Walsh Bay Wharves Precinct

Item details

Name of item: Walsh Bay Wharves Precinct
Other name/s: Walsh Bay Wharves; Millers Point; MSB Bond Store No.3; Parbury Ruins
Type of item: Landscape
Group/Collection: Landscape - Cultural
Category: Other - Maritime Industry
Location: Lat: -33.8569379572 Long: 151.2050198520
Primary address: Hickson Road, Millers Point, NSW 2000
Parish: St Philip
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Metropolitan
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
LOT8 DP1018716
LOT9 DP1018716
LOT19 DP1035380
LOT22 DP1035380
LOT27 DP1035380
LOT31 DP1035380
LOT101 DP1048376
LOT102 DP1048376
LOT103 DP1048376
LOT61 DP1048377
LOT62 DP1048377
LOT63 DP1048377
LOT64 DP1048377
LOT65 DP1048377
LOT1 DP1057496
LOT2 DP1057496
LOT3 DP1057496
LOT4 DP1057496
LOT5 DP1057496
LOT23 DP1071597
LOT24 DP1071597
LOT1 DP1071601
LOT2 DP1071601
LOT4 DP1071601
LOT5 DP1071601
LOT1 DP1087746
LOT2 DP1087746
LOT50 DP1097482
LOT51 DP1097482
LOT52 DP1097482
LOT53 DP1097482
LOT54 DP1097482
LOT11 DP1138931
LOT12 DP1138931
LOT60 DP1145156
LOT61 DP1145156
LOT62 DP1145156
CROWN LAND63 DP1145156
LOT1 SP64174
LOT2 SP64174
LOT3 SP64174
LOTS1-17 CP/SP66821
   CP/SP69546
LOT1-51 SP69546
   CP/SP69906
LOT1-141 SP69906
   CP/SP69997
LOTS1-30 CP/SP70152
   CP/SP70153
LOT12 DP737191
LOT13 DP737191
LOT14 DP737191
LOT15 DP737191
LOT16 DP737191
LOT17 DP737191
LOT10 DP737193
LOT2 DP737193
LOT3 DP737193
   CP/SP73724
   CP/SP73989
   CP/SP73990
   CP/SP73991
LOTS1-78 CP/SP76902
   CP/SP78843
   CP/SP81004

Boundary:

Pontoon area is not included in SHR listing boundary.
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
Hickson RoadMillers PointSydneySt PhilipCumberlandPrimary Address
All Pottinger StreetMillers PointSydney  Alternate Address
Towns PlaceMillers PointSydney  Alternate Address
Downshire StreetMillers PointSydney  Alternate Address
Parbury LaneMillers PointSydney  Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
Transport for NSW - frmr Roads and Maritime ServicesState Government 

Statement of significance:

The Walsh Bay area is of State cultural significance due to its unique combination of steep rocky terrain, early, mid, late-Victorian and Edwardian housing, surviving relatively intact Victorian bond stores, and the results of an early twentieth century urban redevelopment scheme of unique scale: the magnificent timber wharf and shore structures and associated rock cuttings, roads and bridges (Clive Lucas Stapleton & Partners 1999: 75). The Walsh Bay Wharves and associated buildings and works are a virtually intact port and stevedoring facility created by the Sydney Harbour Trust in response to the requirements of maritime trade at the time (1900s-1910s). The precinct documents the workings of a technologically advanced early twentieth century shipping port, developed specifically to accommodate new mechanised transportation technology. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:5) The wharves have a strong distinctive character created by the logical use of heavy timber construction and the regular grid layout of piles, columns, beams and infill cladding. (Little, Clarke, Whittaker 1979) The precinct is unified in materials, form and scale and contains structures demonstrating maritime uses. It demonstrates the life of inner Sydney in the early twentieth century. The precinct demonstrates technical and creative excellence of the period 1820-1930. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:5)

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CONTEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE SEE 'MILLERS POINT CONSERVATION AREA'
Date significance updated: 15 Feb 00
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: H.D. Walsh
Builder/Maker: Supervised by H.D. Walsh
Construction years: 1912-1921
Physical description: Integrated port precinct comprising wharves, shore sheds, bond stores, bridges and roads. A standard modular timber design was developed for the wharves, wharf sheds and shore sheds so that they could easily be adapted to the requirements of individual sites. Some structures predate the Sydney Harbour Trust work (remains of Towns Bond, Bond Stores Nos. 1 & 3).

