact internally and externally.
• The place is substantially intact and has suffered very little alteration except for the
insertion of some later partitions, minor internal alterations and some minor façade
alteration.
• The fabric and spaces of the ground floor entry, foyer and offices are largely intact and
significant therefore requiring conservation.
• Evidence exists for the original façade designs prior to the enclosure of openings on the
western elevation and the insertion of the large opening on the eastern elevation. There
is an opportunity to restore or reconstruct the façade to its original design or use these
areas for further alterations to facilitate the ongoing use of the place.
• Areas of altered fabric, internally and externally, present opportunities where change may
occur with less likelihood of significant impact.
• The streetscape context of the building was altered in the mid 20th century with the
closure of the southern end of Cumberland Street. This has resulted in the original main
entry being located on a street that does not receive the traffic it once did and the ‘public
face’ of the building has become its ‘rear’ elevation to Gloucester Street.
• Most of the floors feature an open floor plate dispersed with structural columns with a
good opportunity for sympathetic adaptation and reuse.
• The place is generally in good condition with no evidence of major damage or
deterioration occurring to early or later fabric. Some minor issues which require
remediation include rusted window frames, cracked bricks near windows, water damage
to the stringcourse and plant growth between some bricks.
6.4 SYDNEY HARBOUR FORESHORE AUTHORITY
The Rocks is managed by the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), which was
constituted on 1 February 1999 under the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Act, 1998. Therefore
The Rocks is not within the jurisdiction of the Council of the City of Sydney.
The principle functions of SHFA are stated in its Act as follows:
a) to protect and enhance the natural and cultural heritage of the foreshore area;
b) to promote, co-ordinate, manage, undertake and secure the orderly and economic
development and use of the foreshore area, including the provision of infrastructure;
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c) to promote, co-ordinate, organise, manage, undertake, secure , provide and conduct
cultural, educational, commercial, tourist, recreational, entertainment and transport
activities and facilities.
In recognition of the importance of heritage conservation in The Rocks, The Rocks Heritage
Management Plan (adopted February, 2002) has been prepared to provide a firm basis for
understanding and conserving the heritage value of The Rocks and to assist in preparing
individual Conservation Management Plans for heritage buildings within The Rocks.
6.4.1 SHFA VISION AND CHARTER Vision To demonstrate vision and leadership in creating quality environments that are enriching,
diverse, accessible and sustainable by continually improving Sydney’s significant waterfront
precincts, balancing visitor, community and commercial expectations.
Charter 1. To add value by redevelopment of surplus government land through a highly skilled
organisation that creates new city precincts on the harbour
2. Capitalise on the economic and cultural worth of foreshore precincts, notably The Rocks,
Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, as core attractions for both visitors and Sydneysiders
3. Balance economic return, vibrancy and diversity of harbour foreshores, including the
working waterfront
4. Deliver excellence in its role as place manager for Sydney’s premier harbour sites
5. As custodian, ensure preservation and interpretation of natural and cultural heritage
around the foreshores, promoting a sense of community ownership
6. Facilitate the opening up of foreshore areas to the public, balancing protection with active
use while improving and extending waterfront public domain.
The Authority proposes, subject to the recommendations of the conservation plan, to continue
to use Lawson House for commercial uses.
6.5 HERITAGE MANAGEMENT FRAMEWORK
There are three principle EPIs under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
that are applicable to The Rocks, and these are as follows:
A. State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005 The SEPP - Major Projects identifies The Rocks as being included within the City Foreshores
Areas. The SEPP provides that development with a capital investment value of less than $5
Million is development under Part 4 of the Act (i.e. requires a Development Application) for
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which the Minister is the consent authority. Development over $5 Million is development to be
dealt with under Part 3A of the Act, i.e. as a Major Project Application, for which the Minister
is also the consent authority.
In accordance with the instrument of delegation from the Minister to the Sydney Harbour
Foreshore Authority Planning Assessment Manager, the Planning Assessment Team
receives and process Development Applications and Major Project Applications, and can
determine DAs (applications less than $5 million in value) under delegation from the Minister.
Major Project Applications are reported to the Minister for determination.
B. Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005 The Rocks is included in the 'Foreshores and Waterways Area' defined in the SREP, and as
such any development must be considered in terms of the criteria set out in clauses 21 to 27
of the SREP. The SREP does not identify any heritage items within The Rocks, however it
does identify the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Circular Quay Ferry Wharves as heritage
items and any development within their vicinity needs to be considered in terms of impacts on
these items, including views to the items. Draft Amendment 1 to the SREP also identifies a
‘Buffer Zone’ for development in the vicinity of the Sydney Opera House, which covers a
majority of The Rocks area, and any impacts on views to the Opera House are to be taken
into consideration.
The SREP also requires the consideration of potential to impact on archaeological or potential
archaeological relics.
The Rocks is also included as a ‘Strategic Foreshore site’ on Sheet 1 of the SREP, for which
a Master Plan (deemed DCP) is required. However this only applies to the City Foreshores
area if the Minister directs, and as yet there has been no such direction.
The DCP that exists under the SREP is also relevant to development in The Rocks. Its
primary focus is on ecological and landscape character areas, and built form design
guidelines for development very close to the water’s edge. The only relevant landscape
character area in The Rocks is Dawes Point.
C. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (SCRA) Scheme The Rocks is covered by the SCRA Scheme which has the status of an EPI under Schedule 6
of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979. The SCRA Scheme comprises a
series of Building Site Control Drawings which provide for the maximum height of buildings on
any particular site, and which also specify permissible uses for a particular site or precinct.
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The SCRA Scheme does not have any further development provisions nor does it specifically
identify Heritage Items.
6.5.1 NEW SOUTH WALES HERITAGE ACT Heritage and Conservation Register Section 170 of the NSW Heritage Act requires a 'government instrumentality' such as the
SHFA to 'establish and keep a register entitled the Heritage and Conservation Register. The
register must be reviewed annually, and amended if necessary.
The register must contain items, under the ownership or control of SHFA, that are or could be
listed in the NSW State Heritage Register or could be subject to an Interim Heritage Order, or
which are listed as an item of environmental heritage in an environmental planning
instrument.
SHFA has prepared a Section 170 Register, which has been endorsed by the NSW Heritage
Council.
State Heritage Register Lawson House is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register (No. 1557). This listing
recognises the site as being of State significance and provides statutory protection under the
NSW Heritage Act (1977).
Under Section 60 of the Heritage Act any development for State Heritage Register items,
which may affect the significance of the site (buildings, setting etc) must be referred to the
NSW Heritage Council for approval, unless the Minister grants exemptions. The State
Heritage Register lists 96 items in The Rocks.
The Minister has delegated the NSW Heritage Council’s role to approve S.60 Applications for
minor development in The Rocks to the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority for a number of
types of development including change of use of an existing building, temporary uses for 2
years or less, internal fit-outs, shopfronts and awnings etc. SHFA also has delegations to
approve Standard Exemption Applications.
Archaeological Management An excavation permit, issued by the NSW Heritage Council, is required where there is
reasonable knowledge or likelihood that disturbance or excavation of the land is likely to result
in an archaeological relics being discovered, exposed, moved, damaged or destroyed. A
place listed on the State Heritage Register requires a S.60 Application and not a S.140
Application to disturb relics. The Act defines ‘relic’ as -
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Any deposit, object or material evidence
a) which relates to the settlement of the area that comprises New South Wales, not
being an Aboriginal settlement, and
b) which is 50 or more years old.
The ‘relics’; provision of the Heritage Act apply to all land within The Rocks.
6.6 COMMUNITY GROUPS
6.6.1 NATIONAL TRUST OF AUSTRALIA (NSW) Lawson House has not been classified by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
Listing on the Register of the National Trust carries no statutory implications. The Trust’s
opinions however, are usually sought when major proposals are being formulated in heritage
precincts or in relation to heritage buildings.
6.7 BUILDING REGULATIONS
The Building Code of Australia is concerned with establishing uniform building regulations
across Australia. The Code is implemented in NSW through the Local Government Act 1993.
Generally, minimum standards are required to be reached in building works.
The main provisions of the Code concern structural requirements, fire resistance, access and
egress (including provisions for people with disabilities), services and equipment and health
and amenities.
An assessment of compliance of the complex with the Code has not been carried out for this
report.
In general, when considering the Building Code of Australia in heritage buildings, proposals
must ensure that significance fabric and spatial qualities are not compromised.
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6.8 BASELINE ARCHAEOLOGICAL ASSESSMENT
The archaeological potential of the site was assessed in The Rocks and Millers Point
Archaeological Management Plan32 (AR120) as referenced in the SHFA Heritage Register
(B021) which recommends:
Archaeological Assessment Condition: Mostly Disturbed
Assessment Basis: Basements
Recommended Management – Above
Ground Archaeological Remains:
An archaeological watching brief or
monitoring program is recommended
Recommended Management – Below
Ground Archaeological Remains:
An archaeological watching brief or
monitoring program is recommended
6.8.1 BELOW GROUND The historical development of the site indicates European occupation since 1788. There were
small cottages documented on the site from as early as 1840 and typical residential masonry
structures were constructed after the 1860s. Residences included a row of terraces on the
Cumberland Street frontage constructed in 1877 and remaining on site until the early 1920s,
when they were demolished to make way for the subject building. Similarly, the Gloucester
Street frontage was occupied by terraces from the mid 1860s. Deep features such as cellars,
wells and cesspits may be present in former yards and the site has high potential to contain
deposits, surfaces and structural features relating to the former dwellings and associated
structures on the site.
