Shop and Residence

Item details


Name of item:	Shop and Residence
Other name/s:	Currently part of Duty Free Store complex
Type of item:	Built
Group/Collection:	Retail and Wholesale
Category:	Shop
Location:	Lat: -33.8606813958 Long: 151.2083263060
Primary address:	145 George 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	2003		DP	788428

All addresses

Street Address	Suburb/town	LGA	Parish	County	Type
145 George 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:


	145 George St, The Rocks, was constructed in 1893 as part of a group of four buildings and has State heritage significance for its historic and social cultural values. 145 George St has historic significance at State level for having been the site of early European settlement and has been continuously occupied by Europeans since 1788. The site has historic significance at local level for its associations with several phases of late 19th & 20th century urban renewal. Firstly, the commercial development of The Rocks in the last decade of the 19th century when the building was purpose-built as a grocery store; secondly, the demolition and rebuilding of much of The Rocks under the Observatory Hill Resumption Act following the 1900 plague outbreak; thirdly association with infrastructure works, including the construction of the City Railway link and the Cahill Expressway, which dramatically changed the visual curtilage of the group; and lastly, the 1980s creation of The Rocks as a tourist destination, when the interior and rear of the building was altered to accommodate the Duty Free Store Complex. 145 George St has historic significance at local level for its associations with Downton & Dyer, a prominent local business that started as a grocery store in the late 19th century, developed as a wholesale business & is currently a major dry food supplier company that continues to operate in Sydney in larger premises under the same company name. The East Elevation of 145 George St has high aesthetic significance at local level associated with being a representative example of a Victorian Regency style commercial building designed in the last decade of the 19th century. In the 1980s the West Elevation, much of the ground floor and upper floor interiors were altered. While this has reduced the ability to interpret the building's significance, the eastern façade contributes to the aesthetic and historic diversity of the George St streetscape. A street awning, in keeping with the original design, was reinstated. Shopfronts while not identical to the original, were sympathetic in design and character to turn of the century shopfronts. 145 George St forms part of a group of four commercial buildings (Nos 145, 147, 149-151 & 153-155 George St) which front the eastern portion of the DFS (Duty Free Store) complex. This group of buildings, bounded by Globe St & the Cahill Expressway, mark George St's southern entry to The Rocks precinct. The facades of the four late 19th century & early 20th century buildings have streetscape qualities & character that contribute to the overall richness of a coherent and harmonious brick & stucco group of buildings located within The Rocks. Within its location in The Rocks, which has State heritage significance, the subject site and the building group as a whole, contributes to a precinct unique to NSW with its historic associations and streetscape character. The group is an important part of The Rocks Heritage Conservation Area being sympathetic in scale and character and an extension of the remaining earlier buildings of George St, presenting a unified streetscape. The buildings are tangible evidence of the redevelopment of The Rocks in the last decade of the 19th century and 1st decade of the 20th century. 145 George St has high social significance as a contributory element associated with the historic character of The Rocks, which is held in esteem by the local community and the people of NSW.
	Date significance updated: 18 Nov 08
	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:	1892-1892
Physical description:	The building is a three storey face brick building on the corner of Globe Street, erected in 1892 as shops and offices. The building design can be described as an example of the transitional architecture of the late Victorian and early Federation periods. The upper parapet, rendered sills and keystones are typical of Victorian period detail, with the use of face brick more typical of the Federation period. As part of the development works of the 1980s a section of the building in Globe St. was demolished. At the time of the redevelopment the original awning and shopfront were reconstructed. In Globe Street a large services panel was inserted onto the rear of the ground floor and a new angled corner and false rear wall with blind windows facing the open gallery was created at that time.; Style: Late Victorian & Early Federation; Storeys: 3; Facade: Brick
Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:	Archaeology Assessment Condition: Destroyed? Assessment Basis: Modern development. Basement car parks. No archaeological work appears to have been undertaken for this site although the 1986 Assessment indicated a potential, and important, resource. The subsequent building operations appear to have obliterated much of this resource. Possible deposits survive beneath shops on George St frontage. Investigation: Historical research and assessment of archaeology
	Date condition updated:27 Apr 01
Modifications and dates:	DFS complex: 1988 (the redevelopment involved the demolition of the rear of the George Street buildings, the removal of interior and the creation of new shopfront). In 1914 to 157-159 George Street Nathan Jacobs erected the New York Theatre. The New York Theatre was demolished in 1937. This site was acquired by the Public Transport Commission in 1946 and the City Circle Railway, which traverses the site, was opened in 1956. In the late 1980s the site was developed with a large commercial historic building erected behind 145-155 George Street whilst the facades of the buildings were adapted.


