I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I I PRELIMINARY HERITAGE ASSESSMENT BOURKE ROAD ALEXANDRIA FORMER JAMES BYRNES LINSEED OIL MILLS

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1 PRELMNARY HERTAGE ASSESSMENT BOURKE ROAD ALEXANDRA May FORMER JAMES BYRNES LNSEED OL MLLS Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers

2 CONTENTS OF THE REPORT 1.0 PRECS of the REPORT The Work Historical Context Resources Cultural Significance Management THE NVESTGATON Context The Study Area Status of the Site Methodology Authorship and Acknowledgements HSTORCAL PROFLE...' Pre-Settlement European Alienation Early ndustrial Development Bourke Road Development James Barnes Pty Ltd: Linseed Oil Mill New Owners THE RESOURCE Topography and Site Formation Structures Archaeological Sites Cultural Significance MANAGEMENT SSUES Statutory Considerations City of Sydney NSW Heritage Act Preliminary Observations REFERENCES... 15

3 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 SECTON 1.0 PRECS of the REPORT 1.1 The Work The objective of this work was to provide preliminary advice regarding the potential European heritage issues associated with the former industrial site at Bourke Road, Alexandria. The report addresses what is already known of the site, some initial historical research, a preliminary evaluation of its significance and a discussion of the implications for its future development. The opinions expressed in this report may be altered or amended if further research and survey take place. 1.2 Historical Context The site was first alienated for European purposes in t was part of a larger grant known as the Waterloo Estate. Until the later part of the nineteenth century it largely remained in the hands of one family and was very sparsely occupied, in part due to the poor quality of the land. From the 1880s onwards the area became more densely occupied but still it was largely devoted to businesses that were attracted to the plentiful water trapped there. Market gardens, tanneries, wool washes and similar enterprises were scattered about Alexandria, Waterloo and environs. The exact occupants of the study area in this period have not been defined; the land appears to have been split between a Co-operative Wholesale company, a soap and candle making works and a small domestic occupation although this, as do many issues of the development of this site, requires more research. The study area was purchased by James Byrnes Pty Ltd in 1917 to develop as a linseed oil and meal mill. The principal buildings had been constructed by 1918 with others added in the 1920s. James Byrnes Pty Ltd appears to have continued to use this site until the 1950s. From then it may have been purchased with the adjoining land at Bourke Road to be used as a distribution plant. From the 1960s onwards parts of this site were leased to a variety of small tenants and businesses. The few records that have been viewed at this time indicate that the site has been subject to some change, addition and demolition but the extent and impact of these works cannot be calculated on the basis of this preliminary review. 1.3 Resources There are a number of substantial and significant buildings of the 1918 to 1920s. period of construction remaining on the site. These are, as per the marked drawing attached, numbers 3 (eastern building) and 4 and the chimney 6. The brick building with the verandah, within area 2, is also of the same construction phase. t is likely to have been the original office building. These are likely to have been the core factory buildings of Cultural Resources Management for St Hi/liers Page 1

4 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 t seems very likely that there are also substantial components of the 1920s period of expansion in the large brick and iron building to the west of building 3, also numbered 3, as well as the unnumbered buildings adjoining it to the north marked for demolition. Although altered these appear to have been built in the 1920s with possible additions in the 1930s. Of lesser architectural quality they need detailed survey to establish the level of their significance as component elements and individual structures. t is less clear, without further inspection, if anything of significance remains within Building 1 although it does conform to the envelope of a 1920s building and may contain components from that period. The silos (number 5) were probably built between the later 1920s and the 1950s and are likely to have a lesser degree of significance. The site is likely to contain archaeological relics pertaining to the development of the site in the twentieth century. t is also possible that relics from the later nineteenth century may also remain within the ground. Specific identification of the latter will require more research. At this time it is impossible to determine if any of the buildings contain industrial relics of significance. The only inside views of the buildings (numbers 3) suggest that the plant has been removed but it will need further research to confirm this is the case for all the structures. 1.4 Cultural Significance At this time on the basis of the preliminary work presented here there is insufficient information to present an authoritative statement of significance. However, the following issues are pertinent: The industrial buildings at this time identified to be of the original 1918' phase of construction are likely to have a high level of significance for their architectural qualities, their rarity and their technical and research values. The industrial buildings of the 1920s are likely to have considerable significance for their role in documenting the development of this site, historical and possible research values, and they may have architectural merit. The archaeological reso urces are certain to have some research values. As a preliminary assessment it could be concluded that buildings 3 (eastern), 4, 6 and part of 2 are likely to have high levels of cultural significance. Buildings 3 (western) and associated buildings marked for demolition are likely to have, at the least, contributory values of significance. Building 1 needs more investigation to be certain but, like the silos (5), probably has lesser values of significance. The archaeological resou rce will certainly have research values of significance. 1.5 Management At the very least proponents for development of this site will need to prepare a conservation management plan and an archaeological assessment. The Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 2

