Argyle Stores

Item details


Name of item:	Argyle Stores
Other name/s:	Argyle Bond Stores and Cleland Bond Store
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Retail and Wholesale
Category:	Other - Retail & Wholesale
Location:	Lat: -33.8587629428 Long: 151.2077709420
Primary address:	12-20 Argyle Street, The Rocks, 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
LOT	9		DP	246098

Boundary:

Eora

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
12-20 Argyle Street	The Rocks	Sydney	St Philip	Cumberland	Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name	Owner Category	Date Ownership Updated
Place Management NSW	State Government

Statement of significance:


	The Argyle Stores and site are of State heritage significance for their historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right. The listings in the registers of both the National Trust and the National Estate demonstrate the esteem the Stores are held in by the wider community. The Argyle Stores include substantial remains of one the earliest surviving commercial buildings in Sydney, dating from c1826. The complex contains the earliest surviving building occupied for use as a Customs House from 1830 until 1850. Despite numerous alterations, the buildings retain much of the fabric of their major phases of development and use as commercial stores, including the hydraulic hoist. The stores are rare in their ability to demonstrate changing warehouse design and construction from the early 19th to early 20th century. The buildings also demonstrate, through design, space and materials, wholesale and retail practices which are changing or have changed. The buildings and site are physical reminders of the early history of Sydney, occupying a section of the city which was the focus of commercial maritime activity in the first half of the 19th century. They also provide the focus of present activity in the Rocks. The courtyard is particularly evocative in this respect. The buildings have historical associations with significant figures in Australian retail and social history including John Piper, Mary Reiby, Frederick Unwin, Samuel Terry and the Tooth brothers. Unwin is also significant in the development of the Rocks area. The Argyle Centre historic precinct makes an important contribution to the quality of the streetscape of the Rocks. The building fabric constitutes the major potential source of additional information about the history of the complex, because of the paucity of documentary evidence. The history of The Rocks and the uses of its buildings illustrate and inform of the aspirations and way of life of the Colony and, later, the State. The construction of these buildings in particular demonstrate changing architectural and building practices. The buildings and site have the potential to yield substantial scientific, cultural, technological and archaeological information relevant to earlier uses and the development of the area. These buildings are believed to be among the first historic buildings in NSW to be recycled for new uses in a way designed to respect the earlier historical significance of the site, and therefore represent and important landmark in the history of conservation. The buildings provide clear evidence of early conservation practice and philosophy. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1990:6-7)
	Date significance updated: 30 Mar 11
	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:	(E)Henry Cooper; (W)Unknown; (N)Unknown; (S)Unknown
Builder/Maker:	Unknown
Construction years:	1826-1878
Physical description:	The original building on the site was a simple Georgian sandstone building roofed with slates, the first use of this roofing material in the colony. The numerous brick Victorian additions were made in the 19th century during various ownerships. Under the buildings solid sandstone cellars are covered by massive hand hewn timber beams whilst upper floors are in heavy timber post and beam construction. The roofs are simple hipped forms, now sheeted with corrugated iron. The courtyard is entered via passageways whose entrances are surrounded by articulated sandstone arches and quoins whilst the brick walls and pilasters to the streets are stuccoed. (Sheedy 1976) Note: This building contains a hydraulic hoist which is an important item located within the building. Style: Georgian; Colonial; Classical; Victorian Warehouse; Art Nouveau Chicago. Storeys: 3,4 plus basement. Façade - Stone; Floor Frame - Timber; Roof Frame - Timber; Roof Cladding: Galvanised Iron
	Date condition updated:14 Sep 99
Modifications and dates:	Built: East: 1826-1839; West: 1840-45; North: 1881; South: c.1878 South: 1968-69; East: c.1878 (See Orwell and Peter Phillips Conservation Plan 1990: 3-6 for further details) Conservation and adaptation work was undertaken in the early 1970s for conversion of the store for an antique market and other businesses of an art and craft theme. (SCRA Annual Reports 1973-74) In 1993, the SCA obtained vacant possession of the Argyle Centre, to enable a major refurbishment and fitout of the Stores by architects Alan Jack & Cottier. The existing fitout was removed to create open floor space to all levels. The Centre was reopened in November 1995. Additional air conditioning was provided to the buildings in 1996-7. (SCRA Annual Reports 1995-1996/7) 2006-07 The building and courtyard were refurbished and the Hydraulic whip restored