The wharves are constructed of turpentine piles spaced on a 10ft grid, come spliced together to reach down to rock 145ft below sea level. Rows of piles are capped with a 14in by 14in iron-bark headstock and tied together by 12in by 12in iron-bark girders at 3ft 4in centres. The whole was covered with 9in by 4in brush-box decking. Later this was covered with a 4in thick concrete deck.

The wharf sheds (typically two storey) are of simple post and beam construction with 14in by 14in hardwood storey posts at 20ft centres supporting 12in by 9in joists and 12in by 12in bearers covered with 9in by 4in hardwood decking and 5in by 2in diagonal sheathing. The joists are supplemented with adjustable steel trussing. Oregon roof trusses forming a double gable are supported on 11in by 11in hardwood storey posts at 20ft centres. Ventilation and clerestory lighting are features of the wharf shed roof. Wall cladding consists of 20ft wide infill panels of hardwood weatherboards, sliding doors, glazed sashes or galvanised iron. Roofs are galvanised iron or asbestos cement. Travelling platforms run the full length of the wharf shed.

Shore sheds are of similar construction but typically irregularly shaped. They sit on solid fill retained by the precast concrete sea wall. The shed facades to Hickson Road are of brick.

Overpass Bridges above Hickson Road give access to the upper levels of each shore shed. Hickson Road which was quarried from the sandstone cliffs gives sea level access.

Wharf 1 is a long shore wharf with cement rendered wharf shed facade to Hickson Road. Outstanding feature is deep timber balcony to Harbour side end.

Wharves 2/3 and 4/ 5 are finger wharves with two storey wharf and shore sheds, brick facades to Hickson Road.

Wharf 6/7 is a finger wharf with one storey wharf shed and two storey shore shed, brick facade to Hickson Road.

Wharf 8/9 is a finger wharf with two storey wharf and shore shed and adjoining administration block, overhanging top storey.

An improved rat proof sea wall designed by Walsh. It was 'L' shaped and constructed of precast reinforced concrete trestles and erected at Walsh Bay between 1907 and 1910. (Little, Clarke, Whittaker 1979)

The hydraulic power system of wharves 8 and 9 is one of the most important power systems developed in the nineteenth century. The system includes the accumulator, pump and electric motor, the high pressure pipes and 3 ton hydraulic lift and two hydraulic hoists and was an essential part of the operations of the wool handling wharves, supplying power to lift hoists and the original wool dumps (bale presses). Other original features include bale elevators, bale elevator platforms, remnants of the bale stacking systems, trucking gangway and openings for the nine hinged wool chutes. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:4)

Other industrial and engineering artefacts include ladderways, bale hoists, overhead pulley systems, floor hatches, wooden rollers, a hydraulic ram and cat hoists, overhead travelling cranes, a lifting beam, electric lifts, wool bale drops, wool slides, hoist wells, mooring piles and heavy timber bracings. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:4)
Physical condition and/or
Archaeological potential: 		Physical condition is fair. Archaeological potential is medium. (Possible archaeological deposits underneath the buildings and roads).
Date condition updated:06 Aug 97
Further information: As a heritage item Walsh Bay is integral with Millers Point. For further contextual information see the entry for 'Millers Point Conservation Area'.
Current use: Wharf 1 - restaurants and entertainment; Wharf 4/5 - theatres, restaurants etc
Former use: Aboriginal land, wharves for import-export trade.

History

Historical notes: ABORIGINAL OCCUPATION
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).

Prior to European settlement the Millers Point area was part of the wider Cadigal territory, in which the clan fished, hunted and gathered shellfish from the nearby mudflats. Shellfish residue was deposited in middens, in the area known to the early Europeans as Cockle Bay; the middens were later utilised by the Europeans in lime kilns for building purposes. The Millers Point area was known to the Cadigal as Coodye, and Dawes Point as Tar-ra/Tarra (Sydney City Council, 2019).

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).

Millers Point:
Millers Point is one of the earliest areas of European settlement in Australia, and a focus for maritime activities.

The rocky terrain of Millers Point limited its early uses to fortifications (Dawes Point and Observatory Hill), anchorage for whalers (Walsh Bay) and windmills (the orginal Millers Point). Economic growth and population pressures resulted in more intensive settlement by the 1820s and land ownership was confirmed by a number of Crown grants in the 1830s.

The decade of the 1830s marks the firm beginning of the continuum of development which ended in the 1920s and which gives Millers Point/Walsh Bay its remarkable historic character today.