5 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 recommendations of these reports will need to be incorporated into planning for the site. t is also likely that Council will require a Heritage mpact Statement to be prepared to accompany a development application. The identification of a site likely to contain relics requires its managers to respond to the requirements of the NSW Heritage Act. n this case it is likely that an Excavation Permit will need to be approved by the Heritage Council of NSW. The provisions of the permit will be based on the results of the archaeological assessment. On the basis of this limited overview the following are possible outcomes for the heritage resources of this site: Buildings 3 (eastern), 4, 6 and 2 (the former factory office) will need to be retained, conserved and adapted to new uses. Buildings 3 (western) and the adjoining buildings to the north now proposed for demolition may in part or full be required to be retained but with a greater degree of flexibility for adaptation. f the more detailed survey and analysis finds that any or some of these components have been very greatly altered it may be possible to provide an archival record and then demolition. The outcome is likely to be a combination of these two options. Building 1 and the silos appear at this time to have the least significance and are likely to require recording before demolition. Cultural Resources Management for Sf Hilliers Page 3

6 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 SECTON 2.0 THE NVESTGATON 2.1 Context This report provides a preliminary assessment of European heritage issues pertaining to above and below-ground resources within the land at Bourke Road, Alexandria. The report has been requested by St Hilliers to inform decisions regardi ng potential future development of this place. 2.2 The Study Area The subject of this investigation, the "study area", encompasses land located at the intersection of Bourke Road and Huntley Street, Alexandria. The street address is Bourke Street, Alexandria. t is Lot 1 of DP t is within the local government area of the City of Sydney. The study area is privately owned and is used for a variety of light industrial and other purposes. t encompasses a number of early to later twentieth century industrial buildings. This report broadly encompasses the European "heritage" values of the study area. Heritage values are understood to mean the appreciation and value placed upon the resource by contemporary society in terms of the criteria expressed in the Burra Charter and formalised by the Heritage Office of NSW. When the report refers to archaeological relics it takes as its definition that in the Heritage Act of NSW being physical evidence (structures, features, soils, deposits and portable artefacts) that provide evidence of the development of NSW, of non-aboriginal origin and fifty or more years in age. Aboriginal relics are afforded protection by the National Parks and Wildlife Act of NSW. 2.3 Status of the Site This site has not been the subject of any earlier heritage report or investigation although there does appear to have been some form of archival recording of some of the structures. This report or archive has not been located at this time. The study area was first listed in the heritage inventory to South Sydney Heritage Study. t was included in the South Sydney LEP 2000 as an item of environmental heritage. t is listed in the State Heritage nventory. There has been no comprehensive or authoritative evaluation of any of the component elements of the site, nor the site as an entity. The "heritage" values that have been assigned to certain of the buildings appear to have arisen from some very cursory statements made by Lester Tropman and Associates to a former potential developer for this site. These statements have not been made on the basis of any research or analysis and should be treated with extreme caution. Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 4

