Jobbins Terrace

Item details

Name of item: Jobbins Terrace
Other name/s: Longs Lane Terraces/Precinct (Jobbin's, Long's )
Type of item: Built
Group/Collection: Residential buildings (private)
Category: Terrace
Location: Lat: -33.860571 Long: 151.20704
Primary address: 103-111 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, NSW 2000
Parish: ST Philip
County: Cumberland
Local govt. area: Sydney
Local Aboriginal Land Council: Metropolitan
Property description
Lot/Volume CodeLot/Volume NumberSection NumberPlan/Folio CodePlan/Folio Number
PART LOT21 DP1169394
All addresses
Street AddressSuburb/townLGAParishCountyType
103-111 Gloucester StreetThe RocksSydneyST PhilipCumberlandPrimary Address

Owner/s

Organisation NameOwner CategoryDate Ownership Updated
Place Management NSWState Government 

Statement of significance:

Jobbins 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 Jobbins building and site are of historical, aesthetic, and scientific significance to the people of New South Wales for its ability to demonstrate the planning and design of residential accommodation in the mid-Victorian period, and, as part of the Long’s Lane precinct, in demonstrating the evolution of The Rocks in the 19th and early 20th centuries in an intact townscape context complete with laneways and rear yards intact.

The Jobbins Building is of outstanding significance as a rare and very fine example of a Greek Revival breakfront terrace, one of only two known examples to survive in Sydney (and probably NSW) of what was, in the 19th century, a very common building style. The subject of extensive conservation works and archaeological investigation in the 1990s, the Jobbins Building is of State significance for its ability to demonstrate domestic life in The Rocks from pre-1830 to the present; particularly as the archaeological excavation has contributed materially to the understanding of the preferences and lifestyles of the occupants of the terrace over time
Date significance updated: 26 Jun 02
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available. Read the Department of Premier and Cabinet copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Construction years: 1855-1857
Physical description: 103-111 Gloucester Street is a part of the 'Long's Lane Precinct'. Long's Lane is a cluster of nineteenth and early-twentieth houses, rear yards, and laneways between Gloucester and Cumberland Streets, the Rocks.

103-111 Gloucester Street is a very fine example of a Greek Revival terrace row. While relatively common in Sydney in mid-nineteenth century, extant examples of this style in Sydney are now very rare: Fitzroy Terrace, Redfern is the only other example known.

The planning of the terrace emphasises the street faade incorporating a 'break front', a diminished central pediment, and raised entrance stairs originally with an awning. The interior planning of the building is essentially 'Two down - two up' with an attic space and rear wings. This is the most accomplished building in the precinct. (Clive Lucas Stapleton 1991: 55)
The fabric of the buildings has remained essentially unchanged: iron roofs were installed c.1899 and the rear of 105 and 111 Gloucester Street has incorporated additional outbuildings. The houses appear to have been renovated in the 1920s with the replacement of doors, windows, etc., and probable installation of electrical services.

Archaeology notes: Interiors completely reconstructed 1991-2. No interior archaeological resource remains; Built By: 1790s
Physical condition and/or
Archaeological potential: 		Archaeology Assessment Condition: Rear yards mostly excavated, some pre 1850s deposits still extant. Assessment Basis: Excavation of site 1991-92. Investigation: Full archaeological excavation
Date condition updated:27 Apr 01
Modifications and dates: C1899: Iron roofs installed, and additional outbuildings constructed at the rear of Nos 105 & 111.
1920s: Probable installation of electrical services.
1992-1997: Conservation and restoration of the Long's Lane precinct.
Current use: Residences / Office
Former use: Aboriginal land, town lot, dwellings, Terrace houses 1857

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).

In 1807, this site is shown by Meehan's survey to contain a defined building alignment with a lane on the southern boundary. Artists' representations of the area from as early as 1803 up until c.1815 show close settlement. Maps made in 1823, 1825, 1831, and 1842 show that the present site of the Jobbins Building was occupied by a row of small buildings, set well back from the current alignment of Gloucester Street. The alignment of Long's Lane was already established by the time the earliest of these maps (by Hoddle, 1823) was made.

The row of houses fronting Gloucester Street is described in the Council rate assessment book of 1845 as a group of five wooden buildings with shingle roofs, all single storey with two rooms each, in 'bad repair.' By the time of the next rate assessment, in 1848, one of the buildings had fallen down. The remainder of this group was demolished by 1850, when Wells' map shows a single structure at the corner of Gloucester Street and Long's Lane, on a large block of vacant land. The 1852 rate assessment indicated that the only improvement to the allotment was a timber stable with shingle roof.

