Trocadero

Item details


Name of item:	Trocadero
Other name/s:	Trocadero Hall, The Trocadero Skating Rink, Properts Building, Fuel VFX
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Recreation and Entertainment
Category:	Skating Rink Roller
Location:	Lat: -33.8924439674 Long: 151.1854966630
Primary address:	69-77 King Street, Newtown, NSW 2042
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	5		DP	67004

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
69-77 King Street	Newtown	Sydney			Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
	Private

Statement of significance:


	Properts Building (formerly the Trocadero) is a rare example of a purpose built roller skating rink of the late 1880's. At the time it was built it was also reputed to be the largest and most elegant rink in Australia. The wrought iron roof trusses over the rink are very fine, elegant and early examples, typical of railway buildings of the time, and represent the development of iron and steel technology in the late 19th century. The operable roof over the clerestory is also of technological significance and extremely rare in Australia, possibly unique. The building is a rare Sydney example of a Victorian Flemish style commercial building with free style Gothic detailing. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
	Date significance updated: 08 Nov 99
	Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description


Designer/Maker:	Albert F. Myers and William P. Hendry Architects.
Builder/Maker:	Fallick and Murgatroyd
Construction years:	1857-1889
Physical description:	The Trocadero consists of a three storey commercial/residential building facing King Street, and a large hall at the rear with access to both King and Campbell Streets. The two sections are linked by a two storey vestibule flanked by service spaces. The southern section of the building facing King Street is of rendered brick construction with a mansard roof clad in corrugated steel roofing. The King Street facade is built in a highly decorated Flemish style overlaid with Victoria Free Gothic style details. The arrangement is five bays wide and symetrical about an oriel window at first floor level.However, at ground level the central opening has been altered so that the western pier no longer conects to the ground as it originally did. The facade is divided into three levels. At ground level there are three shop fronts, the two eastern ones being original with fine timber framing and large areas of glass. The entry doors to these two shops are set back from the facade, a detail typical of the period. The western shopfront is a replacement from the mid 20th century. The adjacent shop front has been removed, the opening enlarged and a roller shutter installed. At the first floor level the windows are gothic in form and are arranged symetrically about the central oriel window. At the second floor level, elaborate Flemish style gabled dormer windows project from the mansard roof above a parapet. Externally the skating rink/hall is of face brick construction with circular arched window openings. The rear elevation to Campbell Street is symmetrical in arrangement with aa classical appearence. There is evidence of a covered verandah having been removed from the skating rink level of this elevation. At street level the openings have been altered several times with the installation of roller shutters and fire egress doors. Windows introduced below the two central arched windows at the skating rink level during the mid twentieth century have caused structural instability in the outer brick skin of the wall due to the lack of suitable lintels. Semi-circular arched windows are arranged at regular intervals allong the eastern and western walls of the hall. Windows have been introduced during the mid 20th century. At the rear of the eastern most shop is the substantial remaining portion of the an earlier terrace house. This is built of much softer and redder brick than the rest of the building, and is thickly rendered and marked out as ashlar. This terrace house still shares its roof with its pair on the neighbouring allotment. The interior finishes are generally of plastered brickwork and the ceilings of timber boarding. The floors of the shops are of concrete but with upper floors timber. The ceilings in the former billiard saloon feature very bold diamond shaped panels of timber boarding and ventilated metal ceiling roses. There is evidence of the original location of the stairs behind the western most shop and the second shop from the east. The two staircases appear to have been moved from their original 1889 location and re-configured to suit the new location. Both are of timber with fine newel posts and turned balusters. There is also evidence of the cupola roof structure over the centre of the large second floor room. The spaces immediately behind the original shop front rooms have been altered extensively except for the remains of the terrace already mentioned and the high top-lit vestibule which connects the front of the building with the former skating rink hall. This vestibule retains its clerestory windows and roof structure and evidence of stairs on the east and west walls to a now removed landing and doorways. Internally thhe eastern terrace survives relatively intact beyond the front shops and retains its fine mid C19th geometric timber stair and most of its joinery, flooring, plasterwork and one chimney piece. Beyond the front range of building is a large timber floored iron roofed hall. The roof sheeting is visible from below and is suppported by a row of fine wrought iron trusses, spanning clear across the space. These trusses in turn support a raised central roof with clerestory windows either side extending almost the full length of the hall. The trusses are fixed at their supports by iron straps bolted through the walls. Remains of a perimeter gallery with timber floor and cast and wrought iron brackets survives but with the balustrade missing. The gallery brackets are also fixed to the iron straps. Evidence exists for the original location of the stairs from this gallery to the north end of the space. The northern half of the hall is filled with a makeshift mezzanine structure at this gallery level while the southern half is open. The northern end of the hall floor retains the remains of the narrow boarded floor which followed the line of the roller skating path around the hall. The remainder of this floor is either covered or replaced with later material. The walls to the hall are divided into regular bays by classical pilasters with Corinthian capitals and a high base. The walls are plastered brickwork. Within most of the bays are arched recesses above the gallery level and square ones below. The main cornice to the walls has fine moulded plaster medalions, some of the recesses are pierced by original windows (some sheeted externally). Or later windows. At each end of the hall is a raised cornice section on pilasters surmounted by a large semi-circular fanlight fitted with timber windows. Evidence exists of the picture theatre use. Much of the damage to plasterwork appears to result from the most recent use as a second hand furniture shop. There are regular gaslight outlets around the walls. Beneath the large hall and accessed from it by a broad timber stair is a concrete floored space with a roller shuttered access door and another timber door to Campbell street. The space extends to approximately half the length of the hall above. The walls are plastered brickwork with later infill work at the north east corner in painted brickwork. The ceiling is generally boarded and where exposed the roof structure above is packed with sawdust between the joists, presumably as acoustic insullation against the skating rink. This structure is supported on plain steel columns. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Despite alterations and additions the building survives with most of the major spaces substantially intact and in fair condition. Areas of the sub-floor spaces when revealed may show evidence of the fountains at the entry to the rink, previous building
	Date condition updated:08 Nov 99
Modifications and dates:	1857 Pair of terraces constructed-on part of site, remain as visible part of building structure. 1888 Trocadero Skating Rink opened c1903 Building remodelled - stairs relocated and rebuilt, new toilets. Offices, salon, bathrooms, refreshment rooms demolished or substantially altered. A party wall built between 1st and 2nd floors of western most shops. Rear of western most shop altered to include residence. 1910. Central entry and adjoining shop altered (may have been in 1903) 1912. Adaption to picture show use. Upper gallery entrance to hall converted to projection room, alteration or removal of stairs to gallery from vestibule probable at this time. Screen hung from truss northern end of hall. 1916-1922. Installation of electricity. c1920-1928. Large opening between vestibule and hall, steel beams installed, stairs and projection room removed (probable),sub-floor structure of rink replaced with steel structure to support increased loads for car building business. 1949. Shopfront No.76 altered. 1957. Alteration to windows King Street facade. 1958. Installation exhaust ducts and fans.Toilets and wash basin -northern end. 1959. Partitions to 1st floor 1960. Covered way 1st floor. Cat walk from 1857 terrace to central stairway. 1970. Alteration to door - Hirst Engineering. c1979. Mezzanine built above skating rink. 1982. Opening created between two eastern most shops. 1994. Fire order placed on building.