7 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May Methodology This report is based on a short period of archival research, a limited site visit and enquiries to several potential past or present stakeholders including records prepared for the former South Sydney Council and the Council of the City of Sydney. There has been no archaeological sampling or investigation of this place to date. On this basis the opinions expressed in this report may be altered or amended if further research and survey take place. 2.5 Authorship and Acknowledgements This report has been written and researched by Wendy Thorp (Cultural Resources Management). The report was commissioned by St Hilliers. Th'e work draws on both secondary and primary sources. The author would like to thank the following people for their assistance and advice: Mr John Poulton (Heritage Planner City of Sydney and formerly South Sydney Council), staff of Waterloo Public Library Local Studies Collection, staff of City of Sydney Archives and Mr Colin Kay, (Sydney Water Archives). Cultural Resources Management for St Hi/liers Page 5

8 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 SECTON 3.0 HSTORCAL PROFLE This section provides an overview of the development of this site as far as the short period of time spent on research provides for. Future development of the site will require more comprehensive research and analysis. Generally, the study area occupies land that was formally granted for European purposes in 1823 although there is no evidence of any development upon it until the later decades of the nineteenth century. The earliest buildings that remain on the site derive from an early twentieth century period of industrial developm ent. The following sections provide as brief narrative of the historical development of this site. 3.1 Pre-Settlement The study area was part of the Waterloo Swamps environmental system. t was characterised by sand dunes, Banksia scrub, streams and swamps. t was not until the later part of the nineteenth century that some of these swamps, including those in the immediate environs of the study area, were drained. Close to the study area is the Alexandra Canal, formerly Shea's Creek. t was this combination of sand and swamp that made the area unattractive for intensive early European exploitation and helps to explain why it remained relatively untouched until the twentieth century. 3.2 European Alienation The study area encompasses land that was first alienated for European purposes in 1823 as part of the Waterloo Estate being 1400 acres granted to William Hutchinson 1 This estate was purchased by Daniel Cooper and Solomon Levey in 1825 and was inherited by William Charles Cooper in Cooper began to lease portions of his land but the Cooper family still retained ownership over much of the area until the twentieth century. 3.3 Early ndustrial Development The quality of the land meant that even into the early part of the twentieth century much of the district was sparsely occupied princi pally by small industries that took advantage of the large reserves of water. Tanneries, wool washes and market gardens were the most common lessees and occasional owners. The transformation of Sheas Creek into the Alexandra Canal between 1887 and 1900 as well as widespread land reclamation projects coupled with the position of this area between the city and Botany escalated the industrialisation of the 1 L TO, Old Systems Book 1116 Folio 291 Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 6

9 i Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 suburb. t remained a largely industrial precinct on the fringe of the city until well into the twentieth centu ry. 3.4 Bourke Road Development n the later part of the nineteenth century most of the Bourke Road frontage was occupied by market gardeners and the occasional dairy and poultry farmer. The land on which the Linseed oil mill would eventually be built upon appears to have been divided between a poultry farm and the Sydney Soap and Candle Company although this will need more research to precisely define the limits of these properties. By 1906 the Co-operative Wholesale Society owned the southern part of the site, the Sydney Soap and Candle Company the northern part and a single leased dwelling was located between the two 3 By 1915 the Sydney Soap and Candle Com pany had been renamed Kitchen and Sons Ltd, soap and candle manufacturers, but the disposition of the land between this company, the Wholesale Co-operative Society and the single leased dwelling, remained the same 4. At this time it is unclear what activities the Wholesale Co-Operative Society were engaged in and wha t, if any, impact these had upon the study area. 3.5 James Barnes Ltd: Linseed Oil and Meal Mills James Barnes Ltd purchased 6 acres and 14 perches from the Co-Operative Wholesale Society Ltd and the Soap and Candle Manufacturing Pty Ltd for in With the purchase Huntley Street was extended providing a division between Kitchen and Sons and the new mill site. The factory was established in January t was a difficult process. The managers stated that, "it was nearly impossible to obtain the necessary plant, but the company was fortunate in securing a thoroughly accomplished engineer and a manager with nearly a lifetime's experience of the business,,6. They began by crushing fifty tons of linseed, imported from ndia, per week. The first delivery of oil was made in April By June the plant was crushing 100 tons of linseed per week 8. n 1919 it was stated that, "Mr James Barnes, the founder of the company,... has lost no time in putting in a fine plant at Alexandria and the company is now absolutely completing the equipment. The amount of seed dealt with will shortly be raised to 1000 tons per month, to produce about 80,000 gallons of oil. Nothing but the A.1 quality is made, and the only real trouble the company experiences is in turning out supplies to keep pace with the demand. At the same establishment a very complete plant for making glycerine has been installed. This is one the prettiest plants in any factory in Australia and is exceedingly interesting"g. 2 Sands Directory listings bid bid L TO, Old Systems Book 1116 Folio James Bames Ltd, '~Flourishing Australian ndustry"ras Journal 1919: bid. 6 bid. 9 bid. 180 Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 7

