Gleniffer Brae

Item details


Name of item:	Gleniffer Brae
Other name/s:	Glenifer Brae; Wollongong Conservatorium of Music
Type of item:	Complex / Group
Group/Collection:	Landscape - Cultural
Category:	Historic Landscape
Location:	Lat: -34.4094062285 Long: 150.8728905690
Primary address:	Murphys Avenue, Keiraville, NSW 2500
Parish:	Wollongong
County:	Camden
Local govt. area:	Wollongong City
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Illawarra

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
LOT	2		DP	252694
LOT	3		DP	252694

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
Murphys Avenue	Keiraville	Wollongong City	Wollongong	Camden	Primary Address
Robsons Road	Keiraville	Wollongong City	Wollongong	Camden	Alternate Address
Northfield Avenue	Keiraville	Wollongong City			Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Wollongong City Council	Local Government	12 Mar 99

Statement of significance:


	Gleniffer Brae is intimately associated with that period of Illawarra's history which saw the beginning of major economic development. It is associated with the Hoskins family and particularly Arthur Sidney Hoskins, pioneers of the steel industry and responsible for its creation and development at Port Kembla. The estate is thus not only a gentleman's residence but the manager's house for a large industrial complex. Sidney Hoskins, for whom the house and garden was designed and built, was instrumental establishing the Illawarra steel industry and made a significant contribution to the community life of Wollongong. Gleniffer Brae forms a well designed residential estate in sympathy with the surrounding site which was selected for its topographical setting. It is associated with architect Geoffrey Loveridge and landscape designer Paul Sorensen. Gleniffer Brae exhibits a high quality of craftsmanship in the fabric of the original buildings. The detailing represents the finest in Australian building skills of the pre-war period and this is enhanced by the fact that its original fabric is more or less intact. The open space around the house permits a full appreciation of the scale and design of the house. The grounds' original garden design are very attractive in their own right (Conacher & Delahunty Architects, 1993). The house constitutes a fine example of the Inter-war period English Tudor or Elizabethan Revival style of architecture, influenced by English architecture and cleverly and unusually adapted to the requirements of a single storey complex. The English Tudor or Elizabethan Revival style very much reflected the orientation and values of wealthy families in the period to World War II, who tended to look to Britain as the 'Home' country, who had Royalist sympathies and who promoted attachment to 'King and Empire'. The gardens constitute an integral part of the design and setting of the house and show the outcome of an integrated association between architect and landscape designer. The grounds' original garden design is representative of designer Paul Sorensen's ability to incorporate the surrounding landscape and flora into the overall design and to capture and extend the dramatic effect of the natural landscape through spatial planning, planting and construction of hard landscape elements. In the execution of the landscape design, Sorensen transplanted from the surrounding bush several large Illawarra flame trees (Brachychiton acerifolium), that is reputed to be one of the earliest successful examples of transplantation of mature Australian native trees, a process still regarded as almost impossible. The estate's current use as now the Wollongong Botanic Gardens precinct and the house's current use as home of the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music continue the estate's association with the community and educational life of Wollongong and the Illawarra region. Few capitalists associated with the mining and industrial development chose to live in the Illawarra. Gleniffer Brae stands apart as the only example of a 'grand house' on a grand estate in the City of Wollongong. Gleniffer Brae together with Invergowrie at Exeter are a unique pair, both estates being the outcome of the collaboration between architect Geoffrey Loveridge and landscape designer Paul Sorensen, both built for two brothers Cecil and Sidney Hoskins family who each married a sister of Geoffrey Loveridge. Their rarity is heightened by the fact that the pair of estates survive as relatively intact outstanding examples of Interwar period architecture and landscape design (NBRS, 2005, partly based on Conacher & Delahunty Architects 1993) .
	Date significance updated: 01 Oct 97
	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:	House: Geoffrey D. Loveridge (of G.D.Loveridge & Associates); Garden: Paul Sorensen
Builder/Maker:	Mr L Benbow; Joinery: W.W.Todd & Son; Bricks/tiles: W.Wilson & Co.; Stone: Hawkesbury Sandstone Co.
Construction years:	1937-1939
Physical description:	GARDEN/SITE/ GROUNDS: The garden comprises 4 acres around the house (ibid, 1990). Loveridge designed the house high on a site sloping the northeast into a valley, rising on the far side to form a low hill, which screens the suburbs of Wollongong from view. Behind is Mount Keira, a dramatic backdrop. Paul Sorensen was given 75 acres to work on, most being left as grazing land with the garden taking up about 4 acres. Like Invergowrie (for Hoskins' brother, Cecil, at Exeter) it reflects strong links between clients, architect and landscape architect-with Sorensen and Loveridge working together effectively (Read, 2017, 5). As soon as Gleniffer Brae's house was completed in 1938, Sorensen began tree planting. First he transplanted from surrounding bush several large Illawarra flame (Brachychiton acerifolius) trees for shelter and an appearance of maturity. These were wrapped in straw to protect them from water stress until damaged roots could regrow. Some survivors could represent the earliest successful attempt at transplanting mature Australian trees, a process still regarded as almost impossible. Also early-planted were brush box, kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum), planes, silky