From 1839, the subject land, described as Allotment 1, Section 74 of the City of Sydney, was owned by John Jobbins, a convict transported for seven years arriving on the Fanny I in 1816. In 1822, at the expiry of his seven-year sentence, he was listed in the Colonial Secretary's papers as receiving an assigned convict. The 1828 Census lists him as a butcher in Cambridge Street. From 1836 Jobbins settled in the Gundaroo district as a grazier, and built the Nanima homestead in 1839. Jobbins owned the land at Gloucester Street until his death at Prahan, Victoria, on 8th January 1855.

In December 1840 Jobbins leased the site, together with a neighbouring allotment across Caraher's Lane, to Edward Flood for a period of 20 years, at an annual rent of (Pounds)50. It appears that the five timber dwellings in 'bad repair' were therefore under the management of Flood, who was perhaps also responsible for erecting the stable on the site by 1850. Shortly after John Jobbins' death in 1855, the executors of his estate oversaw construction of the terrace as an investment. The building was complete by 1858, when Council rate assessment books describe a group of brick terraces with slate roofs, of two floors and seven rooms each. An 1865 MWSDB map shows the earliest form of the buildings: 105 to 111 Gloucester Street with rear wings, 103 to 109 Gloucester Street with rear WC's, and 111 with a rear outbuilding.

The houses have always been leased to tenants, with each tenant generally only staying a few years. Longer-term tenants of note include Anne Lewis, who ran a boarding house at No. 111 between 1861 and 1873; and Sydney Smith, a cab proprietor who occupied 111 Gloucester Street between 1882 and 1897 (making use of the gable-ended outbuilding at the rear of the building). From 1912 until at least the cessation of the Sands Directory in 1933, a grocer's shop occupied the ground floor of No. 111.

The property remained in the hands of the Jobbins family and was managed by a series of agents, whose names are recorded in Council rate assessment books. In 1864, the property was conveyed to Edward Jobbins of Yass, brother of John Jobbins, in accordance with John's will. In 1870, Edward made a Deed of Gift of three of the houses in the terrace (Nos 107-111) to his daughter Mary Ann (spinster of Gundaroo) and the remaining two (Nos 103-105) to his son Peter (farmer of Gundaroo). In this deed the houses are referred to as 'commonly called or known as 'Jobbins Buildings'.' About 1874, Peter agreed to convey his two houses to Mary Ann, however, this conveyance was not registered until 1889. Mary Ann held the land until her death on 6th April 1899. In 1902, the State Government resumed the land.

The building continued to be tenanted until the 1960s and 1970s. The last house was vacated in the 1980s, the rear wings demolished, and the houses boarded up. Subsequently, squatters occupied the houses. Much of the joinery and many fixtures were stolen or demolished during the period of squatting.

Between 1991 and 1993, an extensive programme of conservation works were carried out. Work comprised stabilisation, restoration of the front faade and roofs, cutting in damp proof courses, and construction of new floors. Joinery, plastering, and other surface finishes were reconstructed on the basis of surviving original fabric. Rear wings were constructed on the extant footings of the earlier rear wings; however, only the external form of the original rear wings was reconstructed, allowing the interiors to be adapted for modern kitchens and bathrooms. The houses are now privately leased to tenants.

The Sydney Cove Authority also carried out conservation works to the buildings and rear yards in the remainder of the Long's Lane Precinct, including 113-117 Gloucester Street and 130-142 Cumberland Street. This work was awarded the 1998 Lloyd Rees Award for Outstanding Urban Design.

The NSW government has sold off a set of heritage-listed Victorian terraces in the Rocks for $36.5m under a 99-year leasehold of the land. Australian-based real estate private equity firm NashCap and its partner Assembly Funds Management bought the 18 properties, all held on a single land title on a 2500 square meter block in Longs Lane after it was re-listed this year. 14 of the terraces are state heritage listed (Razaghi, 2021).