The Cumberland Street frontage was cut to the level of Gloucester Street when the subject
building was constructed. It is unlikely that archaeological features and deposits will survive
on this frontage. At the rear however, properties 212-216 had basement levels and access to
Gloucester Street. From 1870 onwards the land on Gloucester Street behind these buildings
remained vacant save for the associated out buildings of 212- 216. There is high potential for
evidence of this former yard to should ground disturbance be undertaken.
The adjacent land at 171-193 Gloucester Street was assessed by Wilson and Douglas for
Stamford Windsor LTD. These are likely to be equivalent sites archaeologically and
assessment concluded that archaeological potential was low at the Cumberland Street
frontage.33 The archaeological potential of the Gloucester Street frontage was judged more
32 Higginbotham, Kass & Walker, The Rocks and Millers Point Archaeological Management Plan, 1991. This document was not sited but the SHFA Heritage Register entry included the recommendation for the subject site. 33 “171-193 Gloucester Street The Rocks NSW: A Research Design and Excavation Methodology for Proposed Historical Archaeological Investigations at the Site.” Prepared by Graham Wilson and Peter CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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highly, with moderate to high potential for evidence of yard deposits, structural remains,
services, in situ soil profiles and internal occupation deposits.34 Therefore it is considered that
Gloucester Street frontage has a similar moderate to high potential for deposits relating to the
dwellings at 197-199 and 195 Gloucester Street, and the rear yard surfaces, wells and
cesspits of the 212-216 Cumberland Street dwellings have. There is a higher potential for
subsurface deposits such as wells and cesspits.
The potential for Aboriginal archaeology is very low due to the extent of change that has
occurred to the site since the end of the eighteenth century. However the existence of
remains is not impossible though they are more likely in a contact context.
6.8.2 ABOVE GROUND Roof, and between-floor spaces are unlikely to contain archaeological relics due to the type of
construction. However, if found the disturbance of such relics should be minimised. If they
do need to be removed, this should only be done by, or under the direction of, a qualified
archaeologist. Locations should be recorded and items conserved, catalogued and stored in
accordance with the SHFA and NSW Heritage Office Guidelines.
6.8.3 RECOMMENDATION The archaeological potential is considered at least moderate based on the historical evidence
and the archaeological assessment, test excavation and recent watching brief of the adjacent
site. An Archaeological Assessment for the site should be prepared prior to the preparation of
any proposal that includes excavation.
Douglas of Archaeological and Heritage Management Solutions Pty Ltd on behalf of Stamford Windsor Ltd, January 2005, p14 34 ibid. CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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7.0 CONSERVATION POLICIES
7.1 PREAMBLE
Conservation can be regarded as the management of change. It seeks to safeguard that
which is important in the built environment within a process of change and development. As
such, it is one of the functions of this document to establish criteria, policies and
recommendations for the conservation and on-going use of the buildings as an appropriate
and desirable future direction. In this way the owners and managers of the place/buildings
will be able to formulate proposals within a known framework of acceptable directions, and
planning authorities will be able to assess those proposals against the criteria.
The following section identifies Policies and Guidelines as the two basic mechanisms with
which to achieve the conservation and on-going use of the subject building in the context of
the adaptive re-use and necessary upgrade of the various building components. A brief
Background provides the context for each of the policies. The Policies identify basic
conservation guidelines, which are required to be met. They are supported by Guidelines and
in places they should be clearly identified by the proponent and discussed in any
Development Application submission.
7.2 APPLICATION OF THE BURRA CHARTER
The Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter 1999,35 known as The Burra Charter, is widely
accepted in Australia as the underlying methodology by which all works to sites/buildings,
which have been identified as having national, state and regional significance are undertaken.
Lawson House has been assessed as having cultural significance within a local and state
wide context and therefore the procedures for managing change and activities at the place
should be in accordance with the recognised conservation methodology of the Burra Charter.
7.2.1 CONSISTENT TERMINOLOGY In order to achieve a consistency in approach and understanding of the meaning of
conservation by all those involved a standardised terminology for conservation processes and
related actions should be adopted. The terminology in the Burra Charter is a suitable basis
for this. Article 1 of the Burra Charter36 gives the following definitions -
35 The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance 1999 36 Ibid, p2 CITY PLAN HERITAGE
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Place means site, area, land, landscape, building or other work, group of buildings or other
works, and may include components, contents, spaces and views.
Cultural significance means aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or spiritual value for past,
present or future generations.
Cultural significance is embodied in the place itself, its fabric, setting, use,
associations, meanings, records, related places and related objects. Places may
have a range of values for different individuals or groups.
Fabric means all the physical material of the place including components, fixtures, contents,
and objects.
Conservation means all the processes of looking after a place so to retain its cultural
significance.
Maintenance means the continuous protective care of the fabric and setting of a place, and is
to be distinguished from repair. Repair involves restoration or reconstruction.
Preservation means maintaining the fabric of a place in its existing state and retarding
deterioration.
Restoration means returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by
removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without the introduction of new
material.
Reconstruction means returning the place to a known earlier state and is distinguished from
restoration by the introduction of new material into the fabric.
Adaptation means modifying a place to suit the existing use or a proposed use.
Use means the functions of a place, as well as the activities and practices that may occur at
the place.
Compatible use means a use which respects the cultural significance of a place. Such a use
involves no, or minimal, impact on cultural significance.
Setting means the area around a place, which may include the visual catchment.
Related place means a place that contributes to the cultural significance of another place.
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7.3 THE USE OF LAWSON HOUSE
Background The subject building was constructed for a commercial use, specifically as a depot and offices
for the Cadbury-Fry operations in Sydney. The use was generally retained by subsequent
occupants. Craig Mostyn Pty Ltd is a food service/supply company that used the building in a
similar manner to Cadburys while the current users, Lawson-Menzies, are auctioneers who
use the place for storage, showrooms, offices and auctions.
Policy Conserve the commercial use of the existing building where possible. Allow for the
sympathetic adaptive reuse of the place where necessary for the conservation of significance.
Guidelines
• Allow for sympathetic changes to the place in accordance with the Conservation Policies
of this CMP to maintain the use.
• The policy should allow for the expansion of the business in a viable way that does not
compromise the significant fabric of the heritage item.
• Any proposal for adaptive reuse should demonstrate that the conservation of the existing
building is not viable without the change of use.
• An adaptive reuse should financially provide for the ongoing and continued conservation
of the building and the maintenance of significance fabric.
• Any adaptive reuse is to have a positive impact for the conservation of significant fabric.
This is to be achieved through a Schedule of Conservation Works prepared, adopted and
implemented in association with a proposal for major change or the adaptive reuse of the
building.
• If the original and significant use of the place becomes no longer viable to the detriment of
the significant fabric then a sympathetic adaptive reuse of the place may be considered at
which time this CMP should be reviewed.
7.4 ASSET MANAGEMENT
7.4.1 SHFA RESPONSIBILITIES Background Lawson House as part of The Rocks, is owned by the Crown and vested in the Sydney
Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA). SHFA has overall responsibility for the management of
the place.
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Policy Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority shall retain management of Lawson House as a single
entity within the overall context of The Rocks precinct.
Guidelines
• The Authority should implement a management structure that integrates development and
conservation work with the overall management of Lawson House.
• SHFA should make this Conservation Management Plan a publicly accessible document.
• SHFA should ensure that this document and any subsequent recording and investigations
are achieved in such a manner that provides an accurate record of the changes to the
significant fabric of Lawson House.
• The intention, aims and policies of this CMP shall be disseminated through, and
implemented by, relevant key staff of SHFA.
• SHFA shall adequately assess the impact of proposed modifications to significant fabric,
prior to the granting of owner's consent.
• All recording, when required, should be undertaken and archived in accordance with the
recording guidelines prepared by the NSW Heritage Office.
• A program of regular monitoring should be established, covering both the physical
changes within Lawson House and visitor experience issues, and be incorporated, where
relevant, into management decisions.
• The Authority should investigate mechanisms which give it better control of the design,
documentation and implementation of work to heritage buildings. One option, which
should be investigated, is that all such activities be undertaken directly by the Authority
and paid for by the tenant.
7.4.2 ADOPTION, ENDORSEMENT AND REVIEW OF THE CMP Background The Conservation Management Plan (CMP) for Lawson House proposes a framework for the
management of heritage issues in relation to upgrading and adaptive re-use projects and, into
the long term, to ensure that the identified significance of the complex is retained and
maintained.
Circumstances, however, will change over the years as various recommendations are
implemented and new use requirements emerge. Conservation Policies need to
progressively respond to changing situations if they are to remain relevant.
Policy This Conservation Management Plan should be adopted as one of the bases for the future
management of the site. Conservation Policies should be reviewed every five years.
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Guidelines
• Reviews of the CMP should be based on The Burra Charter and other guidelines, such as
those by the NSW Heritage Office.
• Reviews should also take into account any other relevant legislation, planning
frameworks, appropriate literature and widely recognised conservation practices and
procedures.