oaks and jacarandas (ibid, 2017, 5). An area known as The Spinney, low on the nearside of the valley, was planted with hundreds of azaleas (Rhododendron indicum cv. and R. kurume cv.) under the shade of a natural grove of turpentines (Syncarpia glomulifera). Sorensen's interest in native plants is reflected by their dominance here and the presence in a prominent location of a very large specimen of coastal cypress pine (Callitris columellaris). The driveway sweeping up to the house's front was built in a similar low key fashion to that at Invergowrie, with drive strips here of sandstone flags. Behind the house, axially placed in an open courtyard, is a more formal garden with a circular fountain sunk into the lawn surrounded by trees and shrubs framing the view to Mt Keira. Across the formal garden a romantic playhouse for children sites within shrubs on axis to the mountain, representing both summerhouse and visual accent. Natural rocks were kept either as features or skilfully built into low stonewalls and edges (ibid, 2017, 5). Service areas to the southeast are separated from the formal garden with stonewalls of similar construction and detailing to those at Everglades. This quarter was heavily planted for shelter from prevailing winds (ibid, 2017, 5). Extensive grounds, courtyards, garden, stone walls and paving (RAIA). Immediately around the house are original stone walls and terraces, a fountain in a sunken circular area to the rear, sandstone driveway (2 tracks), gate pillars and a doll's house (Ratcliffe, 1990). Also planted at this time were many brush box (Lophostemon confertus), Kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum), plane trees (Platanus x acerifolia), silky oak (Grevillea robusta) and Jacaranda mimosifolia trees (ibid, 1990). Other significant features of the garden are gravel paths, boundary wall, rustic 'dolls house' of roughcast-covered fibro with unsawn timber posts and tiled roof, rustic gardener's shed of vertical boards with unsawn coverstrips and rafters, leadlight windows and tiled roof (National Trust of Australia (NSW), 1985, amended Read, S., 2005). HOUSE A picturesque (magnificent (RAIA)) single storey Tudor Revival style building designed by architect Geoffrey Loveridge (and similar, if single cf double storey, in style and character to the house Loveridge designed for Mrs Hoskins' sister, wife of Cecil Hoskins, at Invergowrie, Exeter)(Stuart Read, observation), of complex plan, built of red textured brick with rock-faced sandstone trims (doors, window surrounds). A steep multi-gabled roof of multi-coloured Marseille tiled roof has projecting rafters, elaborate twisting chimneys. The roof's slit gable vents, ornately carved bargeboards and twisted chimneys are reminiscent of Edwin Lutyens. Tudor arched diamond patterned windows have sandstone mullions and facing the rear courtyard is a leadlighted bay window with deliberate archaizing breaks in the panes. The interior has excellent carved doors and a central room with carved timber frieze and ribbed ceiling with stone bosses. The internal joinery ie panelling and framings including doors and frames being part of the panelling were constructed of using 'Swedish Oak'. Other details of note are pull-up flyscreens hidden in window sills, bathroom with original tiling and rainwater heads decorated with fleur-de-lis. GARAGE GARDEN SHED Timber shed with tile roof built as part of the original estate. OLD SOILS TESTING LABORATORY Split level brick building first built as part of the girls' school then used by Council as a laboratory to test soils. SCHOOL BUILDINGS A double storey and a single storey school buildings in brick were built during the school era. AUDITORIUM This is a 1970s brick building of one large room around 13x12m with 2 small auxillary rooms. OLD CARETAKER'S RESIDENCE This was originally brought from Mangerton and placed on the site as headmistress' residence c.1960. After the school closed it was occupied by the Council caretaker on site until 1992. It is leased as a private residence now.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Physical condition is good. Archaeological potential is low. Apart from the Spinney, which is readily recognisable as part of the original garden, the changes necessary to adapt a domestic garden, no matter how big, to use as a public park have disguised Sorensen's work so that his hand is no longer visible over large areas. The simplification of maintenance around the conservatorium has also reduced his impact. (Ratcliffe, 1990) The site of the Botanic Garden has not been identified as Aboriginal Site Sensitive in the draft Aboriginal Development Control Plan. Although this is the case, the potential for the site to be of Aboriginal significance cannot be ruled out and protocols under the NSW National Parks & Wildlife Act 1979 should be followed with respect to any items of Aboriginal significance being located on the site. Wollongong City Council has certain procedures for consultation with the local Aboriginal community regarding Aboriginal heritage and these will need to be followed should any sites of significance be identified (WCC, 2002, 7).
	Date condition updated:01 Oct 97
Modifications and dates:	1937 - building began 1939 - construction completed 1954. The house and grounds was became a branch school for the Sydney Church of England Girls Grammar School 1978 The school closed and was acquired by Wollongong City Council in 1978. The house is now used as a Conservatorium of Music and function centre. 1980+ grounds subdivided with over half of the area, now known as Hoskins Park, being used as the local (now Wollongong) Botanic Gardens. Apart from the Spinney, readily recognisable as part of the original garden, the changes necessary to adapt a domestic garden, no matter how big, to use as a public park have disguised Sorensen's work so that his hand is no longer visible over large areas. The simplification of maintenance around the conservatorium has also reduced his impact (Ratcliffe, 1990).
Further information:	The 1993 CMP is building focussed - it needs expanded focus on grounds and garden


