Crown Street Reservoir & Site

Item details


Name of item:	Crown Street Reservoir & Site
Other name/s:	WS 0034
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Utilities - Water
Category:	Water Supply Reservoir/ Dam
Location:	Lat: -33.8812262369 Long: 151.2141865700
Primary address:	285 Crown Street, Surry Hills, NSW 2010
Parish:	Alexandria
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
LOT	1		DP	1106583
LOT	2		DP	1106583

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
285 Crown Street	Surry Hills	Sydney	Alexandria	Cumberland	Primary Address
Riley Street	Surry Hills	Sydney			Alternate Address
Reservoir Street	Surry Hills	Sydney			Alternate Address
Campbell Street	Surry Hills	Sydney			Alternate Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Sydney Water	State Government	27 Nov 98

Statement of significance:


	Crown Street Reservoir (WS 34) is the oldest reservoir in NSW, still in service. It has had a pivotal role, not only in the Botany Swamps Scheme, from 1858-1886, but also in the Hudson / Upper Nepean Scheme, from 1886 / 1888 onwards, and now receives water from Warragamba Dam. It continues to supply water to the Inner City, a role it has played since 1859. The construction of the reservoir exemplifies the skill and ingenuity of the designers and craftsmen of the time, and as a result Crown Street Reservoir (WS 34) possesses historical and aesthetic significance at least at a state level. All covered reservoirs are highly significant within the SWC system, since all differ in construction technology, design and architectural detailing. All therefore contribute to our understanding of the development of covered reservoirs in NSW.
	Date significance updated: 05 Aug 09
	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:	W.B. Rider, Edward Bell (City Engineers); C.W. Darley (Valve House); Stephenson & Turner (admin.)
Builder/Maker:	Donohoe and Vaughan; John Tighe (excavation, reservoir construction)
Construction years:	1859-1889
Physical description:	Boundary Fence and gates: The whole site is surrounded by a substantial and early sandstone, brick and wrought iron palisade fence. There are gate piers, at the south end of Crown Street (Design 5, 2021). Reservoir: The Crown Street Reservoir (WS 34) is a rectangular covered reservoir built with brick perimeter walls, partly excavated into bedrock and partly raised and supported by an earth embankment. Special impervious bricks, 300,000 in all, were imported from England for the purpose. On the Riley Street frontage is a modern brick valve house or entrance chamber, with concrete roof and footings. Construction of the reservoir reflects the ingenuity of the designers and craftsmen of the time. It has required little maintenance and repair over the years. Its original cost was 14,929 pounds sterling. Crown Street Reservoir provided the suction water for Crown Street Pumping Station (WPS 1), which has supplied the following reservoirs at various times: Paddington Reservoir, 1864, now disused. Woollahra Reservoir, 1880. Centennial Park Reservoir No.1, 1899. Centennial Park Reservoir No.2, 1925. Waverley Reservoir No. 1, 1887. Waverley reservoir No. 2, 1917. Waverley Reservoir No. 3, 1938. The land adjacent to the reservoir provides space for a number of buildings, including: WPS 1, former workshop buildings, and two other modern buildings, being: Former Administration Building on corner of Crown and Campbell Streets (1962); A 3-4 storey concrete reinforced structure designed by Stephenson and Turner and built for use as offices and laboratory by Sydney Water, completed in 1962. The building was sold in 2008 and underwent a major refurbishment to accommodate ground floor retail accessed from the street and internal alterations to accommodate commercial tenants (Design 5, 2021). Former Meter Testing Workshop along Reservoir Street (1889); The workshop building at the site's southern end is a two storey polychrome (red and white) brick structure, on the Reservoir Street frontage. Its original roof has been replaced by a skillion corrugated iron roof, and many other alterations are evident. The workshop building is now disused and unoccupied.
Modifications and dates:	1860s-80s: in this period, the majority of the early structures (water mains, forge, one or two cottages, pumping station no. 1, workshops), including the residence, were removed or replaced with new ones, probably as the pumping station was built. The new engineer's residence (two story, brick) was built in the 1880s at the corner of Crown and Campbell Streets (Sydney Water, 2003, 26). 1881: the original water pumping station structure was extended on the southern side to accommodate additional pumps. The pumping station structure underwent several waves of alterations and was demolished in the 1960s (ibid, 2003, 26). c1888: Second water pumping station built at corner of Riley and Reservoir Streets, on the site of the present (1965) station. About the same time, the Riley Street Valve House was added, as an above-ground structure in brick and stone (designed by C.W. Darley, President of the Board of Water Supply and Sewerage, and later Engineer-in-Chief of the Public Works Department - its most prominent feature was a tall brick chimney (ibid, 2003, 35). 