Australia Post Orange

I H E L I X ARCHITECTS

Australia Post Orange 222 - 224 Summer St, Orange NSW 2800

Statement of Environmental Effects August 2020

-- N · " 's s;

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4 J Australia Post 219-241 Cleveland Street, Strawberry Hills NSW 2012

Date Issue Descri lion Author 4 June 2020 A SEE - Draft re ort -- For Client review Divna Odrliin 25 Au 2020 B Divna Odrliin

Australia Post Orange Statement of Environmental Effects Helix Architects Ply Ltd

H EL IX ARCHITECTS

ITEM CIRCUMSTANCE/ CONDITION IMPACT Compliance ✓ X

1.00 COUNCIL

Orange City Council

2.00 PROPERTY DETAILS The site is located on Summer Street, Orange, feeding off Nil impact. ✓the Mitchell Highway as the main street through Orange

The overall site is relatively flat & consists of 1 x main building enclosure with a smaller enclosure to the rear operating as the garage

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2.01 Site Address 222-224 Summer St Orange NSW 2800 NA (at corner with Post Office Lane & with rear lane access via Colvin Lane)

2.02 Legal Description Lot 11, Section 40, DP 758817 NA

2.03 Owner Australian Postal Corporation NA

2.04 Occupant Australia Post Nil impact. ✓

2.05 Site Area 1,315 m (approximately)

2.06 Building Areas (approximate only & subiect to survey measure) Existing Building : 604 m? (Grd -- main building) Areas 75 m? (Grd -- motorcycle garage)

426 m? (L1) Proposed changes 0 m2 (additional GFA) Nil Impact. ✓

Works fall under 18.0 m? (new canopy) unenclosed covered

area and will not contribute to overall GFA of the property

Australia Post Orange Statement of Environmental Effects

2

Helix Architects Ply Ltd

2.07 Class of building Existing Retail & Class 5 + 6 Nil Impact. Commercial facility Building class remains ✓

in keeping with Council's LEP objectives

2.08 Description of Proposal Alterations & additions to rear of existing Post Office. Works Nil Impact ✓are to include Works are proposed to

• new dock leveler to existing deliveries dock rear of existing facility • new awning to existing deliveries dock to facilitate with no impact to main

weather protection. Drainage is proposed to nor side elevations. connect back to existing points of connection Rear elevation faces

• compliance upgrade works in line with BCA & FIRE rear service lane advice - refer associated reports appended

3.00 PLANNING INSTRUMENTS . Environmental Planning and Assessment Act Nil Impact ✓. Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011 . Orange Development Control Plan 2004 DCP 05-- General Considerations for Zones &

Development DCP 08 -- Development in Business Zones DCP 13-- Heritage DCP15- Carparking

4.00 ZONING LEP Map reference -- 008C Zonina B3 -- Commercial Core Nil Impact ✓FSR 2.1 Nil Impact ✓

Current FSR is 0.84:1 Heritage Yes Nil Impact- ✓Conservation Zone Item I42 - Orange Post Office refer Heritage report

Item 1157 - Former Street Sign Scenic Protection No Nil Impact ✓Area Watercourse Yes Nil impact ✓Vulnerability Groundwater vulnerability No changes to current

measures Flood Planning Yes Nil impact ✓

Within flood planning catchment No changes to current measures

Height of Building 12m Nil Impact ✓Bush Fire Zone No Nil Impact ✓Naturally Occurring No Nil Impact ✓Asbestos Former mine zone No Nil Impact ✓

H E L I X ARCHITECTS


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Helix Architects Pty Ltd

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H EL IX ARCHITECTS

5.00 USE OF LAND

Existing use: Post Office facility with the following operative measures: Nil impact. ✓

a. Retail store b. Receiving, sorting and distribution of mail & parcels

via the Deliveries Dock. C. Motorcycle parking: parking and storage of

postmen's motorcycles when not in use. d. Staff Parking (to rear of premises)

Existing uses are proposed to remain. Proposed changes:

1. Provision of a proprietary Dock Leveler to the Deliveries Dock to facilitate current operations Nil impact. ✓

2. Weather protection in the way of a new Awning to The proposed use is in the existing Deliveries Dock & Staff entry including keeping with the new Dock Leveler existing use of a mail

3. Code compliance upgrade works in accordance delivery center. with FIRE & BCA recommendations

6.00 TRANSPORTATION

The site currently already has adequate car parking for its Nil Impact ✓employees and is close to public transport. There will be no increase in car, semi-trailer or rigid truck movements to & from the site.

