Baker's Terrace

Item details


Name of item:	Baker's Terrace
Other name/s:	Bakers Terrace
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Residential buildings (private)
Category:	Terrace
Location:	Lat: -33.8605448834 Long: 151.2074611110
Primary address:	66-68 Gloucester 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
PART LOT	2		DP	775889
PART LOT	1		DP	777033

Boundary:

Eora

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
66-68 Gloucester 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:


	Baker's Terrace 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 site has been continually occupied since very early settlement and has strong associations with the early grants and subsequent developments on the site and The Rocks generally. This terrace is a good example of both the terrace style of residential development and the subdivision patterns that occurred in the mid Victorian period of Sydney particularly in The Rocks precinct. The rear of the buildings reflect the architectural response to the sloping topography of The Rocks. Baker added new fronts to the adjoining terraces to the north such that the four terraces became one unit in appearance. This addition is aesthetically interesting, it is a unique surviving example of such practice in The Rocks and it is deemed rare in Sydney and NSW terms. By 1887 they were known as Baker's Terrace. The terrace has remained essentially unaltered from 1887 and was tenanted as a residential unit until 1976/77. The site's changing use reflects the urban, economic and social development of the area. It also reflects the working and lower middle class lifestyles of the early twentieth century and the two storey scale of the area which predominated the in the pre bridge area. Bakers Terrace is held in high esteem as indicated by its listing on the registers of both the National Estate and National Trust, and thus is recognised by an identifiable group and has importance to the wider community. Bakers Terrace hold social significance for the local residents of The Rocks including Millers Point who have fought hard for the retention of the built fabric of The Rocks and for their right to continue living in the area. In addition, it has a special significance for those who campaigned vigorously with the residents against plans for the areas full scale redevelopment. It has special value to historians and heritage professionals and others who hold The Rocks in high regard for its historical, archaeological and architectural significance and research potential. The site contains potential archaeological remains which may provide information on the way of life and aspirations of the inhabitants over time. The site has the potential to reveal information about construction techniques associated with residential dwellings of the period and the subsurface archaeological remains may provide information about former dwellings and land use on the site. Bakers terrace is representative of a number of two storey terraces built for residential use in The Rocks, many of which have now disappeared. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
	Date significance updated: 20 Jan 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


Builder/Maker:	Built for William Andrews and Edward Baker
Construction years:	1875-1875
Physical description:	Style: Victorian Terrace; Storeys: Two; Roof Frame: Iron (possibly slate original) The building is a pair of terrace houses which are joined to 70-72 Gloucester Street. The two pairs of buildings read as similar buildings to the street, however have different forms and features behind the faade and to the rear (Cambridge Street - Cumberland Place). The front of 66-68 was rebuilt 1880s to match the new terrace pair at 70-72 Gloucester Street. The building presents an ashlar rendered masonry parapet wall to Gloucester Street, all doors and windows have arched heads, defined by a rendered string course. The window and door joinery appears to have been replaced to original/traditional detail, and the door frames are possibly original fabric. The parapet wall has a prominent cornice supported on Italianate style paired brackets. There are two dormer gables to the roof, which are traditional in form, but do not appear to be original. The decorative rendered chimneys appears to be original. The rear of the building appears largely in original form, although the rear yard has been incorporated into the landscaping of the public pedestrian area. The interiors were not inspected.
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	The terrace is in very good condition as a result of the work carried out in the late 1980s. (P Wyborn 1999) Archaeology Assessment Condition: Partly disturbed. The terraces were renovated and restored in the late 1980s, however the brief held instructions to prevent any removal or destruction of artefacts, or the return to the Authority of any which had to be removed. During the works fill was introduced to the site, and concrete was underlain with polyethylene film which may seal archaeological deposits. It appears the only excavation necessary was minimal required for the upgrading of services to the buildings.
	Date condition updated:21 Apr 00
Modifications and dates:	c.1885: New fronts 1988-89: Adaptation for restaurant and office use as part of the Harrington Court development.


Current use:	Commercial-Offices
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, Residential, housing

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).

Available historical information suggests the subject site was in use for residential purposes by the start of the 19th century. Initially this may have been for a freestanding building, but from the 1830s the historical maps suggest the area was largely terrace style housing.