1889: two additional single-storey brick structures with hipped rooves added: the workshop and office buildings built for the meter testing facility. The Board's meter testing branch, which tested and stamped all water meters, taps, ball-cocks, lavatory pans and cisterns and other fittings, was in these structures until the 1990s. The main materials testing laboratory was also located there from c.1940-49 (ibid, 2003, 36). c1890 photo shows cnr. Crown Street single-storey office, two storey workshop behind, site gates and elevated tank for pressure-testing fittings (ibid, 2003, 34). c1890s photo shows the first (Crown Street) Valve House (octagonal structure) and the altered rear of the first pumping station (with verandah)(ibid, 2003, 34). c1895-1905 photo shows the Riley Street Valve House. pre-1901 photo shows fenced tennis court (1880s) on top of the reservoir), the single-storey chimney base to the second Pumping Station, double-storey workshop and other buildings. c.1903: the first major changes to the Reservoir structure: square manholes/light shafts on the roof were added. These were created on a concrete base plate with steel chamber and lid. About hte same date, 3 brick ventilation shafts with distinctive metal cowls, lost their original capping (ibid, 2003, 36). c1904: the reservoir roof was rendered with a thick layer of concrete and turfed over in 1905. It is believed the original clay puddle surface of 1859 was removed at this time (ibid, 2003, 37). c1910 additions to Second Pumping Station (ibid, 2003, 33). Photos of this date show the north-west area, near the corner of Campbell and Riley Streets, was used as a tennis court, and there were 3 large sheds, apparently timber-framed and masonry built, on the eastern third of the roof. The tennis court was inaccessible from the street, probably primarily used by the professional staff of the site, rather than the wider public. It was fenced at some stage. Photographs show this use was gone by 1958 (ibid, 2003, 37). Photos show that by 1910 buildings on the Reservoir Street side underwent a wave of alterations. The 2nd storey was added to the base of the Second Pumping Station chimney. About the same time, the second storey of the Meter Testing Workshop was replaced with a timber structure, and the second floor added to the adjoining Administration Building (ibid, 2003, 37). By the 1920s, a double storey brick addition was built on the north side of the store/workshop building, to be used as the 'Fitting Shop'. By then, the engineer's residence had been converted into an office building. Coal for the steam engines of the water pumps was stockpiled in this area in this period. A coal heap and ashbin are shown in the south-west corner of the reservoir roof, adjacent to the water pumping station (ibid, 2003, 37). 1921: roofs of buildings adjacent to the reservoir were damaged, allegedly as cricket was played on the roof. The Board decided, based on the cost of repairs, to stop this practice for the future (ibid, 2003, 37). 1940s: next major alterations to the reservoir structure: a number of the teimber columns were found to be rotting and subsequently replaced with matching elements (ibid, 2003, 39). By the early 1950s the FItting Shop had been converted to a garage and loading dock. The Meter Testing Workshop and offices however continued to operate. The Fitting Shop, Office building and upper floor of the meter testing workshop were demolished in the late 1960s (ibid, 2003, 39). 1961: existing 3-storey administrative building built, officially opened in 4/1962, including office, store and laboratory. It was designed by Stephenson & Turner architects, built by T.C. Whittle P/L. Except the administration, this building housed the renewed main materials testing laboratory (1962-84) and photographic services section (1962-91)(ibid, 2003, 39). 1962: demolition of second (1889) pumping house; and (from) 1964-65: Third Pumping Station replaced it (ibid, 2003, 38), although its 1889 sandstone gbase and underground chambers survive (ibid, 2003, 39). c1962: several important alterations took place: the double-storey engineer's residence and first pumping station were demolished c.1958, to provide space for the new building. The garage was built in 1961, which necessitated laying a reinforced concrete slab and replacing hardwood timber column reservoir roof supports in reinforced concrete. The extant access driveway incorporates the concrete floor slab of the former Stores Branch/Testing and Research Lab. Numerous reservoir columns were replaced at various times. A 1990s survey indicates that less than half the original columns survived by this time. In particularly in the northeast quadrant all columns were replaced with reinforced concrete, in the southeast and south-wast quadrants, about half were replaced with new timber columns and only in the north-west quadrant most original or early timber columns survived - however a number of timber columns in this area had also evidently been replaced, some with reinforced concrete columns (ibid, 2003, 39). 1960s: the Administration building was purposely created with high ceilings suitable for use by the Board Printing Department. In following decades however, it housed the headquarters of the Environmental Science and Technology branch, including the Marin Sciences and Ocean Outfalls teams. In the mid-1990s, it ceased to function as a Sydney Water facility and has since been leased by a number of temporary tenancies (ibid, 2003, 40). 1993: removal of the grounds from the Reservoir Roof during works (ibid, 2003, 38). Further waves of significant alterations to the reservoir structure occured in the early 1990s, including replacing hte soil cover over the reservoir roof with subsequent laying of an impermeable membrane. A mild-steel railing fence, enclosing the reservoir roof area, was installed in the same period (ibid, 2003, 39). The site was the Water Board's material headquarters for water and sewer. One of the latest functions was the Odour Analysis Laboratory, which involved community member participation, and was part of the Clean Waterways campaign int he 1990s. Sydney Water's Archive was also based at Crown Street prior to obtaining its present facilities at Croydon Park. The new Water Pumping Station was also the administrative headquarters for Major Electric Pumping Stations for the whole Sydney area in the 1960s, within the Mechanical Branch (ibid, 2003, 40). In 2008 the former Administration building was sold and since it has undergone a major refurbishment, alterations and additions (2010-20) which have substantially altered its external appearance. It now provides ground floor retail accessed from Crown Street, and has had internal alterations to accommodate commercial tenants (Design 5, 2021).