7.00 BUILDING DESCRIPTION

Floors Timber framed Nil changes ✓

Columns Masonry Nil changes ✓

Roof Timber framed, metal clad (main building) Nil changes ✓

Walls rendered masonry where original / lightweight Nil changes ✓(Internal) stud framing with plasterboard paint finish Walls Rendered masonry walls, paint finish Nil changes ✓(external) New New awning - steel & timber framed pergola, New works align with ✓works polycarbornate roof sheeting to awning, timber Heritage fabric

clad sides (for weather protection) to height of Negligible impact. dock leveler at full height. Works located to rear

of existing building

8.00 No OF EMPLOYEES & HOURS OF OPERATIONS

No increase or change in the number of employees nor the Nil Impact ✓hours of operation.

9.00 DESIGN AND PLANNING CONTROLS

9.01 Car Parking No additional car parking required. Nil Impact ✓

9.02 Access and Loading Proposed works encompass provision of a new proprietary Nil Impact ✓dock leveler to be installed positioned forward of existing Deliveries Dock roller shutter. A new awning is proposed to cover the new Dock leveler in order to provide required weather protection at interface between truck & Deliveries Dock interface


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H EL IX ARCHITECTS

9.03 Building Height Maximum Allowable Height Nil change Nil Impact ✓

9.04 Floor Space Ratio (FSR) Maximum permissible FSR 2:1 Nil Impact ✓No changes proposed to GFA

9.05 Building Setbacks The proposed works are within existing setbacks. Nil Impact ✓

9.06 Minimum Allotment Size & Width No change to existing allotment size and width Nil Impact ✓

9.07 Landscaping Matters NIL landscaping currently provided at the premises. NA ✓

9.08 Access and Mobility Existing access will remain unchanged Nil Impact ✓

9.09 Existing Utility Services All existing utility services are adequate for the proposed Nil Impact ✓usage and will not overload any of these services or create any detrimental environmental effects.

9.10 Waste Management Waste management is to remain as existing. Nil Impact ✓Proposed alterations will not impact current operative measures nor will they generate any industrial or hazardous waste

9.11 Fill There are no works requiring landfill in this proposal Nil Impact ✓

10.00 IMPACT ON THE SURROUNDING AREA

There will be no operational implications arising to the Nil Impact ✓operative measures already in play at the existing premise Proposed works are called to better facilitate current operative measures from an OH+S perspective & to facilitate additional weather protection at interface with delivery vehicles There will be no change in the ambient noise levels currently generated by the operations of this facility as the facility is associated with the sorting & delivery of mail & parcels & not manufacturing. No changes to the existing approved uses is proposed

11.00 BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA

11.01 Exit Travel Distances Reference is made to the BCA & FIRE reports submitted. Nil Impact ✓Current exit travel distances do not comply and an Alternate Fire Solution has been sought. The recommendations have been reflected in the Architectural package

11.02 Compartmentation & Separation NA Nil changes proposed


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H EL IX ARCHITECTS

12.00 STORMWATER / HYDRAULICS

The new works are minor in scope. Reduced impact ✓The new awning will align with immediate interfaces with the existing adjacent building. New works will connect to existing stormwater connection points. The provision of an awning will aid in reducing the volume of overland flow contributing to the current flood zone by collecting & re-directing stormwater into the plumbed stormwater system which is considered favourable to the overall existing conditions. Appropriate methods to minimize soil erosion and Nil impact ✓sedimentation will be employed during construction

There are no proposals in this application for the disposal of contaminants.