Current use:	computer animation studio (proposed)
Former use:	Aboriginal land, residence, roller skating rink, dances, movies, social events, meeting rooms

History

Historical notes:

The "Eora people" was the name given to the coastal Aborigines around Sydney. Central Sydney is therefore often referred to as "Eora Country". Within the City of Sydney local government area, the traditional owners are the Cadigal and Wangal bands of the Eora. There is no written record of the name of the language spoken and currently there are debates as whether the coastal peoples spoke a separate language "Eora" or whether this was actually a dialect of the Dharug language. Remnant bushland in places like Blackwattle Bay retain elements of traditional plant, bird and animal life, including fish and rock oysters (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

With the invasion of the Sydney region, the Cadigal and Wangal people were decimated but there are descendants still living in Sydney today. All cities include many immigrants in their population. Aboriginal people from across the state have been attracted to suburbs such as Pyrmont, Balmain, Rozelle, Glebe and Redfern since the 1930s. Changes in government legislation in the 1960s provided freedom of movement enabling more Aboriginal people to choose to live in Sydney (Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani).

Properts Building, aka the Trocadero Hall:
Trocadero Hall (Properts Building) was built on lots 1&2 and parts of lot 3&4 of the Camperdown Terrace, which was subdivided in 1841. Generally the site was vacant when Ferrier erected his building except for a c1857-69 rendered brick terrace house on lot 3. About two thirds of this house remain intact as part of Properts Building, only the front rooms have been replaced.

The Trocadero was built during the boom economy of the late 1880's in response to a fad for indoor roller skating. The Sands Directory includes listings for at least 25 roller skating rinks in Sydney for the years 1889 & 1890. The Trocadero was reputed to be the biggest and best. It was certainly very elaborate and was purpose built as a skating rink unlike many others.

During the depression of the 1890's most rinks closed. In 1891 Sands lists only two rinks under 'Places of Amusement'. The Trocadero closed in1893. Until re-opening as a rink in 1903 the hall was left empty or used for a coach building business

The rink was thoroughly renovated for the re-opening in 1903 and lasted until 1911 as rink and venue for social functions such as balls. The extent of redecoration at this time is not known but the spaces between the rink and the shops on King Street was completely re-arranged including the entry through no 73 King St. There was a separate entry for the second floor which was used as factory spaces and a residence.