• Reviews should be undertaken by experienced conservation practitioners in conjunction
with relevant ownership and management representatives.
• Irrespective of the requirement to review the document every 5 years, the CMP should
remain as a valid basis for on-going heritage management until such reviews are
completed.
7.4.3 REQUIRED APPROVALS Background To prevent gradual loss of cultural significance through incremental change, a mechanism for
controlling any modifications by tenants to the significant fabric needs to be established.
There are three principle EPIs under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979
that are applicable to The Rocks:
1. State Environmental Planning Policy (Major Projects) 2005: This separates
applications into those with over $5 millon investment, which require a Major Project
Application, and those with less than $5 million investment, which require a
Development Application.
2. Sydney Regional Environmental Plan (Sydney Harbour Catchment) 2005: The Rocks
is within 'Foreshores and Waterways Area' as defined in the SREP. The SREP
requires consideration of development in relation to specified criteria.
3. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (SCRA) Scheme : the scheme is an EPI for
The Rocks and inlcudes maximum building heights and permissible uses.
Reference should be made to section 6.5 of this CMP for further detail on the approvals
process.
SHFA recieves and processes Development Applications and Major Project Applications with
delgation to determin Developemnt Applications. Major Project Applications are reported to
the Minister for determination. SHFA also has delegation from the NSW Heritage Council to
approve minor Section 60 and Standard Exemption applications.
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Policy Before doing work to any part of Lawson House or lodging a development application or a
Section 60 application, the proponent should liaise with SHFA’s heritage architect and obtain
the consent of the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.
Guidelines
• Prior to granting owner’s consent to a proposal, the SHFA should, in its capacity as land
owner and manager, be satisfied that there are no adverse heritage impacts associated
with the proposal. Where necessary, a Heritage Impact Assessment and adequate
documentation of the proposed works should be required to assist in the assessment of
owner’s consent applications.
• SHFA has the delegated authority to assess proposals under the NSW Heritage Office
Standard Exemption. An applicant should liaise with SHFA to determine when the
Standard Exemptions are applicable to a particular application.
7.4.4 TENANCY Background To prevent the gradual loss of cultural significance through incremental change, a mechanism
for controlling any modifications undertaken by tenants to the significant fabric needs to be
established.
Policy All tenants of the building should be made aware of the cultural significance of the item.
Tenancies should only be selected/approved by SHFA on the basis that the proposed or
future uses are compatible with the significance, and the sensitive fabric and spaces, and can
be installed and removed without impact.
Guidelines
• Tenants shall adopt the guidelines of this CMP in their planning and design.
• Tenants should be aware of Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority policies.
• The impact of proposed modifications to significant fabric should be adequately assessed,
prior to the granting of owner's consent
7.4.5 APPROPRIATE CONSERVATION SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE Background The Burra Charter encourages the use of skilled and appropriate professional direction and
supervision from a range of disciplines for conservation activities.
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The attitudes, skills and experience required and creative approaches taken in the context of
a conservation project are quite different to those applied to the design and construction of
new buildings.
Policy Appropriate conservation skills and experience should be available within project teams to
deal with any programs of conservation and upgrading of the building components of Lawson
House.
Guidelines
• Appropriate professional skills and experience assembled to work on the detailed
conservation of the building could include, as appropriate, researchers, archaeologists,
architects, structural engineers, building code compliance advisers, materials
conservation specialists and cost planners.
• Building contractors, project managers and trades personnel who are experienced with
working on historic buildings should be selected to work on the project.
7.5 MANAGEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE
7.5.1 RETENTION OF SIGNIFICANCE Background Lawson House was constructed for the well known confectionary company Cadbury-Fry Pty
Ltd in 1924 as their Sydney depot. The building is a good and substantially intact example of
an Inter War commercial building constructed in the Free Classical style of architecture.
Policy The statement of significance should be adopted as the basis for heritage management. All
decisions should consider and seek to retain the values identified in the Statement of
Significance.
Guidelines
• The existing external architectural character and imagery of Lawson House should be
retained and conserved. Conservation should be undertaken in the context of the on-
going use of the building components as a commercial building.
• The conservation, adaptation and maintenance of Lawson House should be approached
with the general principle of changing “as much as necessary but as little as possible”.
• Structural alteration to the building components, which impact on the integrity or
significance of Lawson House, should not occur.
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• Future uses should be compatible with the nature and significance of the building
components and should enable Lawson House to remain a vital and important component
within The Rocks precinct.
• Internal alterations and renovations are acceptable within the context of compatible use;
however they should not impact on the significance of the original or significant internal
fabric, the external façades or the principle building envelope.
• Internal alterations to spaces of lesser significance are allowable to facilitate the ongoing
use provided an interpretation of the original spatial qualities of the space is retained and
no significance fabric is detrimentally altered.
• No externally mounted air-conditioning, ventilation equipment, water heaters or service
components should be visible from the street or impact negatively on the elevations.
• Evidence of the progressive evolution of Lawson House should be respected and retained
where it enhances the ability to interpret the significant values of the item.
• External form, size, height, roof scape and detailing of existing original elements of
Lawson House should be retained.
• The internal configuration of the ground floor office and entry spaces and the associated
fabric are to be conserved.
7.5.2 CONSERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT FABRIC Background One of the key objectives of contemporary conservation practice is that as much of the
significant original fabric of the building or place should be retained and conserved in order to
preserve the essential integrity of the heritage resource for future generations. While any
conservation activity will affect the building in some way, the aim, consistent with responsible
re-use or management aims, should be to minimise the work necessary. In this way the
authenticity of the item will be retained as far as possible within a process of evolutionary
changes and good maintenance practice.
The existing building fabric of Lawson House, both internally and externally, is in good
condition, substantially intact and largely in context with other original elements of fabric. The
building features significant detailing, fittings and joinery related to the Free Classical style of
architecture from the Inter War period and it is these elements that generally give the building
its aesthetic values. The warehouse type use of the building resulted in a rather utilitarian
fitout throughout most of the internal spaces which exhibit few decorative or ornamental
elements except for those around the more public areas such as the main entry.
The building components of Lawson House have been carefully assessed to identify the
differing levels of contribution each makes to the significance of the overall site. The grading
utilises a five-tier system of values: exceptional significance, considerable significance, some
significance, little significance and intrusive.
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The grading of significance of the various elements of Lawson House is a valuable planning
tool, and it assists in developing a consistent approach to the treatment of different elements.
The various grades of significance generate different requirements for retention and
conservation of individual spaces and their various elements.
Policy Extant building fabric, both internally and externally should be retained and conserved, in
accordance with the levels of significance identified in Section 5.4 Ranking of Individual Areas
and Elements of this Conservation Management Plan.
Guidelines
• Items identified as being of exceptional and high significance should be retained and
conserved in situ. Any work, which affects the fabric or external appearance of these
items should be confined to Preservation, Restoration, Reconstruction, or Adaptation as
defined by The Burra Charter. They should also be subject to continuing care and
Maintenance.
• Where the fabric is of moderate significance, some intervention is permissible.
Adaptation, relocation or alteration to components of these items and spaces is
acceptable provided that it protects the overall cultural significance, and is carefully
considered and executed. Such work should take place within defined work programs
and should not be the product of general maintenance or sporadic alterations.
• Elements assessed as of little significance provide evidence of long term use and
support the character and overall quality of the place. They have particular qualities that
can expand overall interpretive themes, but are generally not regarded as essential to the
major aspects of significance of a building or place, often fulfilling a functional role and/ or
are in poor condition. Both retention and removal are acceptable options, depending on
the element. Major interventions should be confined to areas where the fabric is of little
significance. A minimalist approach should be taken in removing fabric graded as little
significance and limited to protecting and enhancing fabric of greater cultural significance,
or allowing practical use of the building.
• Elements identified as intrusive can reduce or obscure the overall significance of the
place, despite their role as illustrators of the site’s progressive development. The
preferred option is for their removal, conversion to a more compatible form or
replacement in a way, which help to retain the overall significance of the item. These
items need not be addressed immediately. A minimalist approach should be taken in
removing fabric graded as intrusive and limited to protecting and enhancing fabric of
greater cultural significance, or allowing practical use of the building.
• Original external and internal fabric, which has been identified as of exceptional or high
significance should be retained and conserved.
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• No conservation or maintenance work should alter or negatively impact on the significant
elements of the external façades or significant internal fabric/space.
• Decayed building fabric, which is not likely to be causing on-going deterioration should
not be repaired for visual reasons if by doing so the patina of age and ability to
successfully interpret various stages of use is degraded.
• Where repairs or alterations are required, new material should closely match original or
adjacent materials. However, evidence of change should not be so well matched as to be
impossible to read on close inspection.
• All structural elements should be retained and conserved with appropriate maintenance.
• All original doors, windows, floors, joinery, balustrades, staircases and associated
landings should be retained, with appropriate maintenance.
• Where it is clear that original or significant fabric has been removed it is considered
appropriate to reconstruct based on extant fabric and/or documentary evidence provided
that the reconstruction works will not detrimentally impact on any extant original or
significant fabric.
• Where the significant fabric has been removed and is stored onsite the fabric should be
reinstated to the original location or adapted for a new use an location if the original
location is not able to be determined.
• The existing goods lift should be conserved and adapted with the retention of fabric,
fittings and the motor.