Current use:	Function Rooms, Bar, Restaurants, Offices
Former use:	Aboriginal land, hospital, Custom House; Bonded & Free Stores Residence; Arts & Craft Centre ; Studio;Dep

History

Historical notes:

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

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

The first European development of the site was associated with the extension of Sydney's first Hospital, with the planting of herb and vegetable gardens on the later bond store site. The first building was a house commenced by Captain John Piper in 1826 at what became the east wing of the current stores, who sold it before completion to Mary Reiby in 1828. Frederick Unwin bought it later that year and completed the building in c 1829. Designed by architect Henry Cooper, the three level building had a dressed stone elevation to Argyle Street. Samuel Terry bought the site in 1831. The northern extension to the Customs House was completed by 1835. In 1839, Unwin again bought the site, and work commenced on 'Unwin's Bonded Stores'. These included an addition to the northern side of the Custom House and other buildings forming a courtyard in the middle.

East Wing (20 Argyle St.): In 1826, construction of the East Wing was started under the supervision of Capt. John Piper in his capacity as Naval Officer. As owner of the property, Piper sold the land and partially completed building to Mary Reiby in 1828, who in turn sold it to Frederick Unwin. In 1829 Unwin mortgaged the property and from 1830 the east wing was used as the 'Custom House'. Unwin regained ownership in 1838 and building construction resumed in 1839. Around 1844 goods such as brandy, wine, tea, cheese, tobacco, flour and sugar were stored. In 1845 the City Council Rates Book lists the Custom House as 'two floors in bad repair'. It was about this time that the transfer of the Custom House to Circular Quay commenced.

South Wing (14-16 Argyle St): The South wing appears to have remained vacant until c.1835. The map of 1835 shows a small building at the extreme west end of the wing. It appears that this may have been built at the time Henry Fisher was 'Custom House Agent', and as the City Council Rate Book of 1845 lists this building as a house of three rooms, it may have been built as the residence for the 'Custom House Agent'. Three other small buildings had been built on the site when, in 1876, Isaac Ellis Ives bought the stores and began to expand their capacity. Part of this expansion involved the demolition of most of the existing south wing and the construction of a new wing c.1878.

West Wing (12 Argyle St): The West wing of the stores was built between 1840-1845. In 1845 the City Council Rates Book lists the entire west wing as 'new stores' of '4 floors', tenanted by Henry Fisher and owned by Frederick Unwin. In 1854 the stores were purchased by R & E Tooth, brewers and merchants who occupied the west and north wings. During this period the building was used as a bonded and free store. There have been no major structural changes to the west wing since was built c. 1840.

(Orwell & Peter Phillips 1990: Appendix A : W Thorp - Historical Development Argyle and Cleland Bond Stores, Argyle Street, The Rocks)

See also: Item No 4500099 Cleland Bond Store.

