Penrhyn House

Item details


Name of item:	Penrhyn House
Other name/s:	The Rocks Centre, Playfair's Garage (Playfairs)
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Manufacturing and Processing
Category:	Factory/ Plant
Location:	Lat: -33.8589486317 Long: 151.2083674590
Primary address:	22-26 Playfair 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	1		DP	264080

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
22-26 Playfair 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:


	Playfairs Garage 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. Playfairs Garage is a modest example of a small factory building of the 1920s, adapted for changing uses over time. The site of Playfairs Garage is associated with significant personalities in the development of the Rocks, notably Frederic Unwin and Thomas Playfair. There is potential archaeological significance from pre-existing street surfaces. The building forms part of the visual and functional fabric of this part of The Rocks, particularly as an element of the streetscape in Argyle Street, and as a link in the chain of development of utilitarian buildings in The Rocks since the early 1800s. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 5) Significant Fabric: Masonry walls, roof profile, timber windows; timber floor structure above (carpark level); timber floors, timber posts and beams (Playfair St. level); timber main posts, roof trusses and clerestory structure (gallery level). (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 6)
	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:	Built for John Turnbull Esq.
Construction years:	1924-1924
Physical description:	Built c1924 as ground floor of Factory for John Turnbull Esq. The building was two storey, with brick walls and a clerestory iron roof. It originally had offices at Argyle Street end, lavatories at each end, and vehicular access from Kendall Lane. Alterations were made in 1952 (additional vehicular access) and 1972 (to create corner shop and offices) - see modifications below. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: Appendix A) In 2005 the building was complete refurbished and is in excellent condition.
Modifications and dates:	1952: Alteration by the Maritime Services Board to create additional vehicular access from Argyle and Playfair Streets, timber stairs altered. 1978-79: Alteration by the SCA to create corner shop, and use of the building as offices and a parking area,. All windows apparently replaced. At carpark level: return of original stairs, original doors to north blocked up, new openings made to Scarborough House, new storage and servicing areas added. At Playfair Street level: new flooring, partitions, stairs, storage and service areas installed. Gallery level: Built during conversion by SCRA of former Playfair's Garage to commercial uses, original roof structure retained. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 3-4) 2005 - the building was completely refurbished and The Rocks Visitor Centre moved into the top floor


Current use:	Retail uses
Former use:	Aboriginal land, hospital grounds, terrace houses, Factory, Playfair's Garage

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 site of Playfairs Garage and Scarborough Houses was part of the first hospital site, although it does not appear to have been developed until the 1840s. In 1816 it was subdivided into three allotments. In 1841 all three allotments were acquired by Frederic Unwin, who subdivided the land with frontage to George Street and created Kendall Lane and New George Street (now Playfair). In 1842 Unwin was experiencing financial difficulties and the southern allotments, now the site of Playfairs Garage, were sold to James Chapman and William Perry (SCRA 1978: KL/15).

In 1844 Unwin erected three stone stores four storeys high at the northern end of the site. In 1852 Unwin was declared bankrupt, and sold his properties. The stores were acquired by William Nicholson, and in 1858 were leased to Berkelman & Bate who operated the building as a steam flour mill until c.1860. In 1861 it was acquired by Lawrence Kendall who converted the building into what has since been known as 'Kendall's Biscuit Factory' (SCRA 1978: KL/15).

Between 1871-75 the land fronting Argyle and Playfair Streets was developed by Henry Bell and William Billyard respectively. Bell constructed Argyle Terraces on the site of Playfairs Garage. Billyard constructed more on Playfair Street. Small sheds, blacksmiths' shops and outbuildings were built on the remnant of the site. In 1889 Kendall & Sons, biscuit manufacturers, are recorded as occupying No.24, adjoining the factory (SCRA 1978: KL/15).

In 1900 the land was resumed under the Observatory Hill Act. By 1925 a two storey building had been erected on the site, described as a factory, and owned by John Turnbull. Between 1925-49 it continues to be listed as a factory or workshop. It is called 'Playfair's Garage' (SCRA 1978: KL/15).

In 1970 control of the land was vested in the SCRA and in 1978 the Authority began an extensive redevelopment project on the site. Turnbull's 1925 building was renamed Penrhyn House, but the name never caught on. The buildings north of Playfairs Garage were demolished. A new building was erected in 1978-79, named 'Scarborough House' (SCRA 1978: KL/15)

In 2005 the building was completely refurbished and The Rocks Visitor Centre moved into the top floor.

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	Retailing-
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	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	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	Industry-Activities associated with the manufacture, production and distribution of goods	Factories-
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.	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.	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	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	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	20th century Suburban Developments-
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 - conserving cultural and natural heritage-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	Playfairs Garage 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). Playfairs Garage is a modest example of a small factory building of the 1920s, adapted for changing uses over time. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 5) Significant Fabric: Masonry walls, roof profile, timber windows; timber floor structure above (carpark level); timber floors, timber posts and beams (Playfair St. level); timber main posts, roof trusses and clerestory structure (gallery level). (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 6)
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	The site of Playfairs Garage is associated with significant personalities in the development of The Rocks, notably Frederic Unwin and Thomas Playfair. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 5)
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The building forms part of the visual and functional fabric of this part of The Rocks, particularly as an element of the streetscape in Argyle Street, and as a link in the chain of development of utilitarian buildings in The Rocks since the early 1800s. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 5)
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	There is potential archaeological significance from pre-existing street surfaces. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 5)
Integrity/Intactness:	Archaeological potential
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:

Policy: Significant fabric should be preserved, and where appropriate restored or reconstructed to recover significance. Where multiple elements exist, and retention of all such elements is impracticable, the best intact representative examples should be preserved. Where intervention in significant fabric occurs, the loss of cultural significance should be minimised. Greater intervention may occur in areas of lesser significance. Fabric which is 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 controlled so as not to detract from the significance of the place. 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 the Heritage Council of NSW. Any conservation work should include the preparation of a maintenance plan for the future conservation of the cultural significance of the place. (Orwell & Peter Phillips 1991: 8-9)

Procedures /Exemptions

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

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

Listings

Heritage Listing	Listing Title	Listing Number	Gazette Date	Gazette Number	Gazette Page
Heritage Act - State Heritage Register		01568	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B109	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written	Orwell & Peter Phillips Architects / E. C. J. Lydon, 1992	1991	'Conservation Plan, Penrhyn House', The Rocks, Sydney . 2- 'Scarborough House Archaeological Report' by .
Written	Owell & Peter Phillips Architects	2003	Conservation Management Plan, Penrhyn House
Written	SCRA	1979	Building Data Sheet KL/15

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:	5053184

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