7.5.3 CONSERVATION OF SIGNIFICANT SPACES Background The significance of various building components of Lawson House is characterised by their
architectural form and detailing and the spatial qualities related to the original use of the
place. Some later partitions have been inserted into original rooms and spaces and additional
office spaces have been created with later partitions on each floor. As an example of an Inter
War Free Classical building it features various elements that belong to the style such as the
arrangement of the facades, the fitout of the entry lobby and ground floor offices. As a
commercial building that was used in a warehouse fashion with offices it also features large
open plan spaces. Furthermore, this use meant that most of the spaces feature a utilitarian
fitout based on their use.
Policy The spatial qualities of Lawson House contribute to its significance and interpretation and
therefore should be conserved as part of its on-going use. Alterations may occur to the
spatial qualities of the building provided it does not impact upon the ability to interpret the
significance of the place or detrimentally impact upon significant fabric.
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Guidelines
• Where the opportunity arises the original configuration of an altered space may be
reinstated or reconstructed based on physical or documentary evidence provided no
detrimental impact occurs to extant significant fabric or spaces.
• The original ground floor office and entry spaces are to be conserved with no further
division or amalgamation of spaces even if other levels and spaces are altered for the
provision of separate tenancies. It is desirable that these significant spaces remain in use
by a single tenancy.
• Alterations may occur to the open plan spaces of the basement, first and second floors
provided the extent of the floor space remains interpretable and a majority of the floor
space (over 50%) remains open plan. Alterations to these spaces are to be reversible.
• The spatial qualities related to the external form of the building are significant and should
not be detrimentally altered. Additional structures may be added to the roof provided they
do not impact upon significant fabric, are necessary to the conservation and continuing
use of the place, are almost wholly obscured from public spaces, are secondary and
distinct to the original form and architectural character of the building.
• It is desirable that the building be used by a single tenant to more appropriately maintain
significant spatial configuration of the place and to limit the introduction of intrusive
services and changes for building code and safety requirements. However, separate
tenancies may be created for each floor level or even within each level if it is necessary
for the continued viable conservation of the place. The division of original or significant
spaces should allow for the interpretation of those spaces and its history as a single
entity.
7.5.4 ARCHAEOLOGICAL MONITORING Background No detailed Archaeological Assessment of the place has been undertaken. The site is
entirely built upon by the existing building and due to the integrity and significance of the
place it is unlikely that excavation will occur to the site except for the provision of new
services. Prior to the construction of the site it was occupied by a number of mid Victorian
residences of varying quality fronting Cumberland and Gloucester Streets and there is the
potential for relics associated with this phase of use of the site. The existing building is likely
to have significantly disturbed the site, particularly along the Cumberland Street frontage,
however there is at least moderate potential for the survival of relics related to those
structures formerly along Gloucester Street.
The Heritage Act 1977 states that any excavation, where relics may be disturbed, requires an
excavation permit. In the case of an item listed on the SHR, such as Lawson House, as
Section 60 application to the NSW Heritage Office is required.
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Policy All work involving excavation of the site should be carried out under archaeological
supervision by a qualified archaeologist.
Guidelines
• Based on the significance of the site and the archaeological assessment, test excavation
and recent watching brief for the adjacent site, it is the recommendation of the CMP that a
detailed archaeological assessment be undertaken prior to any works being proposed
that include excavation of the site or disturbance of below ground deposits.
7.5.5 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE AND REPAIR Background The nature of any building is that its fabric will deteriorate due to the effects of age,
maintenance, weather, vegetation incursion and use. To ensure the on-going conservation of
significant building fabric, a regular maintenance schedule should be implemented, which
provides for regular inspection and for remedial action to be taken where necessary.
Policy The significant fabric of Lawson House should be maintained by the implementation of the
short, medium and long-term maintenance program outlined in Section 8.3 Ongoing
Maintenance.
Guidelines
• The building fabric and services should be subject to continuing care and maintenance by
SHFA.
• In addition to regular maintenance activities, prompt preventative action and repair should
be taken as necessary.
• Prevention of continuing deterioration should take priority over widespread repair or
reconstruction.
• Inspection and maintenance works should only be conducted by those with professional
knowledge and experience of buildings and materials.
• No maintenance work or repairs should negatively impact on significant fabric.
• Maintenance and repair works are to be carried out by tradespeople with demonstrated
heritage skills, experience and knowledge.
• Regular maintenance should be carried out on the Cumberland and Gloucester Street
elevations, including cleaning and repair of damaged brickwork and sandstone.
Sandstone in particular should be monitored for decay.
• The site should be monitored for rust in the windows and awnings, ensuring that the sills
are not coming away from the brick and checking for cracking brickwork.
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7.5.6 CONTROLS ON INTERVENTION Background Article 3 of The Burra Charter indicates that conservation is based on a respect for the
existing fabric of a place and should therefore involve the least possible physical intervention
in order not to distort the evidence provided by the fabric.
Adaptations of existing fabric for practical reasons such as installation of new services and
equipment, and the need to meet fire safety and other statutory requirements may be required
in terms of securing a viable use for the building components as a whole, and satisfying the
changing needs of the general public.
Policy Intervention into building fabric for non-conservation purposes should generally be restricted
to approved programs of re-use or upgrading of service areas and facilities.
Guidelines
• Intervention into any building fabric should respect the integrity of the extant material, be
carefully controlled, and be limited to that required by the proposed works.
• Limited intervention for exploratory or research purposes should generally be restricted to
approved programs of re-use, or upgrading of service areas and facilities.
• Intervention should not be detrimental to the original fabric.
• Existing service areas may be upgraded. Any upgrading is subject to the proper approval
process.
• New internal floor coverings are permissible, but should have minimal impact on the floor
structure.
7.5.7 RETENTION OF FIXTURES AND FITTINGS Background Much of the fittings and fixtures to the original offices on the ground floor and the entry are
intact. These are significant relics of the site’s historic use and aesthetic character that
contribute to the special character of the building components and Lawson House as a whole.
Policy Features and fixtures associated with the site’s historic use as a commercial building
constructed in the Inter War Free Classical style of architecture should be retained and
preserved.
Guidelines
• The retention and conservation of these features and fixtures should be considered as
part of the design work for future adaptive re-use programs.
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• Where original fittings and fixtures have been removed, and there is physical evidence of
the original type (eg. a surviving door handle), they should be reconstructed.
• External face brick work and stone work must not be painted.
• Interior applied finishes should be conserved and further changes closely controlled by
the SHFA so as not to lessen the significance of or an understanding of the interiors. At
an appropriate time an investigation of the original and significant finishes including paint,
tiles and floor covering, should be undertaken.
7.5.8 INTERPRETATION Background Interpretation of historic places essentially reveals long-term connections and cohesions
which underpin our cultural identity. To "interpret" an historic place, in its geographic and
physical setting, is to bring its history to life to increase the public’s understanding, and,
through this extended understanding, to give them an enhanced perception the significance of
the place.
The primary significance of Lawson House is its aesthetic values and its association with The
Rocks precinct. These values are largely self interpreting as the form, architectural style and
period evident in the fabric of the building itself. Conservation works will enhance the ability
to interpret these significant values. The building’s historical associations with the Cadbury-
Fry Company are relatively limited in significance and not considered worthy of introduced
interpretative materials.
Policy The heritage significance of Lawson House should be interpreted on site by appropriate
methods.
Guidelines
• The policies for the treatment of significant fabric interpret its contribution to The Rocks
precinct and aesthetic values. These values are self interpreting and do not require
introduced interpretive materials or methods.
• The interpretation of the place’s significance is to be achieved through the conservation of
significant use, fabric and spaces. Interpretation should take into account all the historic
phases of use and change of Lawson House.
• If significant fabric is removed and is not able to be adapted then it should be relocated
onsite in an interpretative manner. The fabric may be identified and interpreted in a
creative manner appropriate to its level of significance, should be located in a publicly
accessible place and should have no detrimental impact to extant significant fabric.
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7.6 NEW WORK POLICIES
7.6.1 INTEGRATION OF NEW WORK Background The scope for new development is relatively limited due to the significance of Lawson House.
In general, no external alterations or additions should occur, except minor additions for
services or where these can be largely concealed from public view and not detrimentally
impact on the overall aesthetic value of the building. Within the general principles outlined
above in this Conservation Management Plan, some relatively minor internal alterations and
additions could occur. These should generally be confined to less significant areas and
should only affect limited amounts of original fabric. New work should be carefully designed
and integrated with the original character of the significant components.
Policy The introduction of new fabric should be undertaken in such a manner that it does not result
in a lessening of the cultural significance of the place. New work should be identifiable as
such and should, where possible, be capable of being removed without damage to significant
fabric or spaces.
Guidelines
• When a new function is being introduced, a new architectural vocabulary of details and
materials may be adopted provided it is sympathetic to the existing architectural
character. The new architectural vocabulary may be contemporary in style.
• Detailing that replicates or mimics that from the original phase of construction should only
be used to elements for which there is clear evidence of the original detail (either
remaining in the fabric or in documents).
• Where there is no evidence of the original detail, it is not necessary to invent a period
detail (unless the original character of the space is to be recreated and the new element
is required to blend in). However, new elements should be sympathetic with the
character of the significant space.