The building was used as a picture palace in 1911 with alteration to the eastern end for projection room. From 1916 -1920 the hall was used for vaudeville shows and boxing.

The Sydney University Women's Settlement used the upper club room as a centre for soldiers wives and mothers between 1916 and 1922.

Propert's Motor Body Company Limited moved into No 73 in 1920 and leased the hall as part of their workshops in 1927. By 1922 Propert's were the major motorcar works in the area with some 60 employees. They purchased the building in 1945 and continued its occupation until c1970.

The shops to King Street have been utilized by many different occupants and businesses since construction in 1889 including refreshment rooms, confectioners, clothing shops, bootmaker, saddler and second hand furniture showroom. The original billiard saloon and clubrooms have been used by varioous factories, the soldiers wives and mothers, residence and studio. (Design 5 Architects 1995)

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities.	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going dancing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to the pictures/movies-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities	Developing local clubs and meeting places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Sport-Activities associated with organised recreational and health promotional activities	Roller skating-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The Properts Building is a rare example of a purpose built roller skating rink of the late 1880's At the time it was built it was also reputed to be the largest and most elegant rink in Australia.The retention of the 1857-60 terraces within the structure of the Trocadero building, the building of the elaborate King Street facade and Hall in the boom time of the mid 1880's in response to the fad for indoor roller skating, the demise of that use in the 1893 depression years and the subsequent variety of uses such as Propert's Motorcar works, etc. are a significant record of the history of King Street, Newtown and the fluctuations in economic fortunes of the state from 1857 up to and including the current fire order on the building. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Trocadero is a wonderful and rare example of a Victorian Flemish style commercial building with free style Gothic detailing. The building contributes greatly to the nineteenth century streetscape of King Street, newtown, being one of the most elaborate facades in the street. The bulk and industrial/warehouse nature of the Campbell Street facade dominates that streetscape. The interior retains several significant spaces: the skating rink hall, the billiards saloon, the second floor club room and tower (demolished), and the vestibule. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The building contains the remnants of terrace housing, a hall associated with the social and recreational life of the local community of Newtown and the wider Sydney community for over twenty years, shops and meeting spaces used by a wide section of the community variously for social functions, refuge, residence and factories and is associated with the development of the motor car industry in NSW through Propert’s use and ownership of the building. The building is a significant record of the response and adaption of community and commercial sectors to the fluctuation of the economy of NSW from 1889 to 1998. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The skating rink features a very light weight roof supported by fine wrought iron trusses spanning 60ft across the building. Iron straps bolted through brick piers transfer the load to the ground. The internal balcony is supported off the same straps and piers. The roof and its structure is fully visible from floor level. The design of the wrought iron trusses is early and similar to railway construction although the roof and structure as a whole is unusual. The smaller clerestorey roof runs almost the length of the hall and could be opened by turning a crank to allow the two sides to slide back over the main roof structure. The mechanism is still sustantially intact. It may be that this type of mechanism, once common in European theatres and very rare in Australia is unique and therefore highly significant. It is reputed that the whole of the building was lit by electricity when opened in 1889. As no general supply was available this must have been by generator on an adjacent site. This has not been confirmed by physical evidence of wiring . Gas lighting was introduced in 1903. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The building is a rare Sydney example of a Victorian Flemish style commercial building with free style Gothic detailing. The operable roof over the celestory is extremely rare in Australia, possibly unique. The building is probably the last remaining purpose built Skating Rink of the late 1880’s. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Representative of, and reputed to be, the largest and most elegant purpose built rink in Australia of the mid to late 1880’s. The fine wrought iron trusses and brackets are representative of the iron and steel technology of the late 19th century. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
Integrity/Intactness:	Despite some internal and external adaption and change the building is apparently reasonably intact including the remains of the 1857-60 terraces originally incorporated into the structure. The building retains its integity as an elaborate amusement hall, set behind decorated shop fronts. (Design 5 Architects 1995)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	HERITAGE ACT 1977 ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT STANDARD EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL I, Penny Sharpe, the Minister for Heritage, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales and under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977: revoke the order made on 2 June 2022 and published in the Government Gazette Number 262 of 17 June 2022; and grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out the class of activities described in clause 2 Schedule A in such circumstances specified by the relevant standards in clause 2 Schedule A and General Conditions in clause 3 Schedule A. This Order takes effect on the date it is published in the NSW Government Gazette. Dated this 29th day of October 2025 The Hon Penny Sharpe MLC Minister for Heritage For more information on standard exemptions click on the link below.	Nov 7 2025

Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01380	10 Mar 00	35	1935
Heritage Act - Interim Conservation Order - former		00945	13 Nov 98	162	8882
Local Environmental Plan	South Sydney Local Environmental Plan	568	01 Jan 98
National Trust of Australia register		10581
Register of the National Estate		100017	26 Oct 99

References, internet links & images

None

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Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5044709
File number:	EF14/5676; 10/3096; H98/00267

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