Current use:	Water reservoir
Former use:	Aboriginal land, farm estate, timber getting, town lot

History

Historical notes:

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

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 (Source: Anita Heiss, "Aboriginal People and Place", Barani: Indigenous History of Sydney City http://www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/barani)

Surry Hills:
Governor Phillip established the boundary of the Sydney Cove settlement in 1792 when he drew a line from the head of Cockle Bay to the head of Woolloomooloo Bay. East of that line was reserved for the town and west of the line, which included present-day Surry Hills was considered suitable for farming and was granted to military officers and free settlers.

The first land grants in the Surry Hills area were made in the 1790s. Captain (later, Major) Joseph Foveaux received 105 acres and Commissary John Palmer received 70 acrres in April and another adjoining 20 acres soon after. He called the property George Farm.

Foveaux (1765-1846)'s property was known as 'Surrey Hills Farm' and Foveaux Street in the suburb honours this soldier and administrator of the colony's early days (Healy & Pollen, 1988, 249).

In 1800 Palmer also bought Foveaux's farm. Palmer supported Governor Bligh during the Rum Rebellion (in 1808) and returned to England to give evidence. On his return, his reduced financial circumstances forced the sale of his land. The sale of Palmer's estate in 1814 was the first subdivision in Surry Hills.

In the first half of the 19th century, John Terry Hughes built the Albion Brewery, a site now owned by Tooheys Brewery. Adjacent was Albion House, where his nephew, J.T. Hughes lived with his wife. Surry Hills had an air of elegance in the 1800s, when buildings in the style of the Macquarie era were constructed. One of the most interesting was Durham Hall (on Albion Street) built in 1835 for George Hill, who bought its site from Thomas Broughton. Hill who was associated with a timberyard in George Street, was overseer of several slaughterhouses, and owned three city inns, all in Pitt Street. His son William ran a fourth, in Sussex Street (ibid, 1988, 249).