10 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 t is possible that the mill site was extended in 1919 by the purchase of the land adjoining it to the south, now outside the study area. f James Barnes pty Ltd purchased it the company does not appear to have used the land. A survey of shows this land to be still occupied by Chinese market gardens. The issue needs more research. This same survey provides the earliest indication for the extent of the linseed mill in its earliest years of production. The only entrance was from the middle of the Bourke Road frontage. There were a couple of small buildings here including a more substantial structure (a manager's residence perhaps) enclosed at the southern end. A short road led to what is likely to have been the factory office. There was another substantial building adjoining this to the east. The mill buildings were a short distance away and comprised five very substantial structures, one attached to the stack with a few smaller buildings around. n the extreme north-western corner of the site was a fenced compound that was then occupied by the Sterling Varnish Works. The buildings described by this survey probably represent those structures constructed in 1918 as well as additions from the early 1920s to accommodate the increased production referred to in the 1919 paper. At this time no documentary evidence has been found to identify the developments on site from the later 1920s to the later 1940s. t is a period that needs considerably more research. From 1949 there are a series of building and development applications made by James Barnes Pty Ltd to Sydney City Council for works on the site. The y include works such as the following: September 1949: June 1950:. July 1951: February 1952: April 1952: July 1952: December 1952: 3.6 New Owners Additions to switch room New annexe to factory to house heater plant Subdivision into two allotments Erection of structure to house transformers and switchboards. Extension to Linseed Oil Storage and Packing Building. Erection of New building for steaming room. Erection of addition to main building for generator11. James Barnes pty Ltd appears to have sold the site to Unilever Australia Pty Ltd in the 1950s. The details require more research. The new owners appear also to have taken over the adjoining property. There are numerous records of alterations and additions for Bourke Street from this period as recorded on development and building applications for Sydney City Council. t will need considerable research to determine which of those changes apply to the study 10 Sydney Water Archives, Alexandria Sheet 38: Plan DS City of Sydney Archives, Building and Development Applications: Cards Cultural Resources Management for Sf Hilliers Page 8

11 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 area, From the later 1960s and 1970s the site, in its greatest extent, was gradually leased to a of small tenants. There is some evidence to suggest that there may have been a fire in one of the buildings in the 1980s, The mill just after construction in 1919 Ge-neral View of Works and Office, Cultural Resources Management for Sf Hifliers Page 9

12 r- ~~:-~ ~\~ ~ ~---;\~-----"~37~~~ ~".#~/ ~~~~~~~\~~.~-~-~.-~-~-~.~-~~~~~.. ~ \ r- - ::,, \ \ ----"";-- - \ 1: ~~;-.=-~=-==_~_-~~_--..:: ;.,.\-~. _==:=-::=-=-==-=-=:}~±::::r::::: _==0...= : :~::- - - \ i \' \. fj, ~. :.':'~ "'/ _~-- J s. at"" 60..inb le... lm:h -2.!l!.L~ u,.~ \ \ 36 ' 1 \,, 1!\ 1, " ~YDNEY WATER THS PLAN S NOT NECESSARLY UP TO DATE OR CORRECT AND SYDNEY WATER ACCEPTS NO RO UR, Kt; 11! ~ 0:.. "'.. Site survey 1926 (Source: Sydney Water Archives) ~,, \ '.. n -,. [.J