• Careful detailing will ensure minimal damage to the significant fabric and will allow for
reversibility.
• Where a function is being re-established, new fittings and fixtures may be adopted to
complement the existing architectural character.
• Allow for innovative development and expansion of the facilities in a viable way that
conserves the significance of the place
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7.6.2 INTEGRATION OF SERVICES Background The installation of services is an intrinsic component of the contemporary functioning and
viability of Lawson House. It is recognised that periodic upgrading of services within the
building components will be required. The building currently features a variety of modern
services including additional lighting, security, sprinkler systems and mechanical ventilation
that have generally been installed in sympathetic manner.
Policy The extension or alteration of existing services in Lawson House is acceptable in the context
of re-use, but should not have a detrimental impact to the significance of the building
components as a whole.
Guidelines
• Any proposed upgrading of services should be carefully planned. The preparation of
schematic layouts is not sufficient as service routes must be planned so no damage
occurs to the significant fabric or disrupts significant spaces.
• Areas previously modified for services should be re-used, in preference to modifying
intact significant fabric.
• The surface mounting and/or suspension of services is preferable to chasing services into
significant fabric; in particular face brickwork, stonework and timber.
• Brackets or fixings for services should not damage nor obscure significant fabric or limit
an understanding of significant spaces and fabric.
• Fire upgrading works should not entail the removal of existing building fabric or their
concealment behind modern finishes.
• No externally mounted air conditioning, ventilation equipment or water heaters should be
visible from the street or impact negatively on the façade.
7.6.3 ORDINANCE COMPLIANCE Background The Building Code of Australia is the operative building ordinance in New South Wales for the
conservation and re-use of heritage buildings.
In terms of on-going use programs, the key issues are usually compliance with fire resistance,
egress provisions, and provision of disabled access and facilities. It is essential that the
cultural values of the buildings and the overall complex not be degraded by inappropriate
responses to meeting ordinance requirements.
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Policy Approaches to compliance with building ordinances for the conservation and upgrading and
re-use programs of the various building components of Lawson House should focus on
responding to the spirit and intent of the ordinances if strict compliance would adversely affect
the significance. Uses which require an unacceptable degree of intervention for upgrading to
ordinance compliance should be avoided.
Guidelines
• Conservation and on-going use programs should not place undue stress on the building
fabric in order to meet excessive requirements of ordinance compliance.
• Methods of complying with ordinance requirements which utilise fire or smoke detection
and active fire suppression are preferred to the addition of fire rating material, which may
obscure extant finishes.
• Future upgrades of the buildings should take into consideration any newly developed
approaches for the implementation of fire safety standards that do not harm the existing
significant fabric.
• When dealing with disability access issues, refer to the document “Access to Heritage
Buildings for People with Disabilities” prepared by E.J. Martin (Cox), August 1997.
7.6.4 SIGNAGE AND EXTERNAL LIGHTING Background It is recognised that commercial and retail tenancy identification and temporary signage are
an intrinsic component of the commercial use and viability of Lawson House as a whole.
External lighting of buildings can add to their character. Signage and external lighting,
however, should have no adverse impact on significant heritage fabric and the overall
character of the place.
Policy External signage and lighting should be in harmony with the overall character of the place,
and complement the historic character of the building on which it is mounted.
Guidelines
• Significant external signage and signage locations, including the moulded stone
stringcourse to the first floor level of Gloucester Street, the stone parapet to both
elevations and the fascia sign to the awning over the Cumberland Street entrance, should
be conserved and reused. No new external signage is allowable.
• Signage identifying the building occupants and users should be located in a sympathetic
and functional place within the main entry foyer.
• Signs and external lighting must be compliant with The Rocks Lighting and Signage
policies.
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• Suitably located signs that provide a legible and clear message and contribute to the
vitality of Lawson House are encouraged.
• Signs on the individual building components should be discreet and complementary in
terms of colour, material, proportion, positioning and font.
• Signs should be harmoniously integrated with the architecture of the building and should
not obscure or damage the significant features or fabric.
• It is not necessary to attempt to create or recreate an “historic” character in the signage,
but modern standardised “trademark” signage is not appropriate.
• Fluorescent and iridescent paints are inappropriate. Signs should preferably be
illuminated by floodlighting.
• The illumination of Lawson House should highlight architectural features rather than
floodlighting whole façades. Care should be taken to ensure that over-illumination does
not occur.
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8.0 IMPLEMENTING THE PLAN
8.1 PREAMBLE
This Conservation Management Plan has been prepared to provide guidelines for the
conservation, reuse, interpretation and management of Lawson House and to ensure that the
heritage value of the place is maintained and enhanced.
This section sets out the implementation guidelines for the policies with associated
management issues.
8.2 MANAGEMENT ISSUES • SHFA to review and adopt this Conservation Management Plan.
• Continue to develop the emerging concepts for the use of Lawson House and its building
components within The Rocks.
• Ensure funding for recurrent long-term maintenance, and ensure that maintenance is
made at the appropriate time.
• Ensure long-term security of Lawson House.
8.3 ON-GOING MAINTENANCE The on-going maintenance schedule refers to cyclical maintenance works to fabric that should
be implemented by the Authority as part of the process of on-going management of Lawson
House. A record of when this work is performed, and any faults discovered, or repairs made,
should be recorded and kept separately alongside a copy of this maintenance schedule.
The attached Ongoing Maintenance Plan (Appendix 10.3) has been prepared in accordance
with the NSW Heritage Office guidelines “The Maintenance of Heritage Assets: A Practical
Guide”. The aim of the plan is to ensure that the protective care of Lawson House is
maintained over time. It is recommended that owners of the building become familiar with the
maintenance plan and responsible for the implementation of the works indicated in the Long
Term Maintenance Plan.
The following maintenance works are required in the short term to mitigate against further
deterioration of significant fabric:
• Water damage to sandstone stringcourse and parapet.
• Damage or cracked external brickwork particularly in corners of windows.
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• Repair of rust on window frames.
• Plant growth in bricks at north end of western elevation.
8.4 EXEMPTIONS UNDER THE NEW SOUTH WALES HERITAGE ACT Background Any major works that are proposed need to be assessed and approved by the Heritage
Council to ensure that the heritage significance of the item will not be adversely affected.
To achieve efficiency and focus only on activities that may affect significance, s.57 of the
Heritage Act contains provisions for granting exemptions for certain activities that would
otherwise require approval under the Act. There are two types of exemptions that can apply to
the property.
• Standard Exemptions such as building maintenance, minor repairs, alterations to certain
interiors and change of use.
• Site Specific Exemptions that relate to a particular property.
Standard Exemptions The NSW Heritage Office has prepared a series of guidelines for the identification of those
exemptions that can be sought as part of the s60 application process. SHFA has delegation
to approve Standard Exemptions.
The current Standard Exemptions for Works Requiring Heritage Council Approval, amended
in March 2006, and can be found at the NSW Heritage Office website at
www.heritage.nsw.gov.au.
Standard Exemptions may apply to maintenance works or alterations to a place listed on the
State Heritage Register.
Works approved under the Standard Exemptions must be carried out in accordance with
relevant Guidelines issued by the Heritage Office including “The Maintenance of Heritage
Assets: A Practical Guide” 1998, “Movable Heritage Principles” 2000 and “The Heritage
Council Policy on Managing Change to Heritage Items”. Furthermore the Standard
Exemptions do not apply to anything affecting relics, places, items or sites of heritage
significance to Aboriginal people or which affect traditional access by Aboriginal people.
The following are the Standard Exemptions:
Standard Exemption 1: Maintenance and Cleaning
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Standard Exemption 2: Repairs
Standard Exemption 3: Painting
Standard Exemption 4: Excavation
Standard Exemption 5: Restoration
Standard Exemption 6: Development Endorsed By the Heritage Council or Director-General
Standard Exemption 7: Minor Activities with No Adverse Impact on Heritage Significance
Standard Exemption 8: Non-Significant Fabric
Standard Exemption 9: Change of Use
Standard Exemption 10: New Buildings
Standard Exemption 11: Temporary Structures
Standard Exemption 12: Landscape Maintenance
Standard Exemption 13: Signage
Standard Exemption 14: Burial Sites and Cemeteries
Standard Exemption 15: Compliance with Minimum Standards and Orders
Standard Exemption 16: Safety and Security
Standard Exemption 17: Movable Heritage Items
Each exemption features its own set of clauses, criteria and guidelines for how to apply for
the exemption and implement the works.
Site Specific Exemptions The existing Standard Exemptions and delegations to SHFA for minor works provide a
sufficient mechanism for minimising unnecessary approvals for minor work to non-significant
fabric without the need for site specific exemptions in an endorsed CMP.
8.5 ADAPTIVE REUSE GUIDELINES 8.5.1 BACKGROUND It is common for the original use of an older building to cease. This may occur for various
reasons such as a company expanding or failing, technologies changing, market pressures
related to land use. Due to the identified cultural significance of the building however, it is
necessary for it to be conserved, use being a crucial component in the conservation process.
Without a viable use it is very difficult to maintain and conserve a building and its significant
values. Retaining the original or similar use is the most appropriate option for conservation as
minimal change to building fabric is likely to be required. If such a use cannot be found and
made viable, then an adaptive reuse will be required. The Burra Charter defines Adaptation
as ‘modifying a place to suit an existing or proposed use’ (Article 1.9). An adaptive reuse will
provide a new and different, yet compatible use that will provide for all aspects of the viable
conservation of the building into the future.