Surry Hills was populated relatively late, given its proximity to the city of Sydney. Before 1850 it was a major source of timber nd clay for the construction of buildings in the city, and was occupied by major agricultural estates as late as the second half of the 19th century (Sydney Water, 2003, 10).

The Devonshire Street Cemetery, where many early settlers were buried, was located in this area. When Central Station became the Sydney railway terminus, the cemetery was moved to various other locations, and the station opened on 4/8/1906. This altered the traffic plan, and flow of trams and horse-drawn vehicles moved along George Street and past the new Anthony Hordern Palace Emporium, built in 1901. For many years this southern part of the city was the main shopping area because its nearness to Central Station made it accessible from all over Sydney and the state (ibid, 1988, 249).

The area around Cleveland and Elizabeth Streets was known as Strawberry Hills, and the Strawberry Hills post office was located for many years on the corner of these two streets, but is now ont he corner of Chalmers and Cleveland Streets. From the 1850s terrace houses and workers' cottages were built in Surry Hills, which gradually became a working class suburb. Work was available locally as light industry, particularly the clothing industry, became established in the area. The suburb was also favoured by families newly arrived in Australia in the years after the Second World War, when property values were low and it provided inexpensive accommodation (ibid, 1988, 249).

Today the suburb has a multicultural aspect, with a large Lebanese population joining older immigrant families. Many of its old houses are being restored as the middle class move back into the area to enjoy the benefits of inner-city living (ibid, 1988, 249).

Crown Street Reservoir:
The subject site and its vicinity were part of the Riley Estate until the 1850s. This vast property was named after the merchant and pastoralist, Edward Riley (1784-1825), who established it in the early 1800s. After his suicide in 1825, and long legal battles between his legal successors, the estate was gradually subdivised from the early 1830s (ibid, 2003, 10).

The subdivision established Crown Street as one of teh major early thoroughfares on the eastern edge of the city, connecting industrial estates to the south of Sydney with Port Jackson wharves and stores (ibid, 2003, 10).

The area of today's reservoir was part of the government commission subdivision (the Riley Estate Partition Commission) that took place in 1848. The subdivision was made on a rectangular pattern, creating sections encircled by public streets. The land bounded by Crown, Campbell, Riley and Reservoir Streets constituted section D9 of this subdivision. The sections were further subdivided for residential allotments. The Crown Street Reservoir site is unusual in that the site area - one street block - approximates the size of an original section of the (Riley) estate, although there has been some reduction in area for road widening. There are no other surviving sections, not subject to further subdivision, however numerous street blocks today demonstrate the same section establishing pattern (ibid, 2003, 10).

Generally, Surry Hills was populated after the Gold Rush of 1851, when the area was opened up for sale for working class residences. While until c1850 land in the area was largely vacant... by the late 19th century Surry Hills was one of hte most populous suburbs in Sydney. The neighbourhood was notorious for its criminal element. However, its dense population encouraged the commercial activities and accelerated development of government services such as schools. These, in turn, accelerated further residential development, and provided for steady growth of the neighbourhood. It is likely that this development would not have taken place without the creation of the Crown Street Reservoir (ibid, 2003, 11, abridged).

Busby's Bore scheme was developed from 1827, with a tunnel providing city water supply from Lachlan Swamps (within today's Centennial Park) from 1830. In 1839 a new scheme was envisaged based on Tempe Dam. This produced water too saline and was abandoned. Busby's Bore coped with city demands in the 1840s with plenty of rain, but the situation changed with droughts of 1847. Meantime, the population of SYdney rose to about 40,000 and was set to increase above 50,000 in the early 1850s, rendering Busby's Bore insufficient in capacity. An additional supply system was proposed. Known as the Botany Water Supply, it was developed by City Engineer, W.B. Rider and, in its modified form, by his successor Edward Bell. The strategic concept of this scheme was to divide Sydney in the upper and lower area, supplied from two different reservoirs. These were fed by a 30" (c.750mm) cast iron rising main, supplied from the Botany Swamps, with a total length of over 7km. The Pumping Engines of the Botany Swamps water supply scheme were complete in 1858 however were unused until the reservoirs were completed (ibid, 2003, 12).

