Warehouses

Item details


Name of item:	Warehouses
Other name/s:	Munn Street Bond Stores, Dalgety Bond Stores
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Retail and Wholesale
Category:	Warehouse/storage area
Location:	Lat: -33.8584502882 Long: 151.2022518830
Primary address:	6-20 Munn Street, Millers Point, NSW 2000
Parish:	St Philip
County:	Cumberland
Local govt. area:	Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council:	Metropolitan

Property description

Lot/Volume Code	Lot/Volume Number	Section Number	Plan/Folio Code	Plan/Folio Number
PART LOT	100		DP	838323

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
6-20 Munn Street	Millers Point	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address
Hickson Road	Millers Point	Sydney			Alternate Address

Statement of significance:


	The Munn Street former warehouse complex is important as a townscape feature in this area of dramatic topography. Its different building forms and shapes display a progression of functional architectural style, reflecting the difficulties of building on this contorted terrain. It also demonstrates the redevelopment and change of the area associated with civil works that followed the bubonic plague of 1901. It perpetuates the memory of Dalgety & Co, one of Australia's largest mercantile companies, and maintains a historic link with the maritime activities of Millers Point . The internal structure and mechanical features provide additional scientific significance. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)
	Date significance updated: 26 May 98
	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


Construction years:	1875-1875
Physical description:	The former Dalgety's Bond Stores were originally a complex of three warehouse components, known as Dalgety's Bond A, B and C. Only blocks A and C survive. Surviving features of Block B include sawn stonework , beam corbels and flashing grooves provide evidence of its attachment to the surviving buildings. Block A is an irregular gable roofed sandstone structure. Block C is a brick building almost rectangular in plan with a parapeted sawtooth south-light roof. The two buildings adjoin. To the north, facing Munn Reserve (formerly Munn Street) at the Argyle Street bridge , Blocks A and C are 2 and 1 storey in height respectively. To the south and west, however, the steep fall of the site reveals three more storeys below, addressing Hickson Road and the carpark adjacent to the wharf. In the refurbished interiors much original fabric has been kept including the heavy posts, beams and roof trusses of Block A, and the remarkable trussed girders and roof trusses of Block C. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147) The group consists of two complimentary warehouse buildings fronting onto what is now the Munn Reserve. They both feature free classical facades but illustrate two distinct phases in warehouse construction - one incorporating a timber structure, the other steel. The original detailing is largely in tact , both internally and externally. Contains an hydraulic pump and lift structure which is given an "A" class listing by the National Trust's IEA Committee. The bale lifts and overhead crane were fabricated by Babcock & Wilcox. (Anglin 1990:1042) The former Dalgety's Bond Store is a good example of an early stone warehouse, which if retained will maintain a link with the early commercial character of the area, once the hub of Sydney's shipping activity. (M.Stapleton 1978)
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Fair condition. The original detailing is largely intact , both internally and externally. (Anglin 1990:1042)
	Date condition updated:09 Aug 13
Modifications and dates:	Store B was demolished c1970-78. The face brickwork and sandstone basework have been texture finished and painted. The street front shop has been converted into a medical centre and its shopfront, like the Little Regent Street entrance and all the tiny lift lobbies, has been modernised and faced with marble tiles. All interiors are modern. A second lift and stair have been inserted at the rear, accessed by a new lobby at the east end of Little Regent Street. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147) A large rusticated stone archway has since been infilled. (M.Stapleton 1978) New openings in west wall (Block A). Reconstructed window and joinery. 1990s lift tower (Block A). (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)


Current use:	Commercial
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, Warehouse

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.

Shipbuilding had taken place in Munn's yard since the 1820s. John Cuthbert, a prominent boat builder, took over the yard in 1853 and it became one of the major shipyards in Sydney. During the 1870s the nature of the area changed as wool export became more significant and required an ever-increasing amount of storage space. It is likely that both buildings were built by Cuthbert. An 1870s Plan of Sydney shows the site as Dibb's wharf with two bonded stores (Block A and B). The creation of Hickson Road by the Sydney Harbour Trust facilitated the erection of Block C in 1908. Its steel sawtooth roof was added in 1953. Dalgety & Co leased the entire site from the Sydney Harbour Trust from about 1913 until 1969. Dalgety's mercantile agency became one of the biggest firms of its kind and this block came to represent their prestige on the Sydney waterfront. An existing plan from 1949 shows the three stores and the way in which they were accommodated to the shape of the site. Store B was demolished between 1970 and 1978. With the removal of the western end of Munn Street in the 1970s, the complex acquired new visibility, and has more recently been adapted to new uses. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1990:1147)

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)	New South Wales theme	Local theme
1. Environment-Tracing the evolution of a continent's special environments	Environment - naturally evolved-Activities associated with the physical surroundings that support human life and influence or shape human cultures.	Changing the environment-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Storing goods-
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
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.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	The complex demonstrates the continued importance of mercantile activities in this part of Sydney. It provides important physical evidence of the major redevelopment and associated civil works that occurred in the area in the years following the bubonic plague of 1901. It is associated with leading merchant businesses in Sydney, including John Cuthbert and Dalgety & Co. It is also an example of appropriate conservation by adaptation to new uses. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The former Dalgety's Bond Stores is an important landscape feature in this area of dramatic landform, addressing two street levels. It is an interesting juxtaposition of different architectural expressions in the one ensemble representing different phases of warehouse typology, and including more recent adaptive re-use. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The former Dalgety's Bond Stores demonstrates and permits comparison of two basic types of traditional structure employing loadbearing perimeter walls and internal timber construction. Block A is a composite element displaying not only heavy timber structural members but also trussed timber girders and steel south-light external hoist sheaves. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The former Dalgety's Bond Stores is a rare and imposing complex that so clearly illustrates the evolution of warehouse development by providing evidence of changes in design, structure and function. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The former Dalgety's Bond Stores is representative of the many warehouses that once abounded in this area that were associated with the harbour activities and which served the wool industry. (Godden Mackay Pty Ltd 1996:1147)
Assessment criteria:	Items are assessed against the State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		00526	02 Apr 99	27	1546
Heritage Act - Permanent Conservation Order - former		00526	15 May 87	80	2345
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register		4920012
Local Environmental Plan	CSH Local Environmental Plan 4		07 Apr 00
Heritage study		1147	06 Aug 96
National Trust of Australia register			03 Jul 78
Within a National Trust conservation area		West Rocks	23 Jul 73
Register of the National Estate		002233	01 Oct 80

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Guidelines used
Maritime Services Board Heritage and Conservation Register : Sydney Harbour	1990	1042	Anglin Associates	No
City of Sydney Heritage Inventory	1996	1147	Godden Mackay Pty Ltd	Yes
Marine Ministerial Holding Corporation S170 Register	1999		Heritage Unit, Department of Public works & Services	Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	M.Stapleton	1978	National Trust of Australia (NSW) Classification

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:	5051348
File number:	S91/01037 & HC 31311

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