Current use:	Conservatorium of Music and function centre, University facility, Botanic Garden (grounds)
Former use:	Aboriginal land, semi-rural estate residence, school

History

Historical notes:

Wollongong / the Illawarra:
Before European settlement in the Illawarra, the region was home to the local Wodi Wodi Aboriginal people of the Dharawal nation (NPWS, 2005). This Aboriginal community had a well-developed and complex society, and physical and cultural evidence of this remains today in the forms of burials, middens and other sites. The Aboriginal history has also been preserved through traditional knowledge and dreaming stories which have been passed down through the generations (WCC, c2012). Traditional stories tell of their arrival at the mouth of Lake Illawarra in canoes when the Ancestors were animals. They brought the Dharawal or Cabbage tree palm (Livistona australis) with them and are named for this sacred tree (NPWS, 2005).

Aboriginal communities first encountered Europeans in 1796.

Red cedar (Toona ciliata) timber-getters operated in Illawarra escarpment (rain)forests as the first 'settler' industry in the area from the 1810s.

Dr Charles Throsby used the coastal Illawarra grasslands as cattle fodder in 1815 opening the area to European settlement. He focussed his herd behind the fresh water lagoon then situated at the junction of the current day Harbour and Smith Streets where he built a stockman's hut and cattle yards (DeTom Design, 2011, 17-18) and this was a meeting point for the first Illawarra land grantees in 1816 (WCC, c.2012).

The first settlement in the area now known as Wollongong was by Charles Throsby Smith, nephew of Throsby. He was one of the first to receive a land grant in the district and in 1822 was the first to settle on his 300 acre parcel. Smith's barn, located near Wollongong harbour, became the first school house in 1826 and then church building in 1828.

A military presence was established in the area now known as Port Kembla in 1826. They were relocated to the area now known as Wollongong in 1830. They were replaced by a local magistrate in 1833. This activity was focussed around the harbour. In 1833 the area's first school was established (ibid, 2011, 17-18).

In 1834 land owner Charles Throsby Smith (nephew of Dr. Charles Throsby)'s land was nominated as the site for the township to be known as Wollongong (ibid, 2011, 17-18).

In 1834 Surveyor General Major Thomas Mitchell surveyed the town with the centrepiece of land devoted to the Church of England. As there was no crown land, Thosby-Smith sold his land to the Government and it was transferred to the church. The surveyed town was bounded by streets to be known as Harbour, Keira, Smith and Crown Streets (ibid, 2011, 18). The original township was bounded by Crown, Keira, Smith and Harbour Streets which remain major streets in Wollongong today (WCC, c2012).

The Illawarra District Council was formed in 1843. In 1859, two municipal councils were formed: Municipality of Wollongong which was proclaimed on 22 February, and Central Illawarra Municipality which was formed on 19 August 1859 (this took in the area from Unanderra to Macquarie Rivulet). North Illawarra Municipality was formed on 26 October 1868 and included the area from Fairy Creek to Bellambi. In 1947 The City of Greater Wollongong was formed by the amalgamation of the City of Wollongong, the Shires of Bulli and Central Illawarra and the Municipality of North Illawarra, under the Local Government Act, 1919 in the NSW Government Gazette 104 of 12 September 1947.

1880s expansion and the Illawarra Railway Line:
Wollongong expanded in the 1880s and the railway which finally linked the area to Sydney, encouraged movement away from Mitchell's plan. The relative isolation of the Illawarra ended in 1888 when the railway was finally introduced to link the area to Sydney. The town was transformed from a focus on the wharves to one on the railway and began to expand away from St.Michael's central position. The rail allowed the area to ship milk, coal and coke to Sydney city, expanding Wollongong city's potential enormously. By the turn of the century a smelting works and number of coke oven batteries were opened and the town's population rose from 1635 in 1881 to 3545 in 1901 (an average growth rate of 3.9%)(McDonald, 1989, in Davies, 2003, 14).

Keiraville and Gleniffer Brae:
The land that would become Gleniffer Brae and the Wollongong Botanic Garden was originally inhabited by the Dharawal Aboriginal people. 2000 acres of land including this site were purchased by James Spearing in 1825. In the 1830s the estate was sold and subdivided (Johnson, 12/3/16).

The site of Gleniffer Brae was originally part of a Crown grant of 1000 acres to Robert and Charles Campbell in 1841. The land went through a number of different ownerships until 1928 (WCC, 2006, 4-5).

James Fitzgerald bought 75 acres in 1919, building Cratloe, the cottage on the Wollongong Botanic Gardens site, now used as the Gardens' Discovery Centre (Johnson, 12/3/16).