Introduction of the Botany Scheme allowed the water supplied by the Lachlan Swamps Scheme to be diverted to Woolloomooloo, at the time a low priority outer suburb populated by working class. The number of homes connected also rose sha5rply, and by the time the Upper Nepean Scheme was commenced in 1879, about 26,000 homes were already connected to mains (ibid, 2003, 13).

This soon resulted in expansion of the Botany system by additional dams, but each attempt was soon rendered insufficient. As early as 1867, the Botany Swamps supply scheme was overtaxed enough to cause the appointment by the Governor of a special commission to investigate future water supply. The answer was found in the described Upper Nepean Scheme, which forms the basis of the water supply until the present day (ibid, 2003, 13).

Crown Street Reservoir is one of two reservoirs that were the key elements of the Botany Swamps water supply scheme. It featured capacity of about 14 Megalitres. Paddington Reservoir, completed in 1864, had a volume of about 6 Megalitres (ibid, 2003, 14).

The Crown Street Reservoir (WS 34) was completed in 1859. Waterproof bricks, imported from England, were used in its construction. It was a part of the Botany Swamps water supply scheme, 1858-1886. Water was pumped from Botany Pumping Station to Crown Street Reservoir, and later to Paddington Reservoir (1864). It is now possibly the oldest working reservoir in Australia.

The Botany Swamps scheme generally marked the beginning of the practice of city water supply pumping in Australia, and presented a notable technological advance in the water industry. This is evidenced in the construction of the two large covered water reservoirs and the large steam pumping house at Botany. Both the Botany pump house and the two large underground reservoirs were the first examples of their types built in Australia. Even though an open reservoir was created in December 1857 in Victoria (the Yan Yean reservoir, capacity 24,500 Megalitres), this, based on a large dam is considered closer in type to the Prospect Reservoir than to the fully built, underground masonry structure at Crown Street (ibid, 2003, 16).

In the decades following construction of Crown Street and Paddington Reservoirs, several similar underground water reservoirs were created. These include the Oxford Street reservoir at Woollahra (completed in 1879, capacity 4.6 Megalitres), Waverley reservoir (completed in 1883, capacity 4.9 Megalitres), Petersham (completed in 1887, capacity 8.6 Megalitres) and Pymble No. 1 (completed in 1900, capacity about 2 Megalitres)(ibid, 2003, 16). The first Centennial Park reservoir, completed in 1899, was the first to exceed the capacity of the Crown Street Reservoir, due to its astonishing 81.8 Megalitre storage (ibid, 2003, 16).

By 1867 it was envisaged that a new water supply scheme was required, and the first plans were developed. Implementation of the new Upper Nepean Scheme, did not start until 1879 due to lack of funds. The scheme became partly effective in 1886, and was commisionally approved in 1888 (ibid, 2003, 15).

The first Crown Street pumping station, completed in 1879 and coinciding with Woollahra Reservoir, was the second permanent set-up in Australia. It was also the first to feature pumps manufactured by a local manufacturer, Mort's Dock and Engineering of Balmain, unlike the Botany pumping house, that used imported English pumps (ibid, 2003, 17).

The Botany Swamps gave way to the Upper Nepean Scheme in 1888, with temporary supply provided by the Hudson Scheme. In 1884 and 1885 severe drought reduced Botany's water reserves to a level sufficient for only ten days' average consumption. This initiated building of an emergency scheme supplementing the Botany Swamps lakes from the partly-finished Upper Nepean system. The 1885/6 emergency system, known as the Hudson Brothers' Temporary Scheme, after the engineering company that built it. This provided 13,000 Megalitres a day. It was in use from 1886-88. It was abandoned and dismantled after the completion of the Upper Nepean Scheme in that year (ibid, 2003, 15).

The Upper Nepean Scheme was based on providing water from the Nepean River and its tributaries, the Avon, Cataract and Cordeaux. A system of tunnels, canals and aqueducts, known as the Upper Canal, directed water towards Prospect Reservoir, from where it was taken via the Lower Canal to Pipe Head, the basin located in Guildford. At Pipe Head, water piped and distributed via the Potts Hill Reservoir to other reservoirs, including the one in Crown Street (ibid, 2003, 15).