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)New South Wales themeLocal 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 Developing real estate-
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 Creating environments evocative of the 'old country'-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Environment - cultural landscape-Activities associated with the interactions between humans, human societies and the shaping of their physical surroundings Landscapes and gardens of domestic accommodation-
3. Economy-Developing local, regional and national economies Events-Activities and processes that mark the consequences of natural and cultural occurences Places of strikes and industrial actions-
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. Residential-
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. Terrace-
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. Housing (inner city)-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. housing (suburbs)-
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 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. Architectural design-
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. Victorian era residence-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing ordinary families-
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. Accommodating workers in workers' housing-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Accommodation-Activities associated with the provision of accommodation, and particular types of accommodation – does not include architectural styles – use the theme of Creative Endeavour for such activities. Housing townsfolk - terraces and cottages-
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 1820s-1850s 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 Expressing lines of early grant allotments-
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 Townships-
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 Suburban Centres-
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 Sub-division of large estates-
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 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 Changing land uses - from suburban to urban-
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 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 living in the city-
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 Suburban Consolidation-
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 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 Shaping coastal settlement-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing suburbia-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Developing towns in response to topography-
4. Settlement-Building settlements, towns and cities Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns, suburbs and villages Vernacular hamlets and settlements-
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 Role of transport in settlement-
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 government towns-
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 Cultural Social and religious life-
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 in offices-
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 independently on the land-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Working in ports and on shipping-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Being a part of a trades guild-
5. Working-Working Labour-Activities associated with work practises and organised and unorganised labour Wharfside and Port Work Culture-
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. Colonial 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. 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. Local 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 - surveying 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. resumption for heritage conservation-
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. Suburban Consolidation-
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 - town and country planning-
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. Direct vice-regal governance (pre 1856)-
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 - public land administration-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - Federation period-
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. Adaptation of overseas design for local use-
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. Interior design styles and periods - Victorian-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Architectural styles and periods - Greek revival-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Landscaping - Victorian period-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Creative endeavour-Activities associated with the production and performance of literary, artistic, architectural and other imaginative, interpretive or inventive works; and/or associated with the production and expression of cultural phenomena; and/or environments that have inspired such creative activities. Architectural styles and periods - Victorian (mid)-
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 Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1850-1900-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1900-1950-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Ways of life 1950-2000-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living downtown in a city-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Valuing women's contributions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living in suburbia-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Domestic life-Activities associated with creating, maintaining, living in and working around houses and institutions. Living in, adapting and renovating homes for changing conditions-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Outdoor relief-
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 Activities associated with relaxation and recreation-
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 Gathering at landmark places to socialise-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going drinking in bars or clubs-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Going shopping-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Leisure-Activities associated with recreation and relaxation Leisure-Includes tourism, resorts.
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to an historical society or heritage organisation-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Community organisations-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Developing clubs for social improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Places of informal community gatherings-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Joining together to study and appreciate philosophy-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to an institution for self improvement-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life Social institutions-Activities and organisational arrangements for the provision of social activities Belonging to a trade union-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a)
[Historical significance] 		The site of the Jobbins Building is historically significant as a site continuously occupied since at least the first decade of the 19th century. The Jobbins Building is historically significant as a key component in demonstrating the evolution of the Long’s Lane precinct, which is a unique ensemble in The Rocks of 19th century residential buildings, laneways, and rear yards.

The Jobbins Building is of historical significance in its own right for the state of NSW as a reflection of the 1850s speculative development of The Rocks, and in documenting the spatial planning and quality of residential accommodation intended for occupation by the educated or professional classes in the mid-Victorian period.

The history of the Jobbins Building’s decline into dereliction, and the occupation of the building by squatters prior to the conservation works of the early 1990s reflects the changing social context of The Rocks from the late 19th century to the present. The decision of the State government to restore the building for residential (rather than commercial) purposes demonstrates a the prevailing political will and public funding dedicated to the conservation of heritage in the post-Green Bans period in The Rocks.

The Jobbins Building meets this criterion on a State level.
SHR Criteria b)
[Associative significance] 		The Jobbins Building is historically associated with John Jobbins and his descendants, as well as the numerous individuals and families who occupied the houses over time. However, it was a speculative development undertaken by the executors of Jobbins’ estate, and one of a number of such investments.
SHR Criteria c)
[Aesthetic significance] 		The Jobbins Building is aesthetically significant as a very fine example of a Greek Revival terrace row in NSW. The aesthetic significance of the building has been revealed and can now be better understood through reconstruction and conservation.

The Jobbins Building makes a substantial contribution to the streetscape significance of The Rocks, particularly complementing the terraced character of the eastern side of Gloucester Street (including the Edwardian Cottages at 46-56 Gloucester St, Susannah Place at 58-64 Gloucester St, and Baker’s Terrace at 66-72 Gloucester St).

The Jobbins Building makes a substantial contribution to the aesthetic significance of the Long’s Lane Precinct as an ensemble of 19th and early 20th century buildings, associated laneways, and rear yards.