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	Storing goods for bond and customs duties-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Office use-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	Developing Commercial Enterprise-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Commerce-Activities relating to buying, selling and exchanging goods and services	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Developing local, regional and national economies-National Theme 3
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings	Landscapes of urban amenity-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Operating public hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Health-Activities associated with preparing and providing medical assistance and/or promoting or maintaining the well being of humans	Caring for the sick in hospitals-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	(none)-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies	Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences	(none)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
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	Changing land uses - from suburban to urban-
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	Administering and alienating Crown lands-
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 suburban developments-
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	Developing ports-
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-
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	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	(none)-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Tourism-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Visiting heritage places-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going to a restaurant-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation	Going drinking in bars or clubs-
9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life	Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups	(none)-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Despite numerous alterations, the buildings retain much of the fabric of their major phases of development and use as commercial stores. The buildings also demonstrate, through design, space and materials, retail practices which are changing or have changed. The buildings and site are physical reminders of the early history of Sydney, occupying a section of the city which was the focus of commercial maritime activity in the first half of the 19th century. They also provide the focus of present activity in the Rocks. The courtyard is particularly evocative in this respect. The buildings have historical associations with significant figures in Australian retail and social history including John Piper, Mary Reiby, Frederick Unwin, Samuel Terry and the Tooth brothers. Unwin is also significant in the development of the Rocks area.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The Argyle Centre has historic association with several important early merchants including Mary Reiby, Fredrick Unwin, Samuel Terry, and associations with Captain John Piper, the first custom agent. Later the west wing was bought by R&E Tooth, and thus has associations with the famous Sydney brewers.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The Argyle Centre historic precinct makes an important contribution to the quality of the streetscape of the Rocks.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	Valued by the regional and tourist community as a retail, tourism focus in The Rocks. Considered to be an early and successful example of the sympathetic adaptive reuse of a Sydney warehouse. The listings in the registers of both the National Trust and the National Estate demonstrate the esteem the Stores are held in by the wider community.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	See Argyle and Foundation Park Archaeological entry 4500313 The building fabric constitutes the major potential source of additional information about the history of the complex, because of the paucity of documentary evidence. The Argyle Stores include substantial remains of one the earliest surviving commercial buildings in Sydney, dating from c1826. The complex contains the earliest surviving building occupied for use as a Customs House from 1830 until 1850. The group of buildings is probably unique in Sydney in its ability to demonstrate changing warehouse design and construction from the early 19th to the early 20th century. Despite numerous alterations, the buildings retain much of the fabric of their major phases of development and use as commercial stores. The history of The Rocks and the uses of its buildings illustrate and inform of the aspirations and way of life of the Colony and, later, the State. The construction of these buildings in particular demonstrate changing architectural and building practices. The buildings and site have the potential to yield substantial scientific, cultural, technological and archaeological information relevant to earlier uses and the development of the area.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	The stores are rare in their ability to demonstrate changing warehouse design and construction from the early 19th to early 20th century.
Integrity/Intactness:	Despite numerous alterations, the buildings retain much of the fabric of their major phases of development and use as commercial stores.
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:

The place should be retained and conserved, and should continue to be used principally for commercial purposes. The complex should exemplify and reflect all significant periods of its development. Significant fabric as identified should be preserved, and where appropriate restored or reconstructed to its state at the time of its greatest significance. Where multiple elements exists, and retention of all such elements is impossible, the best intact representative examples should be preserved. Where intervention in significant fabric is unavoidable, the loss of cultural significance should be minimised. Such intervention should occur in areas of lower rather than higher significance. Fabric which is of little or no significance, particularly if it is in poor condition, may be demolished. Less significant fabric which is intrusive or which impairs the significance of adjacent fabric should be removed. New development should be strictly controlled so as not to detract from the significance of the place. All work affecting significant fabric should be designed and constructed under the constant supervision of a qualified conservation practitioner approved by the Heritage Council of NSW. Assessment of cultural significance, and consequent decisions on conservation, should be modified if necessary in the light of further information obtained during conservation work. All work involving disturbance of the site should be carried out under an archaeological watching brief. All archaeological investigation and monitoring should be carried out by a qualified archaeologist approved By Heritage Council of NSW. The conservation work referred to above should include the preparation of a maintenance plan for the continued future conservation of the cultural significance of the place. (Orwell & Peter Phillips Conservation Plan 1990: 16-17 and 14-21) Note: Associated industrial items including the hydraulic hoist should be conserved/retained in their current location.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Argyle Stores The Rocks, by Graham Brooks for SHFA, dated October 2003.	Conservation Management Plan lodged with Heritage Office Library 22 February 2006	Feb 22 2006
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		01524	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B001	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title	Internet Links
Tourism		2007	Rocks Self-Guided Tour	View detail
Tourism	Attraction Homepage	2007	Rocks Self-Guided Tour	View detail
Written	D Sheedy	1976	National Trust Classification Card: Argyle Arts Centre - Part of Argyle Group
Written	Graham Brooks And Associates Pty Ltd	2003	Argyle Stores, 12-20 Argyle St, The Rocks, Conservation Management Plan
Written	Orwell & Peter Phillips, Architects	1990	Conservation Plan for the Argyle Centre
Written	SCA	1979	Building Data Sheets (PS/04, PS/05, PS/06, PS/07), 1976-79.

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:	5053139
File number:	H03/00259

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