The Hoskins family, Australian Iron & Steel Co. and Paul Sorensen:
In 1925 (later Sir) Cecil and brother, Arthur Sidney Hoskins had become joint managing directors of Hoskins Iron & Steel Co. Their father Charles had already begun to plan to move the business from Lithgow and to build integrated steelworks at Port Kembla, where he had acquired land in 1924. This was to cut high freight costs and compete with BHP which had opened works at Newcastle in 1915 (Read, 2017, 2).

In 1927 the State government agreed to build a railway connecting Port Kembla with the main line at Moss Vale and construction of a blast-furnace and deep-water wharf began. Hoskins went overseas seeking technical information, new plant and rights to manufacture and sell centrifugally spun pipes. To finance operations, in 1928 Hoskins formed a new company, Australian Iron and Steel Ltd with Baldwins Ltd of England, Dorman Long & Co. and Howard Smith Ltd; Cecil became chairman and joint managing director. Hard-hit by the Depression, A.I. & S. was sued by the government for breach of contract in 1932 and in 1935 became a subsidiary of competitor B.H.P. Hoskins remained general manager of A.I. & S. until 1950 and a director until 1959 (ibid, 2017, 2).

In 1935 a prestigious new administration building had been built at Port Kembla. Having problems with local contractors, Cecil was looking for a landscape designer to design and construct the grounds. Through the recommendation of Hoskins' friend Ronald Beale (piano manufacturer at the time working on interior cabinets in the house of Henri Van der Velde at Everglades, Leura), he met (Danish-Australian landscape designer) Paul Sorensen and was impressed with the quality of his work in its garden. Word of mouth was how Sorensen had become known to Henri Van der Velde also (ibid, 2017, 2).

Hoskins ownership:
In 1928, Arthur Sidney (known as Sidney) Hoskins a founder (Joint Managing Director, who had supervised construction of AIS's Port Kembla steelworks, remained a Director, and Manager of the Port Kembla works: Read, 2017, 2) of the A.I. & S. works at Port Kembla) came from Lithgow with his brother Cecil (Johnson, 12/3/16). Sidney purchased 75 acres of Fitzgerald's dairy farm around Murphy Lane, Wollongong and began plans for a family home (ibid, 12/3/16), the same year the steel works commenced operation. Hoskins was born in 1892 and joined the family's steel firm in 1907. He became joint managing director with his elder brother in 1924 and was directly involved with the move of the company to Port Kembla and the erection of the new works (WCC, 2006, 5).

Sidney Hoskins married Madoline (known as Madge) Loveridge in 1934 and a son was born to them at Edgecliff in 1936 (RAIA). His brother Cecil married Helen, Madge's sister (ibid, 2017, 4).

Hoskins commissioned his brother-in-law, Geoffrey Loveridge (1893 -1989), to design Gleniffer Brae Manor House and had the gardens designed by Paul Sorensen (RAIA, 2010/11). Loveridge designed the single storey Tudor style house high on a site sloping the north east into a valley, rising on the far side to form a low hill which screens the suburbs of Wollongong from view. Behind is Mount Keira, a dramatic backdrop. Sorensen was given 75 acres to work on, most being left as grazing land with the garden taking up about 4 acres. Like Invergowrie it reflects strong links between clients, architect and landscape architect - with Sorensen & Loveridge working together effectively (ibid, 2017, 4).

The name Gleniffer Brae comes from a small village in Paisley, Scotland, the birthplace of Mrs Hoskins' grandfather. The building of the residence began in 1937 through a tender by a Mr L Benbow. The surveying work was undertaken by Mr George Dunwoodie. The house was completed in 1939 (Ratliffe, 1990).

Unlike most architects of his time, Loveridge had a long and thorough training in the building business. This involved both a strong family tradition and extensive personal experience. His expertise was evident in his careful selection of the tradesmen for Gleniffer Brae: Benbow as builder, Todd and Son for joinery, Wilson's bricks and the Hawkesbury Sandstone Company. There is good anecdotal evidence of Loveridge's careful supervision of the high quality detailing, here. Loveridge was not simply a new architect working for rich relatives who knew what they wanted. Certainly, he designed the houses that Cecil and Sidney Hoskins intended: 'Stockbroker Tudor' for Cecil and a bungalow complex for Sidney. In the latter case, at least, there are abundant signs of highly competent architectural design, giving unity to an array of single storey buildings. The Tudor features are carefully adapted to the basic design. Gleniffer Brae bears a mature Loveridge stamp (RAIA, 2010/11).

The extensive landscaped gardens surrounding the manor were largely attributed to the landscape designer Paul Sorensen, a Danish-Australian garden designer who had worked for Hoskins' brother Cecil at his estate Invergowrie, Exeter and became known to Cecil Hoskins through his work for Henri Van der Velde at Everglades, Leura (Ratliffe, 1990).