By the 1830s the present basic road system (Kent Street, Argyle Street, Windmill Street and Lower Fort Street) had appeared together with the earliest buildings still existing. (eg St Brigid's Church 1835). In the 1830s and 1840s substantial merchants' residences appeared (eg Robert Campbell's Bligh House 1833), together with the hotels (eg Lord Nelson 1834, Hero of Waterloo 1844) and the Garrison Church (1840). The north shore ferry began operating from Walsh Bay to Blues Point in the 1840s, the location of its wharf still indicated by Ferry Lane. Other shipping wharves had appeared at Millers Point by the same decade, scattered irregularly along the shoreline from Dawes Point to Darling Harbour. Warehouses and hydraulic equipment were developed to service these wharves from the 1830s. Substantial construction of private terrace housing also occurred between the 1840s and the 1890s and led to the area being substantially built-up by 1900.

The residential character of the area changed during the late nineteenth century and the wealthier, who were concentrated along Argyle and Lower Fort Streets, gradually moved to more desirable suburbs with the growth of the city. Their place was taken, and the rows of terraces filled with the working population which serviced the waterfront. By the end of the century the area was considered to have substandard housing.

In 1900 the bubonic plague broke out in The Rocks and other parts of Sydney, causing widespread alarm and the resumption of most of The Rocks and Millers Point by the Government. Control of the area passed to the port authority, the Sydney Harbour Trust (later the Maritime Services Board, 1936). The Trust's primary commercial aim was to redevelop the wharfage along modern lines. However, because of the quantity of housing under its control it became landlord for Millers Point and between 1900 and the 1920s effectively transformed the area into a type of 'company town'.

As well as the reconstruction of Walsh Bay, the Trust, together with the Government Housing Board, constructed workers' housing, shops, kindergartens, hotels and warehouses and also refurbished and reconstructed many existing buildings. In this way the population which serviced the port was accommodated nearby with all its community facilities. By 1930 Millers Point had been reshaped into its present form by the Trust and the area and the nature of its population have changed little since then, apart from a declining component of port workers in the population.

The Trust's greatest engineering work in Millers Point was the reconstruction of Walsh Bay. In doing this they made the second major modification to the landscape since the cutting of quarries above Kent Street and the making of the Arglye Cut in the early 19th century. The Engineer-in-Chief of the Trust, H.D. Walsh (after whom the bay was subsequently named), designed and constructed a new system of wharves, stores and associated roads and hydraulic systems to service them. A wide service road, Hickson Road, was excavated around the foreshore and the steep topography was used ingeniously to service the wharves at two levels. The wharves were technologically advanced for the time. They were constructed on a standard modular timber design and incorporated an innovative and successful ratproof seawall. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:3-4)

Construction of the whole complex took place between 1906 and 1922. Wharf 1 was completed in 1913. Wharf 2/3 and sheds were completed in 1920-1921. Wharf 4 /5 and sheds completed in 1920-1921. Wharf 6 /7 and sheds completed in 1918. Wharf 8 /9 and sheds completed in 1912. The Administrative Block was completed c1912. Wharf 10A /10B was completed in 1906-1908 and sheds altered in 1918-1921 but later demolished in 1976. (Little, Clark, Whittaker 1979).

Superseded by changing shipping technology in the 1970s, the Walsh Bay complex is believed to be the only one of its type surviving in the world.

In the years since (1988 when) permanent conservation orders were placed on the wharves at Walsh Bay successive governments of both political persuasions have allowed the wharves at Walsh Bay to fall into disrepair. A notable exception was the efforts of the Greiner Government to preserve wharves four and five for the use of the Sydney Theatre Company. The WALSH BAY DEVELOPMENT (SPECIAL PROVISIONS) BILL 1988 gives us (Parliament) the opportunity to ask some important questions about the protection of heritage in this State. Are we doing our best to ensure the protection of our State-owned built heritage? I believe that the current proposal for Walsh Bay is adequate, if not perfect. I am not confident that a better solution will emerge if this legislation is not supported (Harwin, 1999).

The entire precinct of Walsh Bay wharves was redeveloped in 1989-2004 to accommodate a mix of commercial and residential uses. Pier 1 was the first of the five wharves to be redeveloped, as a hotel and restaurant. Pier 2/3 became home for Bangarra Dance Theatre among other hospitality and events uses, such as Sydney Writers' Festival. Piers 4/5 and 6/7 were redeveloped as residential apartment buildings. Pier 8/9 was redeveloped for commercial use. Shore sheds were redeveloped as residential apartments (above ground level), broadly restaurants, commercial tenancies, studios and offices at Ground level. Sydney Philharmonia has its offices and headquarters in a shore shed.