The Jobbins Building meets this criterion on a State level.
SHR Criteria d)
[Social significance] 		As part of The Rocks area, the Jobbins Building is held in some esteem by the individuals and groups who are interested in Sydney’s history and heritage. This is evidenced by the listing of the building on registers such as the National Trust and the National Estate.
SHR Criteria e)
[Research potential] 		The Jobbins Building site is of research significance as a rare example of a site yielding archaeological evidence of the pre-1830 period of European settlement in Sydney. The results of previous archaeological investigations of the site are fully documented and form, together with other projects carried out in the area, a valuable resource for understanding early life in The Rocks area. Further, the original design and planning of the Jobbins Building is intact and can provide a resource for the understanding of 19th century domestic life, room uses, and spatial planning.

The Jobbins Building is of some technical significance as an example of ‘academic’ conservation work in which reconstructed fabric was strictly based on extant material and constructed in a traditional manner.
The Jobbins Building meets this criterion on a State level.
SHR Criteria f)
[Rarity] 		The Jobbins Buildings is a very fine example of terrace housing built in the Greek Revival style featuring a breakfront and diminished central pediment. Although once common in Sydney, it is now one of only two known examples of the style and is considered to be rare in NSW.

The Jobbins Building meets this criterion on a State level.
SHR Criteria g)
[Representativeness] 		The Jobbins Building is a good representative example of 1850s housing within the context of the Long’s Lane precinct, itself a significant area in demonstrating the 19th century townscape of The Rocks, complete with intact rear yards and laneways.

The Jobbins Building is one of a small group of mid-19th century terraces extant in Sydney. Although it is an example of this period, it is of a higher architectural order than the surviving examples, and therefore is not considered to be particularly representative of the entire group.

The Jobbins Building meets this criterion on a State level.
Integrity/Intactness: Rear yards mostly excavated, some pre 1850s deposits still extant.
Assessment criteria: Items are assessed against the PDF State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Buildings: All the extant buildings in the precinct should be retained and conserved. In general this conservation should be guided by the cultural significance of the individual item of the physical fabric. Ideally, this would be a reinstatement of missing fabric with a reconstruction to the earliest known form. Laneways and Rear Yards: The fabric of Caraher's and Long's Lanes should be retained and conserved. Gas lighting at the junctions of Long's Lane and Gloucester Street, Long's Lane and Cumberland Street, and probably Long's Lane and Caraher's Lane should be reconstructed. Archaeology: Any intervention of either the physical fabric of the buildings or subsurface of the site should be undertaken in consultation with an historical archaeologist. Such intervention may require archaeological investigation and recording. Interpretation: The differential historical development and use of Gloucester Street (extant mid and late-nineteenth century buildings) and Cumberland Street (extant late-nineteenth and early twentieth century buildings) should be interpreted by means of discrete information signs. (Clive Lucas Stapleton 1991: 103-104) Above ground archaeological remains: No investigation required Below ground archaeological remains: An historical and archaeological assessment prior to archaeological investigation is recommended.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of actDescriptionTitleCommentsAction date
CMP-EndorseConservation Plan submitted for endorsementSHFA CMP for Jobbins Terrace submitted for HC endorsement (version 2). Mar 17 2016
57(2)Exemption to allow workStandard 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

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

Listings

Heritage ListingListing TitleListing NumberGazette DateGazette NumberGazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register 0155310 May 02 852865

Study details

TitleYearNumberAuthorInspected byGuidelines used
SCA Register 1979-19981998B074, AR157Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)  Yes

References, internet links & images

TypeAuthorYearTitleInternet Links
Tourism 2007Rocks Self-Guided Tour View detail
TourismAttraction Homepage2007Rocks Self-Guided Tour View detail
WrittenClive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners P/L Architects1991Long's Lane Precinct, Conservation Analysis and Interim Conservation Guidelines
WrittenClive Lucas, Stapleton & Partners Pty Ltd2007Conservation Management Plan, Jobbins Building 103-111 Gloucester Street, The Rocks
WrittenHigginbotham, E.1992Report on the Archaeological Excavation of the Jobbins Building, 105 Gloucester St, The Rocks, Sydney, NSW, 1991-2. For SCA.
WrittenRazaghi, Tawar2021Heritage-listed Victorian terraces in historic The Rocks precinct sell for $36.25m View detail
WrittenSCA - E.C.J. Lydon1993Archaeological Investigation 'Jobbins Building' 103-111 Gloucester Street, The Rocks, Sydney
WrittenSCRA1984Building Data Sheet CU/11

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

The information for this entry comes from the following source:
Name: Heritage NSW
Database number: 5053169

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