The Upper Nepean Scheme was expanded through creating supplementary dams, including the Upper Nepean dams between 1907 and 1935, Warragamba Dam in 1960 and Tallowa Dam in 1977. Woronora Dam, built in 1941, is an element separate to this scheme, providing water to the area to south of Sydney (ibid, 2003, 15).

The pumping stations lost their importance and their technology was suppressed when the Water Board undertook a major modernisation program of its water pumping stations in the 1960s. All of the steam pumping stations, except for Ryde, were converted to electric operation by the mid-1960s, and about 40 new stations were created. Among these was the third Crown Street pumping station, completed in 1965 (ibid, 2003, 17).

Today the Crown Street Reservoir receives water from the Upper Nepean Scheme and also Warragamba Dam. It is an important and integral part reticulation system.

Crown Street Reservoir remains in active use and maintains its place within the system to the present day, although all elements on the site have undergone substantial modifications in the meantime (ibid, 2003, 17).

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.	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-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of 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 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	Developing local landmarks-
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 for reticulated water supply-
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-
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	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Early land grants-
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	Early farming (Cattle grazing)-
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	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
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	Land tenure-Activities and processes for identifying forms of ownership and occupancy of land and water, both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal	Resuming private lands for public purposes-
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	Sub-division of large estates-
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	Early Sydney Street-
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	Subdivision of urban estates-
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	Subdivision of urban estates-
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	19th Century Infrastructure-
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 suburban settings-
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	living in the suburbs-
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	Commercial strip development-
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	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Water and drainage-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Providing drinking water-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Examples of early water and sanitation systems (wells and cess pits)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Utilities-Activities associated with the provision of services, especially on a communal basis	Water supply-
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 the public service-
5. Working-Working	Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour	Working complex machinery and technologies-
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.	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.	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 - providing reticulated water-
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-
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.	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.	Applying architectural design to industrial structures-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Edward Bell, 19th c. Architect, Sydney City Engineer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Donoghoe and Vaughan, builders-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with C.W. Darley, Engineer-in-Chief, Public Works, lighthouse designer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with W.B. Rider, Sydney City Engineer-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	Associations with Stephenson and Turner, architects-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Crown Street Reservoir (WS 34) is the oldest working reservoir in NSW, still in service. It has had a pivotal role, not only in the Botany Swamps Scheme, 1858-1886, but also in the Hudson / Upper Nepean Scheme, 1886 / 1888 onwards, and now receives water from Warragamba Dam. It continues to supply water to the Inner City, a role it has played since 1859, a total of 141 years to date. This reservoir is associated with a water supply source, prior to the completion of the Upper Nepean Scheme and the formation of the Metropolitan Water Sewerage & Drainage Board in 1888. It operated in parallel with Busby's Bore from 1859 to 1888.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Reservoir structure features high aesthetic qualitites, demonstrative of construction techniques and high level tecnical expertise available for covered reservoir construction in Australia in the 1850s, including cast-iron beams imported from England.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The Crown Street Reservoir is an early example of a mid-nineteenth century fire-proof jack-arch roof construction in NSW. It is the only reservoir in the SWC system featuring wooden columns. The reservoir was built in special impervious bricks imported from England, which is an unusual feature. The Crown Street Reservoir site possibly contains remnant sections of the 30-inch Botany Swamps rising main, manufatured in Scotland in the 1850s.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	One of small group of covered reservoirs, each demonstrating differences in construction, design & architectural detailing. Earliest reservoir, still in use. 1 of 4 associated with Botany Swamps Supply. Only reservoir with wooden columns in SWC system.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	Crown Street Reservoir is representative of the oldest class of fully built water reservoirs in NSW and Australia, identifiable by their brick structure and brick arched roof. It is the oldest, the longest serving and probably the most important of this group. The Crown Street Resevoir site contains a 1965 water pumping station representative of design and equipment of other major water pumping stations on Sydney in the 1960s