Paul Sorensen:
Paul Edwin Sorensen was born in 1891 in Copenhagen and trained in horticulture. He worked with leading landscape designers and contractors in Denmark and Switzerland. A pacifist, he immigrated to Australia in 1915 and eventually found work as a gardener at the Carrington Hotel, Katoomba. He met and married Anna Ernestina Hillenberg, a hotel maid of German/Queensland origin and they had three sons, all of whom worked in the family business. He set up two nurseries in the Blue Mountains, in Katoomba, then Leura from 1917. Their two eldest sons were killed in World War II and the youngest, Ib, worked with Paul for decades. The nursery stocked trees, shrubs and perennials for retail and landscaping jobs. Plants were imported from New Zealand, England and Europe at first. In the 1950s it had fourteen staff working in three teams. Sorensen's garden design/construction work included around 100 gardens around NSW from Glen Innes in the far north to Cowra and Orange in the west, Wahroonga and Rushcutters' Bay in the east and Wollongong and Canberra (ACT) in the south. His gardens were essentially outdoor rooms (as were contemporary English gardens Hidcote and Sissinghurst) defined by large trees and shrubs and cleverly using walls and changes of level. He was less interested in smaller plants, leaving these to the owner. Site materials such as rock were often built around or recycled as walls and paths. Views were often borrowed from the landscape, or hidden if its scale was too grand. Standards of construction, presentation and maintenance were very high. He never wrote on his work and avoided making plans, preferring to work on site in three dimensions, dealing in person with the owner and workers. His style owes more to European modern landscape architecture (e.g.: Lars Nielsen in Denmark and the Mertens Brothers in Switzerland, particularly their work on public parks) than to 'garden design'. Paul made almost all business decisions until his death in 1983 when Ib ran the nursery. The nursery was sold in 1988 after which it declined. (ibid, 2017, 1-2).

Cecil Hoskins and Sorensen became firm friends; the relationship continued until Paul's death and carried on with Sorensen's youngest son, Ib. Paul Sorensen specified the plants for Australian Iron & Steel (A.I. & S.)A.I. & S. headquarters, at Port Kembla. Sorensen's work at Port Kembla & for Cecil Hoskins at Invergowrie, Exeter (1937-8) led to commissions including Gleniffer Brae (for Cecil's brother Sidney), Green Hills & Hillside at Figtree - executive houses for A.I.& S., the grounds of the Hoskins Memorial Church at Lithgow (re-landscaping in 1938 the original grounds installed by the Searle Brothers) and the Southern Portland Cement Co. at Berrima as well as several smaller gardens. Greenhill & Hillside, Princes Highway, Figtree (1936-8) were designed for A.I. & S. executives - a large guest house and function centre for important visitors and executives - a prestigious showpiece - on a south easterly facing slope commanding expansive views east to the sea and south to the steel works. All construction and maintenance was by A.I. &S. staff, with Sorensen making 2-3 day visits. At Gleniffer Brae & Mt. Keira Scout Camp Sidney employed workmen directly with Sorensen giving them instructions on similar visits. A single skilled workman made all the rockwork and walls at all three sites, employed directly by Sorensen. The quality of workmanship and design at all sites attests to his ability to pass ideas to unskilled men to enable them to work without supervision between visits (ibid, 2017, 3-4).

As soon as Gleniffer Brae house was completed in 1938 Sorensen began tree planting. First he transplanted from surrounding bush several large Illawarra flame trees for shelter and an appearance of maturity. These were wrapped in straw to protect them from water stress until damaged roots could regrow. Some survivors could represent the earliest successful attempt at transplanting mature Australian trees, a process still regarded as almost impossible. Also early-planted were brush box, kaffir plum (Harpephyllum caffrum), planes, silky oaks and jacarandas (ibid, 2017, 4) and a number of Indian coral trees (Erythrina indica) for height and shelter (ibid, 2017, 4).

An area known as The Spinney, low on the nearside of the valley, was planted with hundreds of azaleas under the shade of a natural grove of turpentines. Sorensen's interest in natives is reflected by their dominance here and the presence in a prominent location of a very large specimen of coastal cypress pine (Callitris columellaris). The driveway sweeping up to the house's front was built in a similar low key fashion to that at Invergowrie, with drive strips here of sandstone flags. Behind the house, axially placed in an open courtyard, is a more formal garden with a circular fountain sunk into the lawn surrounded by trees and shrubs framing the view to Mt. Keira. Across the formal garden a romantic playhouse for children sites within shrubs on axis to the mountain, representing both summer house and visual accent. Natural rocks were kept either as features or skilfully built into low stone walls and edges (ibid, 2017, 4).

Service areas to the south east are separated from the formal garden with stone walls of similar construction and detailing to those at Everglades. This quarter was heavily planted for shelter from prevailing winds (ibid, 2017, 4).

Sidney had a reliable and loyal gardener for Gleniffer Brae, Eric Winter. In 1921 Hoskins gave Winter 2.5 acres of land on the eastern boundary that included the house named Cratloe, which stands today as the Botanic Gardens Discovery Centre. Wollongong City Council purchased this land in 1966, from the owner who bought it off Mr Winter (WCC, 2002, 6).