Current use:	Duty Free Store
Former use:	Aboriginal land, town lot, Shop and residence

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 was identified as having European occupation since at least 1791, with other structures by 1822. From then on, site development was intense. In the 1890s, and following the Resumption in 1900 the current buildings facing George Street were constructed.

As indicated by James Meehan's Survey of 1807 this site was first occupied by Surgeon General John White at Lot No.4 and Captain William Raven at Lot No. 5. In c1835 Mrs Underwood was the owner of three storey stone shops and houses each with seven rooms. By 1845 a two storey brick house and shop with a shingle roof and five rooms was built. Also on this same allotment at the corner of George and Globe Streets a two storey stone and brick house and store was erected. The five roomed house had 'every convenience'. In 1861 this building was used as a 'Bowling Alley' managed by William Ogilvie. In 1871 in the tenements erected by Underwood, a Public House was opened. The inn was called the 'Nil Desperandum Hotel'.

By 1882 three two storey tenements were erected between the butcher shop and the brick and stone shop on the north side of the Public House, known as the New York Hotel. These shops and dwelling were constructed of brick and they were roofed in iron. In 1891 the building to the south corner of Globe and George Street was pulled down. By 1891 George McEvoy had erected houses to the Harrington Street frontage. The four storey buildings were of brick and stone and the roofs were slated. In c1906 these houses were pulled down.

In 1892 a three storey brick and slate roofed shop and dwelling was erected for the Trustees of the Church of England to 145 George Street.

In 1900 the area was resumed under the Observatory Hill Resumption Act. In c1907 the New York Hotel was demolished and by 1908 Tooth & Co. Ltd. erected the brick and iron roofed building to 153/155 George Street. In 1912 the tenements to 149 and 151 George St. were pulled down, and in the same year a two storey brick office building was erected to the rear of 145 George St.

During 1913 Quay Chambers at 149-151 George St. were erected. The tenement to 147 George St. was demolished in 1914 and in that same year the present three storey brick building was erected.

In the 1970s the ground floor shop was occupied by Downtown and Dyer, Grocers. In the 1980s the DFS complex was constructed and the interior of the building gutted for the complex.

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	(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
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 in shop-based accommodation-
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-
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-
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	Going shopping downtown-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Anglican Community-
8. Culture-Developing cultural institutions and ways of life	Religion-Activities associated with particular systems of faith and worship	Practising Anglicanism-