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-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Crown Street Reservoir Site CMP, by Sydney Water for Sydney Water, dated November 2003	CMP endorsed by heritage Council 5 May 2004 for a period of five years, expires 5 May 2009	May 5 2004
39	Minister makes heritage agreement	Heritage Agreement signed by Minister		Aug 9 2007
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Heritage Act - Site Specific Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) TO GRANT SITE-SPECIFIC EXEMPTIONS FROM APPROVAL Crown Street Reservoir and Site SHR No. 01323 I, the Minister administering the Heritage Act 1977, 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 my order, grant an exemption from section 57(1) of that Act in respect of the engaging in or carrying out of any activities described in Schedule "C" by the owners, managers or lessees of the land described in Schedule "B" on the item described in Schedule "A". The Hon Don Harwin MLC Special Minister of State, Minister for the Public Service and Employee Relations, Aboriginal Affairs and the Arts Vice-President of the Executive Council Sydney, 15th Day of December 2021 SCHEDULE "A" The item known as Crown Street Reservoir and Site, situated on the land described in Schedule "B". SCHEDULE "B" All those pieces or parcels of land known as Lot 1 DP 1106583 and Lot 2 DP 1106583, in the Parish of Alexandria, County of Cumberland shown on the plan catalogued HC Plan 2018 in the office of the Heritage Council of New South Wales. SCHEDULE "C" 1.Existing approved or exempted development: All works and activities in accordance with a current and valid development consent from or minor works already endorsed as exempt under section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 under delegation by Sydney City Council in force at the date of gazettal of these site-specific exemptions 2.Former Administration Building - General (i)All standard exemptions. (ii)Changes to operating hours of retail and commercial tenancies. 3.Former Administration Building Exteriors (i)External modifications limited to minor changes to ground floor shop-front glazing and entry doors. Any change must respect the singular identity of the building and maintain a unified character of the ground floor. (ii)To undertake repair and maintenance including the removal and replacement of fabric with like-for-like fabric. New material for repair may differ in material and/or in method of fixing but shall not change the character, form, or detail of the existing faade. (iii)Repainting and change of colour compatible with the heritage item. (iv)Changes to ground floor glazing and entries. (v)Use of temporary hoardings when facades are undergoing maintenance or change. Change to internal and external signage including removal, replacement, or new signs compatible with the heritage item. (vi)Change to internal and external signage including removal, replacement, or new signs compatible with the heritage item. 4.Former Administration Building Roof: (i)Modifications to roof areas and outside accessible roof terraces that will not be visible from public areas on the street or alter the external appearance. For the roof, this will include and enable the removal, adding or changing the plant equipment. For the external roof terrace, this will include alterations to walls, floors, and fixtures (including built-in furniture and equipment) which are not visible from the street. (ii)Removal, replacement and/or installation of new services plant equipment located on the roof or areas not visible from the street or public spaces. 5.Former Administration Building Interiors: Internal changes to tenancy and common area spaces, including but not limited to work associated with change of tenancies. Excludes alteration or relocation of the 1962 brass plaque located on the ground floor foyer or relocation of moveable heritage items, if found. 6.South Courtyard: (i)Repaving, and minor alterations to external hard paving that: -Is for the maintenance or minor alterations to existing paving units. -Does not require excavation deeper than the foundations of the existing paving; and -Will have no adverse or irreversible impact on significant fabric, including archaeological features or the stone boundary fence. (ii)Replacement and/or replanting of trees in the south courtyard.	Jan 14 2022
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
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01323	18 Nov 99
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Water Pumping Station	4570810
Heritage Act - s.170 NSW State agency heritage register	Crown Street Reservoir (Covered)	122140; 4575728
Local Environmental Plan	Crown Street Reservoir and site, buildings, fence,	I1490
National Trust of Australia register

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
Sydney Water Heritage Study	1996	122140	Graham Brooks and Associates Pty Ltd	GRAHAM BROOKS AND ASSOCIATES PTY LTD 1 July 1996	Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Written	Healy, Gerald; and Pollen, Frances (ed.)	1988	'Surry Hills' entry
Written	Preston, Jennifer	2021	Edward Bell, Sydney City Engineer 1856 to 1870	View detail
Written	Sydney Water Corporation, Asset Management Division	2003	Crown Street Reservoir and Site - Conservation Management Plan

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:	5051424
File number:	EF14/5382; H02/283/2; 10/3190

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