13.00 HERITAGE

Current site is a State listed heritage item. Reference is Negligible Impact ✓made to the Heritage Impact Statement submitted as part of the DA submission. Proposed works have been reviewed by a Heritage Consultant and deemed appropriate. Proposed material finishes have been reviewed & deemed appropriate by the Heritage Consultant as follows: . AWNING POSTS

Galvanised steel/ safety yellow to 1500H . AWNING FRAMING & CLADDING Timber/ painted heritage cream to match existing timber windows . AWNING ROOF Clear polycarbonate roof sheeting to maintain current levels of natural daylight available to the BOH areas . GUTTERS/ DOWNPIPES/ TRIMS Painted heritage cream

13.00 CONCLUSION

It is submitted that the development will have no adverse Nil impact ✓environmental effects for the following reasons. 1. The land is suitable for the type of development. 2. The development will have negligible impact on the

amenity of the neighbourhood. 3. The development will have no impact on the natural

environment. 4. The streetscape will not be affected by the proposed

minor alterations and additions that are wholly contained within the site

5. Adequate provisions exist & are retained for vehicle access and egress, loading, turning and parking -no changes proposed in current provisions

6. The proposal complies with council guidelines in terms of siting, density, size, height and appearance.

In summary, the proposed works are minor in scope & of nil impact to the immediate amenity of the adjoining properties.

regards HELIX ARCHITECTS PTY LTD


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H EL IX ARCHITECTS

APPENDIX 1- SITE PHOTOGRAPHS

Image 1 - Existing Deliveries Dock (rear lane access)

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H E L I X ARCHITECTS

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8


>iGUREODU,<ENSIONS'OBEUSE[)INPRE"ERENCE TO SCAUNG ALL DIMENSIONS TO BC CHECKED ON SITE

'HIS DOCUMENT NOT TO BE USED FOR CONS TRUC TON MESS SGNED A ISSUED FOR CONS Run1ON

STORE

$ 2063 3655 (LINEMARKING) 1646

0 e 0 0

NEW UNEMARKING

FE.X

2070 I

200

NEW STEEL FRAMED CANOPY ---11111-----~ WITH NEW TIMBER CLADDING TO RETURN WALLS FOR WEATHER PROTECTION STRUCTURE TO FUTURE STR ENGINEERS DETAILS

EXISTING BOLLARD REMOVE~

1. •••• • ~

18

EXISTING RETRACTABLE FIRE EGRESS LADDER TO BE-----> DECOMISSIONED & REMOVED

Vj, <)<~~.-~o6ftJ_Q._F, •:' - _1JOLctf ; i@ff~vis ii //// A1 :

o $ ;

NEW PROPRIETARY DOCK LEVELLER (2700W x 3000D) EXISTING REDUNDANT CHILLER

PIPEWORK TO BE DECOMISSIONED & REMOVED

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FE-X

DELIVERIES DOCK NO NEW INTERNAL WORKS PROPOSED

RETAIL TENANCY 1 (AUSTRALIA POST)

POBs EXISTING POST BOXES- RETAINED

STAIR I EGRESS

RETAIL TENANCY 2

T 3830

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BUILDING OUTLINE BELOW

KEY NOTE:BUILONGFOOTPRINT&BOONO,SRYOLJ'LINEARE INDICATE A SUB£CT IO SURVEY MEASURE

PflOPOSHl□fMOLl'lONSCOP! SHOl'l'NOOTTEO

FINISHES

HERITAGE CREAM (PAINTED TIMBER WORKS)

~REMOVE EXISTNG FHRTO BCA / FIRE ADVICE

r CORRIDOR

GALVANISED STEEL (STRUCTURAL POSTS)

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CRS CORRUGATED CLEAR POLYCARBONATE ROOF SHEETING WITH PROPRIETARY TRIMS

NOTE: SAFETY YELLOW USED TO LINEMARKING & TO POSTS (TO 1500H)

EXISTING EAVES GUTTER & DOWNPIPE TO BE REMOVED & ROOF DRAINAGE MODIFIED TO INTEGRATE WITH CANOPY DRAINAGE CONFIGURATION. ALLOW TO MODIFY EXISTING ROOF DRAINAGE TO REDIRECT VIA NEW CANOPY ROOF