13 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 SECTON 4.0 THE RESOURCE 4.1 Topography and Site Formation The limited archival evidence reviewed to date provides only broad indications as to the evolution of this site. These, as well as the inferences that may be drawn at this time are summarised as follows: Prior to settlement the site is likely to have been relatively flat but quite swampy. n the later part of the nineteenth century it was probably subject to some reclamation and levelling, possibly using introduced fill. There may have been structures or other improvements constructed on the site in the same period for the Co-Operative Society, the soap and candle works and the domestic site. The extent and nature of these have not been defined at this time. f there were improvements on the study area they were demolished prior to the construction of the linseed oil m ill in Between 1918 and the later "1920s at least seven substantial buildings and a stack as well as a number of smaller structures were constructed on the site for the linseed oil mill. There were also two separate compounds housing a varnish works and possibly a domestic site. The extent of change and addition in the 1930s and 1940s is unknown at this time. During the 1950s there is evidence to show that the site acquired new additions but there is little evidence of demolition. " n the later part of the 1950s James Barnes Pty Ltd appears to have sold the site and the new owners purchased the adjoining property and used both as a distribution plant with changes and additions being made to one or both to accommodate this new function. From the 1960s portions of the site have been leased to a variety of small businesses. There appears to be evidence of a fire in one of the buildings in the 1980s. t could be concluded on this basis that the present site is likely to lay at least a few metres above the original topographic level the difference being occupied by introduced fill and, possibly, levels of demolition material and intact Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 10

14 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Aiexandria May 2004 archaeological relics. This will need considerabl y more research to confirm and to provide more precise detail. 4.2 Structures There are a number of substantial and significant buildings of the 1918 to 1920s period of construction remaining on the site. These are, as per the marked drawing attached, numbers 3 (the eastern building) and 4 and the chimney stack numbered 6. The brick building with the verandah, within area 2, is also of the same construction phase. t is likely to have been the original office building. These are likely to have been the first buildings constructed in 1918 and formed the core of the factory. On the basis of an external visual survey only it is possible to say that these are all very fine industrial buildings of the period, having considerable architectural merit in their own right. They are also, possibly, rare for the combination of age and quality. The latter will need more analysis to confirm. t seems very likely that there are also substantial components of a similar period in the large brick and iron building to the west of building 3, also numbered 3 as well as the unnumbered buildings marked for demolition adjoining it to the north. Although altered and added to these buildings appear to have been constructed in the 1920s s and at least in the case of building 3 (western) retain substantial elements and structure from this period. All need a detailed survey and analysis. They are less fine architectural elements that the 1918 structures but still, on inspection, may have individual merit. t is less clear, without further inspection, if anything of significance remains within Building 1. t is of the same configuration of a 1920s structure recorded on surveys but it needs detailed inspection to determine how much, if any, of this structure survives within the present envelope. The silos (number 5) post-date the 1920s and probably pre-date the 1950s. They are likely to have a lesser degree of significance. At this time it is impossible to determine if any of the buildings contain industrial relics of significance. The only inside views of the buildings (numbers 3) suggest that the plant has been removed but it will need further research to confirm this is the case for all the structures. 4.3 Archaeological Sites No specific sites of archaeological significance have yet been identified on the basis of this preliminary survey. However, the limited archival evidence does suggest that the site is likely to contain archaeological relics possibly of the nineteenth century and certainly of the twentieth century as well as deposits of fill that would also be considered relics under the provisions of the Heritage Act of NSW. More research and any geo-technical information would provide greater precision in this assessment. Cultural Resources Management for St Hi/Hers Page 11