The impressive location and style of Gleniffer Brae was in keeping with the position of the Hoskins family with the social and financial circles of the day. In the immediate post-war years distinguished guests such as the Duke and Duchess of Gloucester, the Archbishop of York and Lady Baden-Powell were hosted at Gleniffer Brae (Conacher & Delahunty, 1993).
During its period as the Hoskins' home (1939-1949)...(ibid, 1990). Few capitalists associated with mining and industry chose to live in the Illawarra: this is the only example of a grand house & estate in Wollongong (ibid, 2017, 4).

Hoskins was civic-minded and desired that Gleniffer Brae be used for educational purposes and that the surrounding land would become a botanic garden once his family no longer used the residence (WCC, 2006, 1). Under his will, part of the property became the nucleus of Wollongong Botanical Gardens (ibid, 1990). SCEGGS operated here until 1975 when the property was bought by Wollongong City Council (Read, 2017 says 1978; RAIA, 2010/11 says 1979), allowing for extension of the Wollongong Botanic Garden (Johnson, 12/3/16).

Hoskins sold Gleniffer Brae in 1954 and for some time it was a branch school for Sydney Church of England Girls' Grammar School (ibid, 2017, 4). With Sidney's death, part of the property was donated for use as a Botanic Garden while the house and remaining grounds were sold to the Sydney Diocese of the Church of England for its Girls Grammar School (SCEGGS) in 1954. This was a significant addition to educational facilities of the region (Ratcliffe, 1990, WCC, 2002, 6). SCEGGS operated the girl's school until The Illawarra Grammar School began co-ed classes on the grounds in the 1970s (RAIA, 2010/11).

A memorandum of understanding was finalised in 1954 with Wollongong City Council for approximately 32 acres extending from Murphys Avenue to Northfields Avenue for the purposes of a Botanic Garden (WCC, 2002, 6). From a visit in 1959 Mr R. H. Anderson, Director of the Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney, recommended expert advice be sought to prepare a design for a botanic garden (ibid, 2017, 4). It would take many years to see Hoskins' dream become a reality: the Botanic Gardens did not open to the public on a regular basis until 1971 (WCC, 2002, 6).

The grounds were subdivided with over half (10.5ha in the east) gifted to the city by and now known as Hoskins Park, developed since the 1960s as a (Wollongong) Botanic Garden. This was done under the direction of its first curator William Mearnes (1960s-77; its official opening was in September 1970), with initial plans provided by Prof. Peter Spooner (ibid, 2017, 4). 6000 people visitin the first year (Johnson, 12/3/16). Ultimately the expert chosen was Professor Peter Spooner of the University of New South Wales. He came up with an idea of a geographically based (botanic) garden layout; which was unusual. Plants were grouped according to their country of origin rather than the more usual botanic family groups (Australiasia; Indonesia and Malaysia; Pacific Islands; Europe; India; Africa; China & Korea; The Americas)(WCC, 2006, 6-7).

The first planting was an azalea (Rhodondendron indicum cv. and R. kurume cultivars), established in 1964 by original gardener, Jack Woodgate. In 1966, Council purchased Cratloe and in 1968 built the Sir Joseph Banks glasshouse. Wollongong Botanic Garden was officially opened in September 1970, (Johnson, 12/3/16).

In 1976 a financial crisis forced SCEGGS to sell nearly 15.5 acres to Wollongong City Council and in 1978, the remaining grounds, including Gleniffer Brae passed into Council's possession via a notice of resumption. So Council owned all the land that now comprises Gleniffer Brae, the University Soccer Fields (Kooloonbong Oval) and the Botanic Garden by 1978 (WCC, 2006, 6).

Dean Miller was the second (Wollongong Botanic Gardens) curator/Director (1977-88) when the gardens expanded and their arrangement changed from geographic to a habitat-based system using the site's microclimates (ibid, 2017, 4). It was determined that the geographical based garden concept was not working well and that a habitat planting system would better suit the expanded site. It was possible to develop microclimates in the garden - from the exposed dryland of the highest hill, to stone filled gullies and open grassland. (WCC, 2006, 6-7).

Since 1980, part of the manor house, school buildings and auditorium have been used as the Wollongong Conservatorium of Music and function centre, under lease from Wollongong City Council. The remainder of the manor house and surrounding gardens have operated as a function venue by Wollongong City Council (WCC, 2006, 5).

Apart from the Spinney, which is readily recognisable as part of the original garden, the changes necessary to adapt a domestic garden, no matter how big, to use as a public park have disguised Sorensen's work so that his hand is no longer visible over large areas. The simplification of maintenance around the conservatorium has also reduced his impact (ibid, 1990).