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llll!lli - FE-X FE-X

NEW WALL MOUNTED HAND RAIL IN ACCORDANCE WITH SCA ADVICE

TO STAIR I EGRESS

H E L I X

OFFICE 1

I AUSTRALIA POST - ORANGE 222-224 Summer Street ORANGE NSW 2800 OT +, SEC'ON 4 DP 76881

FLOOR PLAN - GROUND SCALE 1:100 FLOOR PLAN - LEVEL 1 SCALE 1:100

TT'LE

GRD +L 1 DETAIL FLOOR PLAN PROPOSED WORKS

re + 20008

A1500 G

To:

Project:

Report:

Reference No:

Date:

Client Contact:

Email:

From:

Direct:

Email:

Australia Post C/- Helix Architects

221 Summer Street, Orange

FIRE ENGINEERING REPORT

111772-FER-r2

21 July 2020

Divna Odrlijn

[email protected]

Michael Mason

I " ' >

8484 4097

[email protected]

Level 6,210 Clarence Street, Sydney NSW 2000 I Postal Address PO Box Q1440, Queen Victoria Building NSW 1230

111772-FER-r2 221 Summer Street, Orange

DOCUMENT CONTROL

Reference Rev. Date Description

111772-FER R1 29 June 2020 Fire Engineering Report

111772-FER R2 21 July 2020 DA Fire Engineering Report

Prepared by: Checked by:

Michael Mason Mark Evans Fire Engineering Manager Senior Fire Engineering

C10 BPB 3308 Consultant

Page 2 of 33


EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This document is a Fire Engineering Report (FER) prepared for Australia Post C/- Helix Architects for 221 Summer Street, Orange.

This FER presents and assesses Performance Solutions to permit the BCA 2019 Deemed to Satisfy (DTS) non-conformances tabled below.

Table 1 Summary of Performance Solutions

# BCA DTS Summary

1 D1 .4 Distance of travel from first floor office area to an exit is up to 30m, in lieu of 20m.

Width of egress path Width of egress path down exit stairs serving first floor is 2 D1.6 850mm at its narrowest point, ie less than 1 m wide. down exit stairs from the

first floor is less than 1 m wide.

3 D2.20 Permit exit doors to swing against the direction of egress.

The proposed Performance Solutions have been assessed in accordance with the process and methodology recommended in the International Fire Engineering Guidelines 2005 (IFEG). The results of the assessment demonstrate that the applicable BCA Performance Requirements are satisfied subject to the provision of measures prescribed in the "Fire Engineering Requirements" chapter of this FER.

The FER assesses compliances for the specific Performance Solutions only. It requires that all other new works comply with the applicable BCA DTS Provisions. The project stakeholders have not notified BCA Logic of any exceptions to this. The project Certifying Authority remains responsible for assessing overall BCA compliance of the project, of which this FER is only one component.

This FER should be reviewed whenever a change in use or future alterations and additions are proposed for the development as the objectives may require revision, the assumptions may become invalid, or the fire engineering analysis may not be applicable to the proposed alterations, additions or change of use.

Page 3 of 33


TABLE OF CONTENTS

EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 3 1 INTRODUCTION 7

1.1

1.2

1.3

1.4

1.5

1.6

1.7

1.8

1.9

The Project

Building Code of Australia

Engagement

Regulatory objectives

Non-regulatory objectives

Fire brigade objectives

Report objectives

Report scope and extent

Stakeholders

7

7

7 7

7

7 8

8

8

1.10 Fire engineering process 8

1.11 Interaction with other Performance Solutions 8

2 PRINCIPAL BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS 9

2.1

2.2

2.3

Building description

Exits

Potential fire hazards

9

9

11

3 DOMINANT OCCUPANT CHARACTERISTICS 12

3.1 Nature of occupancy 12

3.2 State and physical attributes 12

3.3 Mental Attributes 12

3.4 Emergency training 12

3.5 Number of occupants 12

4 PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS SUMMARY 13 5 FIRE ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS 15