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Lawson House was constructed as a commercial warehouse use. The more compatible or
similar a proposed adaptive reuse is to the original use the less likely it is to result in
detrimental impact to the original fabric. The adaptive reuse must be of sufficient financial
viability to allow for the continued conservation of the place and the fabric.
8.5.2 CRITERIA FOR COMPATIBLE REUSE OPTIONS • An adaptive reuse is to have minimal impact on the significance of the place and should
not reduce the level of significance of the place or its constituent elements. It is to
involve minimal change to significant fabric.
• An adaptive reuse must not erode the ability to comprehend or interpret the significant
values of the place.
• A proposal for an adaptive reuse should demonstrate the consideration of alternatives
and why the chosen proposal is the most appropriate for the conservation of the place.
• Where a significant degree of change is proposed in terms of use and physical works
there is to be a positive benefit that will enhance the conservation and interpretation of
the place’s significance.
• An adaptive reuse use should limit physical impact that materially affects significant fabric
and/or does not allow for reversibility with minimal impact to the fabric.
• A proposal for an adaptive reuse must demonstrate that the existing use is not viable for
the continued conservation of the place and its significant fabric.
8.5.3 ADAPTATION GUIDELINES GENERALLY • The adaptive reuse of all building components is acceptable, with compatible new uses
selected that utilise the original character or permit a creative and responsible reuse of
the fundamental architectural, functional and spatial characteristics as far as possible.
• SHFA shall ensure that any new uses selected for the existing building shall adopt the
principle of "loose fit", where the new use is adjusted as necessary to work within the
available spatial and architectural configuration.
• Adaptation of a building's interior should ensure that the original fabric or significant
architectural and spatial features are retained and interpreted as far as possible.
• The detailed requirements of the new uses should not generate undue changes to the
existing fabric that cannot be reversed in the long term, or which do not respect and work
within the existing architectural framework.
• Subdivision of internal spaces should be undertaken in a secondary manner, using such
items as partitions that can eventually be removed and which do not cut into the existing
finishes or details. The open plan nature of the basement, first and second floors should
be maintained by keeping 50% of the floor space of those levels open plan (see
conservation policy guideline in Section 7.5.3) CITY PLAN HERITAGE 105
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• External alterations and additions may occur to fabric that has previously been altered
and is identified as having little or intrusive significance in this CMP. These changes
should be of a minor nature, and subservient to the primary architectural features and
composition of the existing building.
o Additions may occur to the roof of the building provided they are:
o Almost wholly obscured from public spaces;
o subservient to the existing form of the building;
o setback from all elevations;
o limited to one storey;
o do not detrimentally affect significant fabric;
o and are required for the viable continued use or adaptive reuse of the place.
• Intervention into the building fabric for additions or alterations to services should respect
the integrity of the extant material, and not be detrimental to the original fabric.
• SHFA shall consider alternative approaches to the resolution of functional, safety, BCA or
health requirements to minimise any adverse impact upon significant fabric or features.
• Redundant but significant equipment, fittings and fixtures are to be retained on site,
preferably in their existing location, or in a new location as appropriate for their
interpretation.
• The introduction of new services and associated fittings as part of approved reuse
programs should be carried out with the minimum of disruption to the fabric and spaces.
• Existing or old service chases or conduits should be reused in preference to new chases.
Services should be rationalised, grouped and treated to minimise intrusion.
• Uses which require an unacceptable degree of intervention for upgrading to ordinance
compliance should be avoided.
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9.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY
Noosphere Ideas
“Preliminary Conservation Assessment 212-218 Cumberland Street
and 195 Gloucester Street The Rocks” Prepared in consultation with
Duncan Marshall for the SHFA in August 2005
Karyn McLeod
188 Cumberland Street The Rocks, Sydney: Archaeological
Assessment” Prepared for SHFA March 2002
Wilson and Douglas
171-193 Gloucester Street The Rocks NSW. A Research Design and
Excavation Methodology for Proposed Historical Archaeological
Investigations at the Site.” Prepared by Archaeological and Heritage
Management Solutions Pty Ltd on behalf of Stamford Windsor Ltd
January 2005
Ashton and Waterson
“Sydney Takes Shape. A History in Maps.” Doak Press 1977
Kelly, Max
“Anchored in a Small Cove. A history and Archaeology of The Rocks,
Sydney” Sydney Cove Authority 1997
Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd,
The Rocks Heritage Management Plan (2000) adopted February,
2002, is in three volumes, Vol. 1, Vol. 2, Background Papers, and
Vol. 3, Supporting Documentation. For Sydney Cove Authority.
Bates, Harry
Feasibility Estimate and Report for the Fire Safety Upgrade and
Refurbishment of 212-218 Cumberland Street and 16-18 Grosvenor
Street. Prepared for SHFA October 1993
Report of the Observatory Hill Resumed area Development committee 1937,
(NSW Government Printer, Sydney NSW, 1938) located at: State
Archives office box no. 7/5883.
Report of the Housing Board appointed under the Provisions of the “Housing Act, 1912” for
the year ending 30th June 1914 pp 969 Joint Volumes of Papers
presented to the Legislative Council and Legislative Assembly Vol
11, (Sydney, W.A. Gullick, Government Printer, Phillip St, 1915)
Concise Guide to the Archives of NSW (& Supplements)
Sydney, Archives Authority of NSW, 1970
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Online Resources
NSW Heritage Office: http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au
The Rocks: http://www.rocksvillage.com/
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority: http://www.shfa.nsw.gov.au
Cadbury Australia website http://www.cadbury.com.au
Lawson Menzies Auctioneers, Sydney and Melbourne:
http://www.lawsonmenzies.com.au
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10.0 APPENDIX
10.1 OCCUPATION AT THE SUBJECT SITE
The tenants of the properties are sourced from the Sands Directory and the Rate Books.
Those from the Rate Books are entered in blue, all others are from the Sands Directory.
Owners, building/site descriptions and rated values are from the Rate Books.
212 Cumberland Street Tenants: 1848 James J. Bislin 1858 Thomas Galbraith 1873 Edward Davison 1875/6-1877 Miss Ellen Nolan (Dressmaker) 1877 Elizabeth Nolan 1878/9-1882 Miss Fanny Harvey (Mantlemaker) 1883 Lewis White 1884 Mrs. Jane Brown (Boardinghouse) 1885-1887 Mrs. Mary Evans 1889-1893 Mrs. Evans <1890 Elizabeth Nolan <1894 Louis White 1895-1900 Mary Evans 1895-1897 John Selsby 1898-1904 David Baird/ Bird 1901-1907 John Selby 1905 Edward Roberts 1906-1907 Frederick Robertson 1908-1924 Joseph Mannix 1911-1914 Maria Mannix 1914-1921 Joseph Mannix 212 Cumberland Street
1848 Brick House with shingled roof. Two floors and six rooms. Owned by
John Magrath
<1856 demolished
1857-1872 It is likely the site remained vacant as there is no Sands record at the
site for this period and Rate Books list the site as vacant land in 1861,
1867, 1868 and 1871
1873 Building present. The site was tenanted but no details could be obtained
from the rate books
<1877 Four storey house made of brick with slate roof and seven rooms.
Owned by Robert Watson.
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<1890-1900 Four storey house made of brick with slate roof and seven rooms.
Owned by Robert Watson. Noted as being a “New House”
1901-1907 Owned by Robert Watson. Two storey brick house with iron roof and
seven rooms. 41 pounds
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1907-1923 Three/ four storey brick house with slate roof and eight rooms NSW Gov
RR. 36 Pounds
1918-1921 Lessee S.L Harvey
1924 Construction of New Sydney warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
214 Cumberland Street
Tenants:
1848 Henry J Mortram 1857 Thomas Galbraith (owner/occupier) 1858 Jack Byrnes 1858 Thomas Galbraith (Cooper) 1858 Jack Byrnes 1861 Thomas Fennell (Painter) 1861 William Holloway 1862-1864 Edward Damon 1864-1867 John Edward Damon (Master Mariner) 1867 John Damon 1868 Sands lists the building as vacant 1868-1871 Edward Damon 1869-1870 Edward Demond (Master Mariner) 1871-1876 Edward ? Damon (Possibly the same tenant as the previous year) 1875/6-1877 F. Touchett (A similar name is recorded at 216 in 1879) 1877 F Teuchette 1879 Christopher Pitt (Tailor) 1880 Reverend A.M Jarvie (Presbyterian Minister) 1881/2-1884 Robert Caldwell 1885 James Holloway 1886 William Thearle 1887 Mrs. B. Warner 1889 Frederick Tauchert <1890 F. Youchette 1890 Otto W. Kitzing 1891 Mrs. Sugden 1892-1904 Mrs. Mary Williams <1894 Robert Caldwell 1895-1900 Esther Sugden 1901-1907 Mary William 1905-1906 Mrs. Bridget Barry 1907 Mrs. Millicent Barry (Possible relation of former tenant) 1907-1911 Millicent Barry 1908-1915 Frederick Robertson (Formerly of 212 Cumberland Street) 1911-1914 Frederick Robertson 1916-1924 Norman Cooper 1918-1921 Norman Cooper
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214 Cumberland Street
1848 Brick Public House owned by Elizabeth Thompson. Shingled with two
floors and eight rooms and stables out the back
<1857 demolished
1857-1858 Wooden dwelling with two rooms and shingled roof owned by Thomas
Galbraith
<1861 demolished
1861 Shingled brick house owned by Robert Watson. Single storey with three
rooms and noted as a “new house”
1862-1876 Small single storey wooden house off the street with two or three rooms.