In 1807, this site is shown by Meehan's survey to contain what appears to be a well defined building line to the west and a lane on the northern boundary. Artists' representations of the area from as early as 1803 reveal many small houses in the general vicinity. By 1835, the date of Russell's survey, the site was known as allotment 1A (Nos.66-68) of section 77 in the Town of Sydney. This allotment was originally one parcel with allotment 1B (Nos.70-72) to the south. It was granted to Johanna Davis by the Court of Claims Commissioners appointed in 1835 having been claimed originally by the children of Richard Porter. Court of Claims records indicate that this site (allotment 1A & 1B) had been occupied for some years prior to 1819 and since that date by a chain of purchasers. In 1837, Denis Murphy claimed the northern half of the site (1A) which, on Russell's survey, possessed a building which occupies most of the site. Mrs Davies retained allotment 1B (70-72) and in 1845 Council Rate Assessors noted Denis Murphy as the Proprietor and Patrick Ryan the tenant of a two room stone house with a shingled roof in 'bad repair (with) no outhouses'. They also noted two small stone cottages with shingled roofs on the site: the northern most containing two rooms, the other three. Both were described as in 'bad repair (with) no outhouses'. The width of the building was measured as 26 feet and the depth14 feet. From 1851-c.1870, John Sims was the proprietor and in this period the building was continually described as an old house in bad repair. By the 1865 Trigonometrical Survey, the site contained four residential buildings, numbered 46, 48, 50 and 52 Gloucester Street. The Sands Directories for this period indicate a large number of residents in the street. Those listed with occupations are usually tradesmen or worked in the maritime industries. In 1871 no entry is recorded for the site. In 1877, William Andrews is noted as the owner of a two storey brick terrace of two houses, each with five rooms.

The northern two houses, 46 and 48, were generally tenanted throughout the period recorded by the Sands Directories. 50 and 52 were sometimes untenanted and no tenants were recorded in No. 50 between 1863 and 1871, when the site is noted as 'vacant land'. This is consistent with the rate records indicating at least some of the buildings on the site were in poor repair. No tenants are recorded for the year 1881, consistent with the buildings being demolished for the construction of Baker's Terraces.

In 1880 Edward Baker was the owner and though the evidence for this is not clear, according to Dove's 1880 plan of the area, the buildings at No. 50 and 52 are single storey and set further west, out of alignment with the row of buildings. Baker may have merely demolished the single storey buildings and constructed two new buildings. The different roof pitch and the presence of the box gutter in the northern two buildings suggest this may be the case. The buildings were later unified through a new faade on Gloucester Street. Between 1880-82, Baker purchased the two adjoining properties to the south and erected two brick terraces on these. Between 1882 & 1887 Baker added new fronts to his original terraces so that the four became a matched unit. At this later date the terrace was known as Baker's Terrace. The terrace has remained essentially unaltered from that date and was tenanted as a residential unit until 1976. In 1890, the street was renumbered and Baker's Terrace became Nos. 66, 68, 70 and 72.

In 1988-89, the terraces at 68-72 Gloucester Street, were adapted for use as a restaurant and office, as part of the seven storey Harrington Court development designed by Mitchell Giurgola Thorp at 77-95 Harrington Street, on the site bounded by Harrington Street, Cumberland Place, Gloucester Street and the Cahill Expressway. In 1989, the Harrington Court development was leased for a period of 99 years.
(SCRA Annual Reports 1988, 1989, 1990)