5.1 Introduction 15

5.2 Overview of preventative and protective measures 15

5.3 Egress provisions 16

5.4 Services and equipment 17

5.4.1 Smoke detection system 17

5.4.2 Occupant Warning System 17

5.4.3 Other fire safety systems 17

5.5 Fire brigade intervention 17

5.6 Implementation and commissioning 17

5.7 Management in use 17

6 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION 1-LEVEL 1 EGRESS DISTANCE 18 6.1 Introduction 18

6.2 Fire Engineering Assessment 19

6.3

6.4

Sensitivity and redundancy

Conclusion

20

21

BCA. Page 4 of 33


7 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION 2-WIDTH OF LEVEL 1 EGRESS STAIRS 22

7.1 Introduction 22

7.2 Fire Engineering Assessment 23

7.2.1 Occupant Egress 23

7.2.2 Fire brigade access 23

7.3 Sensitivity 23

7.4 Conclusion 24

8 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION 3-EXIT DOOR SWINGS 25

8.1

8.2

8.3

Introduction

Fire Engineering Assessment

Sensitivity

25

26

28

8.4 Conclusion 28

9 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS 29

9.1 Assumptions 29

9.2 Limitations 29

9.3 Safety in design 29

10 INFORMATION SOURCES 30 ANNEXURE A GLOSSARY 31 ANNEXURE B FPE TOOL CALCULATIONS 32

LIST OF FIGURES

Figure 1 Site plan 9

Figure 2 Layout and exits - ground floor 10

Figure 3 Layout and exits -- first floor 10

Figure 4 Inward swinging final egress doors fitted with hold open devices 16

Figure 5 Maximum 30m egress from level 1 office 18

Figure 6 Stair of less than 1m width serving level 1 22

Figure 7 Exit door serving first floor permitted to swing against direction of egress 25

Figure 8 Exit door serving ground floor permitted to swing against egress 26

BCAe Paa»so3


LIST OF TABLES

Table 1

Table 2

Table 3

Table 4

Table 5

Table 6

Table 7

Table 8

Table 9

Table 10

Table 11

Table 12

Table 13

Table 14

Table 15

Table 16

Table 17

Table 18

Table 19

Table 20

Table 21

Summary of Performance Solutions 3

Key stakeholders 8

Project Building Classification 9

Fire hazards 11

Number of occupants 12

FER Performance Solution Summary 13

Schedule of essential services 15

Performance Solution 1 Summary 18

RSET vs RSET results 20

DP4 21

EP2.2 21


Anthropometric data 23

D~ ~ EP2.2 24


Assessment of ground floor exit door serving non-public area of retail 27

Assessment of exit door serving first floor office 27

DP4 28

EP2.2 28

Information sources 30

Page 6 of 33


1 INTRODUCTION

1.1 The Project

This project is for minor alterations to the existing Post Office building at 221 Summer Street, Orange.

1.2 Building Code of Australia

The Building Code of Australia currently applicable to this project is the National Construction Code Series Volume 1 - Building Code of Australia 2019, herein referred to as the BCA.

1.3 Engagement

BCA Logic Pty Ltd has been engaged by Australia Post C/- Helix Architects to carry out a Fire Engineering Assessment for the proposed Performance Solutions under the provisions of the BCA.

1.4 Regulatory objectives

The following items are a summary of the Fire and Life Safety objectives of the BCA:

> Life safety of occupants -- the occupants must be able to leave the building (or remain in a safe refuge) without being subjected to hazardous or untenable conditions.

> Life safety of the fire fighters - fire fighters must be given a reasonable time to rescue any remaining occupants before hazardous conditions or building collapse occurs.

> Protection of adjoining buildings -- structures must not collapse onto adjacent property, and fire spread by radiation should not occur.

BCA Logic has not been advised there are other regulatory objectives that are applicable to this project.

1.5 Non-regulatory objectives

BCA Logic has not been advised there are specific non-regulatory objectives that need to be addressed for this project, such as:

Property protection.

> Business continuity.

> Insurer's requirements.

> Corporate image issues.

> Community issues.

> Environmental issues.