Zinc roof and owned by Robert Watson. In bad repair in 1864
c.1876 demolished
1877 Four storey house made of brick with slate roof and seven rooms.
Owned by Robert Watson.
<1890-1900 Four storey brick house with slate roof and seven rooms. Owned by
Robert Watson. Listed as being a “New House”
1901-1907 Owned by Robert Watson. Two storey brick house with iron roof and
seven rooms. 62 pounds
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1907-1923 Three/four storey brick house with slate roof and eight rooms NSW Gov
RR. 46 Pounds
1924 Construction of New Sydney warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
216 Cumberland Street
Tenants:
1848 John Bourke 1857 Patrick Byrne 1858 Thomas Buckley (Tailor) 1858 Myer Moses 1859/60-1861 William MacGregor 1861-1864 William MacGregor 1865-1866 William MacGregor (Labourer- thereafter at 195 Gloucester Street) 1867 Rate book claims the house is unoccupied 1867 John Willing (Master Mariner) 1868 Sands lists the building as vacant 1869 James Taylor (Master Mariner) 1870 John Garrard (Compositor) 1871 Ralph Medina 1868-1876 Adam Stephens 1873 Francis Fletcher 1875/6-1877 Hermann Finckh (Jeweler) 1877 Herman Finckh
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1879 F. Tauchert (Cab Proprietor) 1880-1883 Susan Myers/Mears and Henry Myers 1884-1886 Mrs. B. Corbett 1887-1892 Mrs. James H. Carlberg (Boardinghouse) <1890 A Finch 1893-1894 Charles Miller (Engraver) <1894 Susan Meyer 1895-1900 C. Miller 1895-1898 Patrick Leonard 1899 John Cummings 1900-1924 Mrs. Margaret Butler 1901-1907 ? Leonard 1907-1921 Margaret Butler
216 Cumberland Street
1848 Wooden House owned by ?Dickson. Shingled single storey with two
rooms.
<1857 demolished
1857-1858 Shingled stone single storey dwelling with one room. Owned by W.S.
Moutry
1862-1864 Stone house shingled with one – two rooms. Owned by W.S Monty
(likely to be the same owner and building as mentioned in 1857)
<1867 demolished
1867-1876 Brick House owned by George Ferguson. Shingled with two or three
storeys and three rooms
1877 Four storey house made of brick with slate roof and seven rooms.
Owned by Robert Watson. 78 pounds
<1890-1900 Four storey house made of brick with slate roof and seven rooms.
Owned by Robert Watson. Noted as being a “New House”
1901-1907 Two storey brick house with iron roof and seven rooms. 62 Pounds.
Owned by Robert Watson
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1907-1923 Three/ four storey brick house with slate roof and seven rooms NSW
Gov RR. 55 Pounds
1924 Construction of New Sydney Warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
218 Cumberland Street
Tenants:
1848 house not occupied 1858 Myers Moses (Dealer) 1857-1858 not occupied 1859/60-1865 Phillip Dwyer (Stevedore)
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 112 1861-1864 Phillip Dyer
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1866 Sands lists the building as vacant 1867 Mrs. Mary Welton 1867 Mrs. Mary Simpson 1868 Sands lists the building as vacant 1868-1876 Charles Holloway 1869-1870 Charles Alderway (Shipwright) 1871 Charles Holloway (Shipwright- possibly the same tenant as the previous year) 1873 Charles Holiday 1874/5-1888 Edward Lawrence (Bank Messenger in 1886 and Steward in 1876) 1877 Edward Lawrence 1889 John Hunter 1890 Joseph Latzel (Joiner) 1891 Henry Schmidt 1892 Hannibal de Melim 1893-1895 Miss K. Madden (Tailoress) <1894 Edward Lawrence 1896-1897 Charles Hovering 1898-1903 John Ryan 1901-1907 E. Soulder 1904 Thomas Lyons 1906-1916 William Forster 1907-1918 William Foster 1917-1919 William S. Tipton 1920-1923 William Cryer 1921 William Cryer
218 Cumberland Street
1848 Single storey wooden House owned by John O’Dowd
<1857 Demolished
1857-1876 Brick two or three storey dwelling with slate roof and six rooms. Owned
by Henry Cohen
1877-1894 Brick three storey house shingled with three rooms. 26 pounds owned by
George Ferguson
1895-1900 Two storey brick house, iron roof and three rooms. Owned by J
Ferguson 33 pounds
1901-1907 Single storey brick house, iron roof and three rooms. Owned by Robert
Watson 26 pounds
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1907-1923 Two storey brick house, three rooms and slate roof owned by the NSW
Govt Rocks resumption. 23 pounds
1924 Construction of New Sydney warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
195 Gloucester Street
Tenants:
1858 Patrick Burke CITY PLAN HERITAGE 113
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1857 Thomas Swift 1858-1861 Thomas Swift 1862-1864 John Slater 1865-1866 John Slater 1867 Rate books show the building was unoccupied 1867-1899 Mr. and Mrs. William MacGregor (William MacGregor’s occupation was listed as a dealer in 1869 and 1870 and as a caterer in 1885) 1868-1900 William MacGregor 1900-1906 Walter Oxley 1901-1907 ? McGregor 1907-1911 Joseph Mannix 1907 Thomas Herbert 1908-1909 Thomas Daly 1910-1920 Bridget Wallace 1911-1918 Bridget Wallace 1921-1922 Alfred Weir 1921 Alfred Weir 1923 Mrs. Catherine McCann (formerly of 199 Gloucester Street)
195 Gloucester Street (Also known as 167 Gloucester Street prior to 1880)
1857-1861 Shingled two storey stone house with two rooms. Owned by Robert
Moutry
1862-1864 Shingled single storey stone house with two rooms. Owned by W.Monty
1865-1866 Building present. Tenanted though the rate books give no details.
1867-1876 Three storey stone house owned by George Ferguson. Three rooms
1877-1890 Brick three storey house with slate roof and three rooms. Owned by
George Ferguson 26 pounds
<1894-1900 Brick three storey house with slate roof and three rooms. Owned by
John Ferguson 26 pounds
1901-1907 Two storey brick house with slate roof and three rooms. Owned by J.
Glover 20 pounds
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1907-1911 Two storey stone house with slate roof and six rooms. 39 pounds NSW
Gov RR
1911-1921 Three storey stone house, iron roof and three rooms. NSW Gov RR 23
pounds
1914-1916 All land south of the Sunday Times Newspaper Company and
warehouse at the corner of Essex Street is listed as being owned by the
Trustees of Saint Patrick’s church. NSW Gov RR was previously
indicated and crossed out
1924 Construction of New Sydney warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
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197 Gloucester Street
Tenants:
1857-1858 M. Kirkly 1858 William Newman (Clerk) 1859/60-1870 George Williams (Occupation listed as mechanic in 1863) 1861 Not occupied according to rate books 1862-1864 George Williams 1867 George Williams 1868-1871 George Williams 1871-1876 George Williams 1871 The building is listed as “vacant” 1873 ? Martin 1875 Sands lists the building as “vacant” 1876-1877 J.C.W. Hinsch (Importer) 1877 J.C.W Hinsch 1878/9-1884 James Kelly (Occupation listed as “Blacksmith” in 1879) 1885 Mrs. Murray 1886-1892 Charles W. Kent (Engineer) c. 1890 J.C.W Hinsch 1893-1894 Mrs. Bourke (Formerly of 199 Gloucester Street 1885-1892) <1894 James Kelly 1895-1900 C. Kent 1897-1901 Mrs. A. Bourke/Burke 1901-1907 Alice Burke 1902 Mrs. Mary Purcell 1903-1904 Michael Stollery 1905 Mrs. Alice Green 1907 Joseph Mannax (There is a Joseph Mannix recorded at 212 Cumberland Street after this date until 1924) 1907-1911 Alexander Anderson 1908 Thomas Rowlands 1909 Peter Barry 1910-1914 Mrs. Lenore O’Sullivan 1911-1914 Leonora O’Sullivan 1916 Annie Evans 1917 Emil Swinson 1918 George Jensen 1919-1922 John C. Soranson 1921 John Swanson
197 Gloucester Street (Also known as 169 Gloucester Street prior to 1880)
1857-1861 Stone dwelling with slate roof, two storey and six rooms. Owned by
Robert Cohen
1862 - 1867 Two or three storey brick and stone house with slate roof and six/ seven
rooms. Owned by Henry Cohen
1868-1890 Owned by Henry Solomon 45 pounds
<1894 Three storey stone house with slate roof and six rooms 58 pounds.
Owned by H.K Groth (Likely to be the same residence…?)