In 2019 Sydney's first harbourside walk dedicated to indigenous history is set to be given the green light, with the City of Sydney's 9 km foreshore walk to link locations of hidden historical significance along the foreshore, stretching from the Australian National Maritime Museum in Darling Harbour to Woolloomooloo. A report by Indigenous curator Emily McDaniel to be considered by the City next week identifies 5 'monumental' stories of Aboriginal history that should be brought to life for visitors. At Dawes Point (Ta-Ra), site of the hut of Lieutenant William Dawes, McDaniel has proposed an audio and text installation and artwork to honour the cultural exchange between Dawes and the young Eora woman Patyegarang. Dawes' journals, which had translations of Indigenous words, became the source material for the revitalisation of the local Sydney (Eora) language. At (the) Hungry Mile, near Barangaroo, connections between Aboriginal wharf workers, unions and Indigenous activism are to be honoured with public artwork funded in partnership with Lendlease. Sitelines would draw attention to the connections between Barangaroo and Goat Island (Me-Mel), Mrs Macquarie's Point (Yurong) and Garden Island (Bayinguwa) (Morris, 2019).

In March 2020 Pier 2/3 of the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct opened to the public, after 2 years of transforming an empty wool store into a premium 21st century space for the arts, and welcomes the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakesbpear as its new resident companies. Spanning Wharf 4/5 and Pier 2/3, Walsh Bay Arts Precinct is home to nine resident companies: Australian Chamber Orchestra; Australian Theatre for Young People; Bangarra Dance Theatre; Bell Shakespeare; Gondwana Choirs; Sydney Dance Company; Sydney Philharmonia Choirs; Sydney Theatre Company; and The Song Company. It is also a key venue of the 23rd Biennale of Sydney in 2022.

The Australian Chamber Orchestra, Australian Theatre for Young People and Bell Shakespeare are now rehearsing and practicing in their new spaces at Pier 2/3, with visitors able to attend events onsite from mid-March 2022. The 23rd Biennale of Sydney, presented from 12 March until 13 June 2022 will exhibit at Pier 2/3 at Walsh Bay Arts Precinct, where audiences will be able to experience international and Australian artists as part of its free program (Kary, 25/2/2022: for more information, visit www.insw.com/projects-nsw/walsh-bay-arts-and-cultural-precinct).