Assessment of significance


SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]	145 George St is a three-storey face brick building on the corner of Globe St. The building was erected between 1892 & 1893 as shops & offices. 145 George St has associations as a built element within George St & Globe St. George St is the oldest street in Australia & Globe St is one of the earliest cross streets. 145 George St has high significance at local level associated with a corner shop operating continuously on the site & managed by the same proprietor, for almost ninety years. The business changed in over 80 years from a single-owner grocery store to a wholesale providores. The company moved from The Rocks to accommodate an expanding business 145 George St has moderate significance at local level for its associations with the phase of redevelopment of The Rocks in the 1980s when the precinct was transformed into a major tourist attraction. The item meets this criterion at State level.
SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]	145 George St has moderate historic significance at local level for its association with the grocery company, Downton & Dyer Ltd, who operated from The Rocks from 1879 before Jesse Dyer moved to the premises at the corner of Globe & George Sts in 1893. the company amalgamated to become Downton & Dyer in 1918.
SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]	The four brick buildings (Nos. 145; 147, 149-151 & 153-155 George Street) of heritage significance, which as a group, provide evidence of two phases of commercial activity in The Rocks just before and just after the plague outbreak and subsequent resumption of land at the turn of the century. Although compromised by the loss of rear sections, ground floor interiors and street awnings in the 1980s, it remains a coherent and harmonious brick and stucco group. The buildings are the representative of the commercial architecture of the Federation period and the transitional phase prior to the turn of the century. They are tangible evidence of the redevelopment of The Rocks in the early 20th century and also the more recent redevelopment period associated with the SCA. These buildings also provide evidence of historical association with prominent local business such as WA Grubb butchers. The Central Sydney Heritage Inventory contains separate listings for the building facades of 145-151George St. and the former New York Hotel at 153-155 George Street: 'Of environmental significance for its contribution to an architecturally diverse and historically important commercial streetscape of heritage significance as physical evidence of the growth and consolidation associated with the maritime activities at Circular Quay'. The group of four buildings was classified as part of the George Street Business Precinct by the National Trust of Australia in the mid 1970s: 'A group of four compatible Edwardian buildings containing interesting and lively fenestration which combine to present a picturesque street elevation. The group acts as a sympathetic extension to the remaining earlier buildings of George Street in scale and character to present a unified streetscape'. The above listings indicate that the primary significance of the group is their contribution to the historic streetscape as well as their aesthetic value as a group of Federation period commercial buildings.
SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]	The Rocks in general has considerable significance to the general community of Sydney & the people of NSW as a heritage precinct. The Rocks of which the subject site forms a part, is important to the community's sense of place & is subsequently held in esteem. Shopping is a major activity within The Rocks area. As the first commercial district of Sydney relating directly to the ports & shipping, the area has developed a strong commercial focus, which is currently maintained by tourism. The subject site has maintained its historic association with shopping & retail. The item meets this criterion at State level.
SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]	The earliest & most substantial phase of building on the subject site and in close proximity occurred by 1822. These earliest buildings, located along the George St frontage, comprised the Underwood Buildings, an adjacent shop to the north and Thomas Moore's house. Archaeological evidence from a series of cottages erected on the southern section of the site during the 1820-30s has probably been removed by later 19th & 20th century developments. Due to considerable disturbance related to construction works, the subject site has little scientific/ research significance & does not meet this criterion.
SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]	There are numerous examples of Victorian/Federation style corner shop buildings within The Rocks that are similar to 145 George St. The item does not meet this assessment criterion.
SHR Criteria g) [Representativeness]	The shops & shopping district of The Rocks are representative of the continuing commercial use of the area and the change to tourism. 145 George St is one of the group of shop buildings that operated in The Rocks from the end of the 19th century until the late 20th century. 145 George St is representative of this group & meets the criterion at local level.
Integrity/Intactness:	Archaeology Destroyed
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: No archaeological investigation is required.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act	Description	Title	Comments	Action date
57(2)	Exemption to allow work	Standard Exemptions	ORDER UNDER SECTION 57(2) OF THE HERITAGE ACT 1977 Standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977. I, the Hon James Griffin MP, Minister for Environment and Heritage, pursuant to subsection 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, on the recommendation of the Heritage Council of New South Wales do by this Order, effective at the time of publication in the New South Wales Government Gazette: 1. revoke the order made on 9 November 2020 and published in the Government Gazette Number 318 of 13 November 2020; and 2. grant the exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 that are described in the attached Schedule. The Hon James Griffin MP Minister for Environment and Heritage Signed this 2nd day of June 2022. To view the standard exemptions for engaging in or carrying out activities / works otherwise prohibited by section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977 click on the link below.	Jun 17 2022

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		01584	10 May 02	85	2865

Study details

Title	Year	Number	Author	Inspected by	Guidelines used
SCA Register 1979-1998	1998	B064,AR080	Sydney Cove Authority (SCA)		Yes

References, internet links & images

Type	Author	Year	Title
Written			SCA's Building Data Sheet , Globe Street Precinct, 06/02/1980.
Written	Conybeare Morrison International	2007	145 George St Conservation Management Plan
Written	Godden Mackay for APT Peddle Thorp,	1996	'Heritage Impact Statement' as part of a 'Statement of Environmental Effects for Proposed Alterations, DFS (Australia), 155 George Street, The Rocks
Written	Thorp, W.		Historical Outline and Archaeological Assessment, the Globe Street Precinct, The Rocks, in Planning Workshop. Proposed Development of the Globe Street Site C11

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:	5053200

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