David Bain, Threatened Species Officer, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage commented on the Wollongong Botanic Garden's plan to bring the (critically endangered species of shrub) Banksia vincentia from the brink. Bain says Banksia vincentia is Australia's rarest species of banksia, noting that it looks very similar to a closely-related Banksia (species), but that locals in the Vincentia area noticed that (it) is a little bit different. When asked about their plan to preserve the plant, Bain says the five ... currently alive in the population are looking really healthy, and that they have a couple of seedlings coming up... Bain admits that they don't really understand the role of the said Banksia in the environment, but notes it has large flowers and Banksias are very important nectar producers for birds, insects and small mammals. He confirms some of the seeds have gone to (Royal Botanic Gardens,) Kew in England after collecting about 600 seeds in Australia (ABC Illawarra/host: Nick Rheinberger, 16/11/2016).

A 2005/6 proposal to extend a recent outbuilding in the rear of Gleniffer Brae homestead, use its rear formal garden for in/outdoor concerts and receptions resulted in more research on Sorensen's contribution - a formal circular plan with sunken central fountain is echoed by a semi-circular avenue of brush box trees and low stone walling - appearing to be a rear driveway or access west (ibid, 2017, 5).

Since 2006 a conservation management plan for Gleniffer Brae and a plan of management for Wollongong Botanic Garden have been in preparation.

In 2017 a Planning Proposal was exhibited proposing to reclassify the whole site to allow 2 lot subdivision, rezone part of the site proposed for sale, permit both 'education establishment' and 'function centre' uses on the land remaining in Council ownership, increase possible building height to 9-15m. These documents will inform a master plan for the entire site.

Wollongong Botanic Garden also has an annex - Puckey's Estate Nature Resrve, a rare surviving coastal saltmarsh and swam oak community. Puckey was a chemist who produced salt on his estate from 1900-1950. The annex is over the road from Fairy Meadow Migrant Hostel. Other annex gardens of WBG are Korrungula Wetlands, and the Mount Keira Summit Park (Swire, Michael: facebook post - and personal communication, 'Plants Native to the Greater Sydney Region, 15/5/2022).

Wollongong Botanic Gardes has incorporated its first new garden in 49 years - the Palm Garden. Colin Wilson was a driving force behind its development and stocking of plants. The are narrowly avoided being resumed for a bus turning area, servicing the university across the road. The first plantings of palms were made in 2012 and the initial 2500 sq.m. area has expanded over time. Many of the palms in this garden are rare, endangered or uncommon species moved here to conserve them. Some came from Queensland on trucks, needing cranes to move them in. The tallest plam planted was 15m tall adn the heaviest c12 tonnes. Colin donated some himself, as did Stan Walkley and others. Many came from Ian and Norma Edwards' former garden at Cronulla. The Edwards donated over 100 palm and cycad species to this garden. A memorial bench to them is included in it. There are now c1100 palms in the collection, from about 300 species. About 100 more are ready to be planted in the next growing season. An area adjoining the glasshouse has been approved for a new cycad garden and planting will commence in late 2022, with plants from donations, and from the Edwards' collection (Watson, 2022, 10).

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.	Gardens-
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.	Introduce cultural planting-
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-
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.	Illawarra nation - evidence of 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.	Aboriginal Culture-
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.	Dharawal Nation - welcoming visitors-
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 demonstrating styles in landscape design-
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	Significant tree(s) providing 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	Gardens and landscapes reminiscent of an 'old country'-
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 gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Manufacturing building materials and products-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Manufacturing defence materials-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Managing industrial relations-
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 the prosperous - mansions in town and country-
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 famous families-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Changing land uses - from rural to suburban-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Planning manorial villages and systems-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Rural orchards-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages	Creating landmark structures and places in regional settings-
6. Educating-Educating	Education-Activities associated with teaching and learning by children and adults, formally and informally.	Private (religious) schooling-
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.	Designing in an exemplary architectural style-
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.	Designing landscapes in an exemplary style-
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	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 post WW2-
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 - Interwar Tudor revival-
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 a rural homestead-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gardening-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Sidney Hoskins, industrialist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Geoffrey Loveridge, architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Professor Peter Spooner, landscape architect and educator-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Charles Campbell, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Robert Campbell, merchant, shipping agent, landowner, grazier-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Paul Sorensen, landscape architect-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Helen Madoline (Madge) Hoskins (nee Loveridge), gentlewoman-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with James Fitzgerald, farmer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Mr L. Benbow, builder-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with W.W. Todd and Sons, builders-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with W. Wilson and Company, builders-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with R.H. Anderson, Government Botanist-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Eric Winter, gardener-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Jack Woodgate, gardener-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Dean Miller, botanic garden curator-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Gleniffer Brae is intimately associated with that period of Illawarra's history which saw the beginning of major economic development. Sydney Hoskins for whom the house was designed and built was instrumental in establishment of the Illawarra steel industry and made a significant contribution to the community life of Wollongong. Gleniffer Brae is associated with architect Geoffrey Loveridge and landscape designer Paul Sorenson. (Conacher & Delahunty Architects 1993)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Gleniffer Brae exhibits a high quality of craftesmanship in the fabric of the original buildings. The detailing represents the finest in Australian building skills of the pre-war period and this is enhance by the fact that its original fabric is more or less intact. The open space around the house permits a full appreciation of the scale and design of the house. The grounds original gardens design are very attractive in their own right. (Conacher & Delahunty Architects 1993)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The English Tudor or Elizabethan revival architectural style of Glennifer Brae very much reflected the orientation and values of wealthy families in the period to WWII, who tended to look to Britain as the 'Home' country, who has Royalist sympathies and who promoted attachment to 'King and Empire'. Its elaborate style displays wealth and power much as the manor did in English context. Few capitalists associated with mining and industrial development chose to live in the Illawarra. Glennifer Brae stands apart as the only example of a 'grand house' in the City of Wollongong. (Conacher & Delahunty Architects 1993)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	There is nothing else in the City of Wollongong comparable to this house particularly from the 1930s. (Conacher & Delahunty Architects 1993)
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.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category	Description	Date Updated
Recommended Management	Review a Conservation Management Plan (CMP)
Recommended Management	Prepare a maintenance schedule or guidelines
Recommended Management	Carry out interpretation, promotion and/or education