By May 2022 there were 9 cultural organisations now residing in the Walsh Bay Arts Precinct: in Pier 2/3 and Pier 4/5 the $371m project won a National Trust of Australia (NSW) heritage award for adaptive reuse. Tonkin Zulaikha Greer architects and team turned 1800 square meters of space into a new arts ecosystem that could accommodate 1800 patrons at once. It is now home to nine arts companies, including the Australian Chamber Orchestra, Bangarra Dance Theatre, Bell Shakespeare Company and Sydney Theatre Company. It has five new theatres, concert halls, vast exhibition spaces, rehearsal rooms, bars, administration, and workshops for wardrobe, scenery and props (Power, 2022, 13).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal 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. Other open space-
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-
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. Cultural - Coasts and coastal features supporting human activities-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Eora Nation - sites evidencing occupation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Eora nation - places of contact with the colonisers-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. All nations - sites evidencing occupation-
2. Peopling-Peopling the continent Aboriginal cultures and interactions with other cultures-Activities associated with maintaining, developing, experiencing and remembering Aboriginal cultural identities and practices, past and present. Cadigal tribe - Eora nation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Global economies-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Developing Commercial Enterprise-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services Maritime industry shipyards timber yards-
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 Sydney and Australian Landmark-
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 Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Places important in developing conservation processes-
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 institutions - productive and ornamental-
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 industrial production-
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 and parklands of distinctive styles-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Marking origins of major industries-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Places of strikes and industrial actions-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Developing local landmarks-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Providing a venue for significant events-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Holding national events-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans Taking control of places affected by infectious diseases-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods (none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods Boat servicing-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences Technologies of wharf and ship-based storage, freight handling-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Wharf and shipping history-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Maintaining maritime transport routes-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Transport-Activities associated with the moving of people and goods from one place to another, and systems for the provision of such movements Building and maintaining jetties, wharves and docks-
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. Worker's Dwellings-
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. Housing (inner city)-
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. Apartment blocks-
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. Marine villa-
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. A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
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. Housing industrial workers-
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. Housing for industrial managers and owners-
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. Housing ship owners and maritime traders-
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. Adapted heritage building or structure-
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. Housing ordinary families-
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. Accommodating workers in workers' housing-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour (none)-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in factories-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Providing migrant labour-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working complex machinery and technologies-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Workers organising workers-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working on public infrastructure projects-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in offices-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Celebrating union-initiated reforms-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working on the waterfront-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in ports and on shipping-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Wharfside and Port Work Culture-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. State government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Colonial government-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Sydney's colonial settlement; Shipping-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. resumption for slum clearance and rebuilding-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - administration of land-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. resumption for heritage conservation-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Suburban Consolidation-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Public works-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Public works-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - town and country planning-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - conserving cultural and natural heritage-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - facilitating pastoralism-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - providing low-cost housing, flats etc-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - customs-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - providing health care facilities-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - public land administration-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - building and operating public infrastructure-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Developing roles for government - facilitating agriculture-
7. Governing-Governing Government and Administration-Activities associated with the governance of local areas, regions, the State and the nation, and the administration of public programs - includes both principled and corrupt activities. Administering ports and shipping facilities-Includes maladministration.
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. Industrial buildings-
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. Developing cultural institutions and ways of life-National Theme 8
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. Applying architectural design to utlilitarian structures-
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. Architectural styles and periods - Federation warehouse-
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. Technological innovation and design solutions-
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. Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (late)-
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. Vernacular structures and building techniques-
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. Architectural styles and periods - Federation Arts and Crafts-
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. Landscaping - Federation period-
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. Building in response to natural landscape features.-
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. Applying architectural design to industrial structures-
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. Interior design styles and periods - Edwardian-
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. Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
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. Performing theatrical entertainments-
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. Patronising artistic endeavours-
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. Patronising artistic endeavours-
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. Landscaping - Victorian period-
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. Landscaping - colonial period-
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. Landscaping - 20th century interwar-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living near factories and industrial complexes-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Outdoor relief-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation musical gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to an art gallery-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to a concert-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to a cafe-
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 Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to a restaurant-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to talks and lectures-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Outdoor concerts and performances-
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 Enjoying public parks and gardens-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to the pub-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going boating and sailing-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going to the theatre-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Community volunteering-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to a trade union-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Developing and maintaining a local museum-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Community organisations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Developing and maintaining a local art gallery-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups (none)-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance] 		FOR FURTHER INFORMATION ON CONTEXTUAL SIGNIFICANCE SEE 'MILLERS POINT CONSERVATION AREA'
The Walsh Bay Wharves and their associated infrastructure are a virtually intact port and stevedore works created by the Sydney Harbour Trust in response to the requirements of maritime trade at that time. The precinct documents the workings of a technologically advanced early twentieth century shipping port, developed specifically to accomodate new mechanised transportation technology. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:5)
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance] 		The wharves have a strong distinctive character created by the logical use of heavy timber construction and the regular grid layout of piles, columns, beams and infill cladding. (Little, Clarke, Whittaker 1979) The precinct is unified in materials, form and scale and contains structures demonstrating maritime uses. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:5)
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance] 		The precinct demonstrates the life of inner Sydney in the early twentieth century. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:5)
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential] 		The Walsh Bay Wharves and associated infrastructure demonstrate technical and creative excellence of the period 1820-1930. (Department of Urban Affairs and Planning 1989:5)
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity] 		Last intact complex of its type in the world.
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness] 		Best example of characteristic early 20th century port infrastructure in Sydney.
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Conservation plan

Recommendations

Management CategoryDescriptionDate Updated
Recommended ManagementReview a Conservation Management Plan (CMP) 
Recommended ManagementPrepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines 
Recommended ManagementCarry out interpretation, promotion and/or education 

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementWharf 2/3 CMP  
57(2)Exemption to allow workHeritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions See File For Schedule


Order Under Section 57(2) to exempt the following activities from Section 57(1):
(1) The maintenance of any building or item on the site where maintenance means the continuous protective care of existing material.
(2)The minor repair of any building or item where minor repair means the repair of materials by patching, piercing-in, splicing and consolidating existing materials and including minor replacements of minor components such as individual bricks, cutstone, timber sections, tiles and slates where these have been damaged beyond reasonable repair or are missing. The replacement should be of the same material, colour, texture, form and design as the original it replaces and the number of components it replaced should be substantially less than existing.
(3) Maintenance and repairs of existing access roads.
(4) Tree lopping and vegetation clearance associated with the maintenance of existing overhead lines by the Sydney County Council.
(5) The repair and maintenance of service infrastructure. 		Jun 23 1989
57(2)Exemption to allow workHeritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions Heritage Act, 1977

Order Under Section 57(2)

I, the Minister for Local Government and Minister for Planning on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales, in pursuance of section 57(2) of the Heritage Act, 1977, do, by this order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of the said Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of an activities described in Scedule 'C' by the owner, mortgagee or lessee of the land described in Schedule 'B' on the items described in Schedule 'A'.