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 115
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
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1895-1907 Two storey brick house with slate roof and six rooms. Owned by John
Ferguson. 55 pounds
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1907-1911 Twos storey stone house with slate roof and six rooms. 33 pounds NSW
Gov RR
1911-1921 Two/ three storey stone house with iron roof and six/ seven rooms. NSW
Gov RR
1914-1916 All land south of the Sunday Times Newspaper Company and
warehouse at the corner of Essex Street is listed as being owned by the
Trustees of Saint Patrick’s church NSW Gov RR was previously
indicated and crossed out
1924 Construction of New Sydney warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
199 Gloucester Street
Tenants:
1858-1861 Thomas Street (Watchmaker) 1857-1861 Mary Street 1862/3-1865 William Boyce (Master Mariner) 1862-1864 William Boyce 1866 George Macaness 1867 William Nash 1867 William Nash (Printer) 1868 Mrs. Brocklebank (Boardinghouse) James Simpson (Shoemaker) 1868-1876 Henry Gilbert 1869 Andrew Gilbert (Mariner) 1870-1873 Mrs. Henry Gilbert 1874/5-1882 Miss Elizabeth Costello 1877 Elizabeth Costello 1883-1884 Peter McGlinchy 1885-1892 Mrs. A. Burke c.1890 Elizabeth Costello 1893-1895 John McElligott (Mariner) 1897 Francis Diez 1898-1899 John W. Anderson 1901-1910 A.G Anderson 1911-1922 Mrs. Catherine McCann
199 Gloucester Street (Also known as 171 Gloucester Street prior to 1880)
1857-1867 Two or three storey stone and brick house. Slated roof and six to seven
rooms. Owned by Henry Cohen
1868-1876 Owned by Henry Solomon
1877 Three storey brick house with slate roof and six rooms. 45 pounds
Owned by Henry Solomon
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 116
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
c.1890 Three storey brick house with slate roof and six rooms. 45 pounds
Owned by Henry Solomon
1897-1922 Building present
1907 Land first listed as owned by the NSW Government Rocks Resumption
1914-1916 All land south of the Sunday Times Newspaper Company and
warehouse at the corner of Essex Street is listed as being owned by the
Trustees of Saint Patrick’s church NSW Gov RR was previously
indicated and crossed out
1924 Construction of New Sydney warehouse Cadbury Fry and Pascall
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 117
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
10.2 MEASURED DRAWINGS
Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority:
287 AR 2003
287 AR 6001
287 AR 6002
287 AR 6003
287 AR 6004
287 AR 6005
287 AR 6006
287 AR 6010
287 AR 6011
287 AR 6012
Issue A (Preliminary), dated 10.08.2005
(Not to Scale)
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 118
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
10.3 ONGOING MAINTENANCE
URGENT MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Lawson House
General
Blocked or broken stormwater and sewerage lines that require repair or cleaning. Clearing of blocked gutters and downpipes. Damaged or defective light fittings and switches. Broken water service or leaking faucets and toilet cisterns. Failed light bulbs. Storm damage to building fabric. Vandalism or break and enter damage to windows and doors. Broken or defective locks and latches, replacement of keys or lock cylinders. Be aware: When identifying responsibility for repair costs and if claimable against insurance. Ensure the appropriate authorities have been advised an appropriate trade persons have been used.
As they occur “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “ “
External
Water damage to sandstone parapet Damage or cracked external brickwork particularly in corners of windows Repair of rust on window frames Plant growth in bricks at north end of Western elevation
Action required Action required Action required Action required
Internal
Nill
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 119
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
ON-GOING MAINTENANCE SCHEDULE Lawson House
Building or Site element
Every Year (Or monthly where
specified)
Every 2 years Every 5 years Every 10 years Every 20 years
GENERALLY OVERALL BUILDING Check for cracks or
damage to the façade, is there any sign of rust, cracked brickwork or stone, or water damage?
Building or Site element
Every Year (Or monthly where
specified)
Every 2 years Every 5 years Every 10 years Every 20 years
EXTERNAL WALLS Brick elements Inspect areas for plant
growth and birdexcretion. Inspect for grime, growth from joints and graffiti. (4-12 months)
Inspect for loose,
broken or missing mortar joints and bricks, patch repair asnecessary.
Inspect and re-point brickwork whnecessary in accordance to conservation specialist recommendations.
ere
Sandstone Inspect for loose,
fretted, broken or missing mortar joints to stones around windows, doors, along flashings and on cornices and
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 120
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
other projections. Check if the stone is crumbling or has surface salts; this can indicate a moisture problem.
Inspect for signs of delamination that can affect the soundness of stone. Is there rising or falling damp? Has an appropriate mortar been used to joints? Inspect for incompatible mortars where lime was originally used.
PAINT
Inspect for paint deterioration and weathering, as well as failure or damage and grime generally
TIMBER DOORS
Inspect for loose or damaged hardware and ensure operate smoothly. Is the threshold secure, decayed, excessively worn or broken? Check if the glass is broken or cracked and if the hardware is operational. Ensure the doors do not damage walls when
Life expectancy 10-15 years. Repair where necessary
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opened and that the furniture is secure, missing or defective.
METAL WINDOWS
Inspect for corrosion to wrought iron grilles on basement andCumberland Streetwindows re-paint if necessary.
Inspect for loose or damaged mouldings, architraves, anddecayed stiles at sill level, sashes, decayed and broken sash cords, sash joints, and slipped and loose flashing.
Inspect the previously painted surfaces for paint deterioration and weathering. Suitably prepare and paint.
Inspect for paintdeterioration andweathering.
The defects identified in the 5
Inspect for corrosion
th year inspection of the windows should be rectified prior to painting if programmed for the same year.
Life expectancy 10-15 years. Repair where necessary
AWNING
Is there any sign of rust? Inspect for loose or raised fixings, sheet edges and surfaces that are deformed. Look for rust stains around fixings and where sheets are lapped. Also inspect under awning signage for damage, decay and rust. (every 5-7 years)
STORMWATER DISPOSAL
GUTTERS, RAINWATER HEADS & DOWNPIPES
Inspect gutters and downpipes for leaves, rubbish and debris. (monthly) Inspect gutter linings for corrosion and defective
Inspect gutter, rainwater heads and downpipe joints for cracks, loose or missing brackets.
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 122
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
joints. (Every 6 months)
DRAINAGE
Inspect for loose or slipped external flashing and broken mortar bedding. (Every 6 months) Ensure stormwaterdrains are not blocked. (annual)
The defects identified in the 5th year inspection of the drainage should be rectified prior to painting if programmed for the same year.
ROOFING
Waterproofing membrane
Inspect for lifting joints, surface blisters or physical damage and cracks. Check on hot days and after rain as surface dries
Life expectancy of 20years. Renew if necessary
FLASHING/ CAPPING
Inspect for loose or raised fixings to metal cappings, cappings that have lifted, slipped or are deformed from wind damage. Check whether capping tiles have cracked or broken mortar bedding, have slipped or are missing
PARAPETS,
Inspect parapet surrounds for adequate flashing and watertightness
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 123
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Building or Site element
Every Year (Or monthly where
specified)
Every 2 years Every 5 years Every 10 years Every 20 years
INTERNAL GENERALLY
WALLS
Inspect for damaged or decaying sections of plaster walls, flaking or peeling paint and signs damp.
Inspect for all joints of walls, floor and ceiling for potential movements, if necessary have a structural engineer to inspect.
BRICK AND LIGHTWEIGHT WALLS (if applicable)
Inspect for cracks in brickwork, peeling paint (if painted), and signs of damp.
CEILINGS Regularly check for evidence of damp
Inspect for paint deterioration and weathering, as well as failure or damage and grime generally.
CONCRETE FLOOR STRUCTURE
Inspect for broken areas, growth from construction joints. Is it lifting or undulating?
Inspect for cracks, is it straight and true?
JOINERY Check regularly for signs of pest damage such as white ants
Inspect for loose, inadequate or damaged hardware. Ensure joinery elements operate satisfactorily.
WINDOWS Inspect for loose or damaged mouldings,
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 124
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
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CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
architraves, and decayed stiles at sill level, sashes, decayed and broken sash cords, sash joints, and slipped and loose flashing. Check internal faces around windows for stains that can indicate failed flashing. Inspect window sills, frames and sashes for paint deterioration and weathering. (Every 2-3 years) The defects identified in the 3rd year inspection should be rectified prior to painting if programmed for the same year. Check whether hardware operates properly.
SERVICES
FIRE SAFETY
Inspect fire system for damaged and loose fittings in accordance to services manual and authority regulations. Regularly check and
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 125
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LAWSON HOUSE 212-218 CUMBERLAND STREET, THE ROCKS
CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
maintain fire egress (monthly)
ELECTRICAL
Inspect power supply according to services manual and authority regulations. (weekly) Inspect main switch board according to services manual and authority regulations. (monthly) Inspect electricity services for damaged and loose fittings according to services manual and authority regulations. (annual)
PLUMBING
Inspect taps for drips, ease of operation and secured to walls or supports. (monthly) Inspect stormwater system for blockage and damage. (Every 6 months) Inspect sewerage system for damaged
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 126
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CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN APPENDIX
grates and blockage. (Every 6 months) Inspect hot water system according to services manual and authority regulations. (Every 6 months)
Goods Lift Continue regular maintenance works as per current inspection process.
CITY PLAN HERITAGE 127
MAY 2006 / CH25-182
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