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Comment	Conservation Plan submitted for comment	Wollongong City Council sent 2001 CMP, 2007 LMP and 2006 Plan of Management for comment
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act	maintenance & alteration to blg 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; and (2) alterations to the school buildings erected by the Sydney Church of England Grammar School, provided that these do not add to the external bulk of the buildings concerned, nor adversely affect the heritage significance of buildings erected for the Hoskins family in 1938.	Mar 21 1986
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act	gen maint.& alt to sch bld refer file 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) alterations to the school buildings erected by the Sydney Church of England Grammar School provided these do not add to the external bulk of the buildings concerned, nor adversely affect the heritage significance of buildings erected for the Hoskins family in 1938.	Feb 26 1988
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Gleniffer Brae CMP review - Architectural Projects (March 2017)		Nov 24 2017
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

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		00557	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00557	26 Feb 88	41	1276
State Environmental Planning Policy	Illawarra REP No.1		11 Apr 86
Local Environmental Plan			28 Dec 90
Local Environmental Plan			07 Jan 00
National Trust of Australia register			27 May 85
Royal Australian Institute of Architects register	Significant Buildings/Volume 1 Country NSW	2130	01 Nov 81
Register of the National Estate - Interim	Gleniffer Brae Manor House and Garden	101155

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
National Trust Country Register	0		National Trust of Australia (NSW)		No

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Aitken, Richard	2002	'Sorensen, Paul Edwin (1891-1983)' (entry)	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Gleniffer Brae	View detail
Written	AUSTRALIAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS	2011	NSW BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION - Geoffrey Douglas LOVERIDGE F.R.A.I.A.
Written	Conacher & Delahunty Architects	1993	Conservation Plan for Gleniffer Brae
Written	David Beaver	2007	Landscape Master Plan - Gleniffer Brae
Written	Dawson, Geoff and Ellsmore, Donald	1985	National Trust Classification Card - Gleniffer Brae
Written	Heritage Division	1990	Paper file: Gleniffer Brae - S90/6113/1-3 (NB: Part 1 is missing)
Written	Johnson, Lisa	2016	'Legacy lives on: planting the seeds of time' (Wollongong Botanic Garden)
Written	McIlwain, Kate	2017	'Functions plan stalled'
Written	National Parks and Wildlife Service	2005	Aboriginal Illawarra
Written	Noel Bell Ridley Smith & Partners	2005	Statement of Heritage Impact, proposed additions to performance centre Wollongong Conservatorium of Music in the grounds of Gleniffer Brae, Murphy's Avenue, Keiraville`
Written	Paul Davies P/L	2003	Conservation Management Plan, St Michael's Cathedral Wollongong
Written	Ratciffe, Richard	1990	Australia's Master Gardener - Paul Sorensen & his gardens
Written	Read, Stuart (paper), in Probyn, Meg (ed.), 2017, From Wilderness to Pleasure Ground: discovering the garden history of the Southern Highlands, Papers from the 29th Annual National Conference, Australian Garden History Society, Bowral, NSW, 10-12 October	2017	‘Paul Sorensen in the Southern Highlands & Illawarra’	View detail
Tourism	Tourism NSW	2007	Wollongong Botanic Gardens	View detail
Written	Tropman & Tropman Architects	2001	Conservation Management Plan for Gleniffer Brae (draft)
Written	Watson, Judy	2022	A Visit to Wollongong Botanic Garden	View detail
Written	Wollongong City Council	2006	Plan of Management for The Wollongong Botanic Garden (including Gleniffer Brae and Kooloobong Oval), Keiraville
Written	Wollongong City Council	2002	Plan of Management for Wollongong Botanic Garden (including Gleniffer Brae and Kooloobong Oval), Keiraville
Written	Wollongong City Council (in association with Wollongong Heritage Committee)	2012	Wollongong City Centre Heritage Trail

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

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source


The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name:	Heritage NSW
Database number:	5045680
File number:	EF14/5877; 10/5422; S92/1286

Every effort has been made to ensure that information contained in the State Heritage Inventory is correct. If you find any errors or omissions please send your comments to the Database Manager.

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