David Hay
Minister for Local Government and Minister for Planning

Sydney 11 September 1989

Schedule 'A'
the Walsh Bay Finger Wharves, Numbered 1 to 9 and associated interconnecting buildings and bridges across Hickson Road; the adjacant buildings and structures fronting Hickson Road and Towns Place; and part of Hickson Road, Towns Place, Pottinger Street and Downshire Street, Millers Point, situated on the land described in Schedule 'B'.

Schedule 'B'
All those pieces or parcels of land shown edged in heavy black on the plan catalogued H.C.1538 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales.

Schedule 'C'
* Change of use;
* Subdivision;
* The demolition of the buildings known as: the substation, Hickson Road; Bond Store Nos. 1 (excepting the eastern wall), 4, 5, 6 & 7 Hickson Road; the office adjoining to the east Bond Store No. 4 Hickson Road; the flammable liquid stores and substation, Hickson Road; and the Maritime Services Board depot, workshop and garage, Towns Place;
* The demolition of the works known as Hickson Road, Towns Place, Pottinger Street and the Windmill Stairs provided that design details of new construction be approved by a sub-committee of the Heritage Council of New South Wales before work commences on the demolition; 		Sep 15 1989
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementWalsh Bay Precinct CMP Consists of Volumes A, B, C, D. This CMP is an overview document for the whole precinct - there are detailed CMPs for individual elements within the precinct. Apr 21 1999
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementBond Store 4 East CMP CMP for Bond Store 4 East (20/7/99) Jul 20 1999
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementPottinger Street & Adjacent Areas CMP Pottinger Street & Adjacent Areas CMP (20/7/99) Jul 20 1999
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementPier 8/9 CMP Pier 8/9 CMP (20/7/99) Jul 20 1999
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementTowns Place North: proposed development Jul 20 2005
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementTowns Place, Jetty 10: proposed repairs Jul 27 2005
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementDG requirements for EIS for Construction of moorings at Pier 8/9, Walsh Bay. Oct 30 2006
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementConstruction of moorings at Pier 8/9 Walsh Bay Oct 30 2006
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementconstruction of moorings - EIS preparation Oct 24 2008
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsement14 Hickson Road - Conservation Management Plan submitted for endorsement - Miriam Stacey PMNSW Aug 23 2019
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard 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

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

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0055902 Apr 99 271546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former 0055925 Feb 88 401147
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage registerRMS s.170 Register    
State Environmental Planning Policy  01 Jun 89   
National Trust of Australia register   15 Sep 76   
Within a National Trust conservation area     
Register of the National Estate     

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
WrittenB. Little, S. Clarke, W. Whittaker1979National Trust Classification Card - Walsh Bay Wharves
WrittenDepartment of Urban Affairs and Planning1989Walsh Bay - Regional Environmental Plan No. 16
WrittenEvans, Richard2019'Walsh Bay home for ACO hits all the right notes'
WrittenHarwin, The Hon Don.1999Walsh Bay Development (Special Provisions) Bill - Second Reading debate (inaugural speech)
WrittenHenderson, Geraldine2003Trust concedes 'facadism' fits after the war of the wharves.
WrittenLyndall Crisp2004A sense of drama arrives at the docks - SMH 9/1/04
WrittenMorris, Linda2019Harbourside hike in footsteps of Indigenous heritage
WrittenOtto Cserhalmi & Partners Walsh Bay Wharves Precinct - Pier 8/9, 23 Hickson Road, Millers Point : photographic recording and archival recording
WrittenPower, Julie2022'Timber cathedrals' send artistic collaboration through the roof
WrittenRobert V. J. P. Varman2003Bond 4 East (Area 32) Windmill and Pottinger Streets, Walsh Bay Excavation Report in 3 volumes
WrittenTropman & Tropman2001Towns Place north (site 46) at Walsh Bay precinct Walsh Bay Sydney NSW 2000 : Conservation management plan

Note: internet links may be to web pages, documents or images.
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Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5045067
File number: S96/00384/ & S90/03322

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