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	Agriculture-Activities relating to the cultivation and rearing of plant and animal species, usually for commercial purposes, can include aquaculture	(none)-
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	commerce-
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-
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.	(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.	Worker's Dwellings-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	Building settlements, towns and cities-National Theme 4
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities	Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities.	A Picturesque Residential Suburb-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions.	(none)-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Baker's Terrace 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 (see item no. 4500458). The site has been continually occupied since very early settlement and has strong associations with the early grants and subsequent developments on the site and The Rocks generally. This terrace is a good example of both the terrace style of residential development and the subdivision patterns that occurred in the mid Victorian period of Sydney particularly in The Rocks precinct. Baker added new fronts to the adjoining terraces to the north such that the four terraces became one unit in appearance. By 1887 they were known as Baker's Terrace. The terrace has remained essentially unaltered from 1887 and was tenanted as a residential unit until 1976/77 they were updated in the late 1980s. Bakers Terrace is important in demonstrating the development of The Rocks over time, and the continued pressure for greater density within the inner suburbs of Sydney. The swift decline of the building from its constuction in the 1880s to slumlike conditions by the early 20th century demonstrates the rapid change in the fortunes of The Rocks and of its residents. Its subsequent restoration is an important part of the story of the conservation of The Rocks as a historic precinct and in the development of heritage conservation in Australia. The site's changing use reflects the urban, economic and social development of the area. It also reflects the working and lower middle class lifestyles of the early twentieth century and the two storey scale of the area which predominated the in the pre bridge area. The rear of the buildings reflect the response to building on an uneven site. As a part of the substantial collection of 19th Century residential buildings in The Rocks, both Bakers Terraces as a whole, and its two original components at 66-68 and 70-72 Gloucester Street seperately meet this criterion at a State level. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	While the name of the builder, Edward Baker, is known, as well as names of many of the 19th and 20th century residents, none of them are associated with any events of particular historical note. The item does not meet this criterion. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	Bakers Terrace contributes strongly to the character of The Rocks, and it is an important part of the streetscape of Gloucester St. The terraces show many of the typical features of the worker's terraces erected in Sydney in the middle Victorian period. They are well scaled buildings and good examples of their size and type. Baker added new fronts to the adjoining terraces to the north such that the four terraces became one unit in appearance. This action is indicative of one way of thinking, as it was apparently undertaken with the presumption that one larger building will present as being of greater status than two smaller, and to that degree which made the whole exercise perceived as feasible. By 1887 they were known as Baker's Terrace. The terrace has remained essentially unaltered from 1887 and was tenanted as a residential unit until 1976/77. Bakers Terrace as a whole meets this criterion at a State level. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The site's changing use reflects the urban, economic and social development of the area. It also reflects the working and lower middle class lifestyles of the early twentieth century and the two storey scale of the area which predominated the in the pre bridge area. The rear of the buildings reflect the response to building on an uneven site. Bakers Terrace is held in high esteem as indicated by its listing on the registers of both the National Estate and National Trust, and thus is recognised by an identifiable group and has importance to the wider community. Bakers Terrace hold social significance for the local residents of The Rocks including Millers Point who have fought hard for the retention of the built fabric of The Rocks and for their right to continue living in the area. In addition, it has a special significance for those who campaigned vigorously with the residents against plans for the area's full scale redevelopment. It has special value to historians and heritage professionals and others who hold The Rocks in high regard for its historical, archaeological and architectural significance and research potential. Bakers Terrace as a whole meets this criterion at a State level. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The site contains potential archaeological remains which may provide information on the way of life and aspirations of the inhabitants over time. The site has the potential to reveal information about construction techniques associated with residential dwellings of the period and the subsurface archaeological remains may provide information about former dwellings and land use on the site. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	While terrace housing is common across Sydney, Bakers Terrace is one of a relatively small number of surviving terrace-style houses within The Rocks area, as many were lost to clearance and the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the Cahill Expressway. It is also a rare surviving example of a façade deliberatley created to incorporate two originally separate buildings. Bakers Terrace meets this criterion at a State level. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The buildings at 66-68 & 70-72 Gloucester St individually are typical of late Victorian terrace houses, with the unusal charateristic of incorporating parts of two earlier terrace houses into a single structure. Within The Rocks, each building separately and Bakers Terrace as a whole, are important in demonstrating the terrace style housing as a widespread and important change to the housing styles in mid 19th century inner Sydney, created in response to the increasing population density. Bakers Terrace meets this criterion at a local level. (Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd. 2007)
Integrity/Intactness:	Archaeology partly disturbed
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:


	Above ground archaeological remains: An archaeological watching brief or monitoring program is recommended. Below ground archaeological remains: An archaeological watching brief or monitoring program is recommended. A conservation management plan and detailed historical investigation are recommended.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Bakers Terrace CMP submitted for endorsement. Includes 70-72 Glouocester St - SHR No. 01531.	Comments provided	Mar 28 2017
CMP-Endorse	Conservation Plan submitted for endorsement	Conservation Management Plan Bakers Terrace, 66-68 & 70-72 Gloucester St, The Rocks - June 2020	CMP submitted 15 June 2020 for endorsement - currently under assessment	Mar 23 2021
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		01530	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B105, AR093	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Futurepast Heritage Consulting Pty Ltd	2007	Bakers Terrace, 66-68 & 70-72 Gloucester St, The Rocks. Conservation Management Plan
Written	Higginbotham, Kass & Walker	1991	The Rocks and Millers Point Archaeological Management Plan
Written	Mitchell/Giurgola & Thorp Architects	1988	Restoration and Alteration to Bakers Terrace Nos 66, 68, 70 & 72 Gloucester St
Written	SCRA	1984	Building Data Sheet, CS/20,
Written	SCRA Annual Reports, 1988, 1989, 1990		Annual Reports

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:	5053145

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