15 i Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May Cultural Significance An assessment of cultural significance is based on a detailed evaluation according to standard criteria that address historical, aesthetic, technical and research values. This would be a necessary process for any future work. The statement of significance provides the precise parameters for evaluating scope for change and for retention. A statement of significance, however, has to be informed by thorough research and survey. At this time on the basis of the preliminary work presented here there is insufficient information to present an authoritative statement of significance. However, the following issues are pertinent: The industrial buildings at this time identified to be of the original 1918 phase of construction are likely to have a high level of significance for their architectural qualities, their rarity and their technical and research values. The industrial buildings of the 1920s are likely to have considerable significance for their role in documenting the development of this site, historical and possible research values, and they may have architectural merit. The archaeological reso urces are certain to have some research values. As a preliminary assessment it could be concluded that buildings 3 (eastern), 4, 6 and part of 2 are likely to have high levels of cultural significance. Buildings 3 (western) and associated buildings marked for demolition are likely to have, at the least, contributory values of significance. Building 1 needs more investigation to be certain but, like the silos (5) probably has lesser values of significance. The archaeological resou rce will certainly have research values of significance. Cultural Resources Management for St Hi/liers Page 12

16 i Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 SECTON 5.0 MANAGEMENT SSUES 5.1 Statutory Considerations City of Sydney With the amalgamation of South Sydney with Sydney the planning issues for the new area are, at this time, to a degree uncertain. Both planning instruments for the two former Councils contained similar requirements and it is reasonable to assume that the amalgamated Council will require similar undertakings of proponents for the development of a recognised heritage item. At the very least a detailed conservation management plan for the above ground structures and an archaeological assessment for below-ground resources will be required to be completed and the recommendations encompassed in planning for the new development. t is also likely that a Heritage mpact Statement will need to be prepared to accompany the development application NSW Heritag e Act When the potential for the retention of "relics", as these are defined by the NSW Heritage Act, is identified for a site a number of legislative requirements are made of its owners/managers who will be responsible for the disturbance of that archaeological resource. The Act requires that an Excavation Permit be sought from the Heritage Council of NSW. This is almost certain to be the case for this site. The provisions of the permit will be based on the results of the archaeological assessment. These can range from a do-nothing option, unlikely in this case, to monitor and record during bulk excavation and up to detailed investigation prior to bulk excavation. t may be a combination of these options for different parts of the site. An application for a permit is made through the Heritage Office of NSW. t may take up to thirty'days to process and its requires a small fee. No excavation of any kind may take place on the site until the applicant is notified of the permit's approval. 5.2 Preliminary Observations On the basis of this limited overview the following are possible outcomes for the heritage resources of this site: Buildings 3 (eastern), 4, 6 and 2 (the former factory office) will need to be retained, conserved and adapted to new uses. Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 13

17 ~ Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 Buildings 3 (western) and the adjoining buildings to the north now proposed for demolition may in part of full be required to be retained but with a greater degree of flexibility for adaptation. f the more detailed survey and analysis finds that any or some of these components have been very greatly altered it may be possible to provide an archival record and then demolition. The likely outcome is likely to be a combination of these two options. Building 1 and the silos appear at this time to have the least significance and are likely to require recording before demolition. Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 14

18 Heritage ssues: Bourke Road, Alexandria May 2004 SECTON 6.0 REFERENCES 6.1 Books and Reports Rosemary Annable Historical Notes Planning District 7 South Sydney Heritage Study: 1993 Doug Benson, Jocelyn Howell NBRS 6.2 Land and Property Records NSW Land Titles Office City of Sydney Archives 6.3 Monographs and Journal Articles James Barnes Ltd 6.4 Maps and Plans Land Titles Office Sydney Water Archives DP Taken For Granted the Bushland of Sydney and ts Suburbs Kangaroo Press Heritage Assessment Bourke Road Alexandria Old Systems Book 1116 Folio 291 Old Systems Book 1163 Folio 954 Certificate of Title Volume Folio 247 Building and Development Applications Bourke Road, Alexandria A Flourishing Australian ndustry Linseed Oil and Linseed Meal The Royal Australian Society Annual 1919: Alexandria Sheet 38 Survey March 1926 Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers Page 15

19 PRELMNARY HERTAGE ASSESSMENT BOURKE ROAD ALEXANDRA FORMER JAMES BYRNES LNSEED OL MLLS May 2004 Cultural Resources Management for St Hilliers