1.6 Fire brigade objectives

The overall philosophical Fire Brigade objectives throughout Australia are to protect life, property and the environment from fire according to the Fire Brigade Intervention Model (FBIM)'

Over and above the requirements of the BCA, the Fire Brigade has functions with regard to property protection and considerations regarding occupational health and safety for its employees.

1 Australasian Fire Authorities Council, Fire Brigade Intervention Model, Ver 2.2; Australasian Fire Authorities Council, Melbourne, 2004

BCA. Page 7 of 33


1.7 Report objectives

This report is a Fire Engineering Report (FER) produced in accordance with the International Fire Engineering Guidelines2. The purpose of this report is to:

> Present the proposed Performance Solutions, ie the permitted DTS non-conformances; and additional fire safety measures required.

> Present the holistic context of the Performance Solutions, ie for the subject building or part thereof, the fire hazards, preventative and protective measures and occupant traits and activities.

> Assess the Performance Solutions comply with the applicable BCA Performance Requirements.

1.8 Report scope and extent

The FER assesses only compliance for the specific Performance Solution described herein and requires that all other BCA fire safety related Performance Requirements are to be met by complying with the DTS Provisions. Where Performance Requirements are to be met by Performance Solutions by other entities, all such FERs must be provided to BCA Logic for consideration in assessing the Performance Solutions in this FER. The project stakeholders have not notified BCA Logic of any exceptions to this. The project Certifying Authority (Certifier) remains responsible for assessing overall BCA compliance of the project, of which this FER is only one component.

1.9 Stakeholders

The key stakeholders in the fire engineering process for this project are identified below.

Table 2 Key stakeholders

Role Company Contact

Client Australia Post C/- Helix Architects Rodney Semple (Australia Post)

Divna Odrlijn (Helix Architects)

Architect Helix Architects Divna Odrlijn

Certifier TBC TBC

Fire engineer BCA Logic Michael Mason

1.10 Fire engineering process

The development and assessment of Performance Solutions within this report has undertaken a fire engineering brief (FEB) process in accordance with the International Fire Engineering Guidelines 2005 (IFEG) methodology.

For this report the FEB process has included discussions with stakeholders regarding the Performance Solutions and proposed fire safety measures. Once this FER is issued all stakeholders have the opportunity to comment, and where applicable comments will be incorporated into subsequent revisions of the report.

1.11 Interaction with other Performance Solutions

BCA Logic has not been advised of other fire engineering Performance Solutions applicable to the development.

2 Australian Building Code Board; International Fire Engineering Guidelines; 2005

Page 8 of 33


2 PRINCIPAL BUILDING CHARACTERISTICS

2.1 Building description

The subject site is located at 221 Summer Street, Orange. It is noted that the building is of heritage significance. The key building BCA parameters considered during the assessments are nominated in the table that follows.

Figure 1 Site plan

Table 3 Project Building Classification

BCA/MFPE Attribute Description I

I

Base building BCA classification(s) Ground - Class 6 retail and Class 5 workplace

First -- Class 5 office

Effective height of the building <12m

Type of construction required Type C

Floors contained 2

Fire compartmentation The entire building is a single fire compartment of approximately 900m2

2.2 Exits

The exit locations are identified in the below figures.

Page 9 of 33


■ ■ • RE TAI TENANCY f AUS TRANIA POST

•

Figure 2 Layout and exits -- ground floor

l

RECEPTION AF A [ OFFICE 3

Figure 3 Layout and exits -- first floor

Page 10 of 33


2.3 Potential fire hazards

The potential fire hazards in the subject building are tabled below.

Table 4 Fire hazards

Factor Example

Office equipment.

Electrical appliances.

Personal technology, ie phones and tablets etc.

Ignition sources Heating and air-conditioning equipment.

Electrical power supply and lighting system.

Smoking, whether prohibited or not.

Posted items

Office equipment.

Office documentation.

Carpets and wall hangings.

Fuel sources Furnishings.

Furniture.

Electrical appliances.

Personal belongings.

Posted items

Activities Improper use of electrical equipment.

Minor arson.

Major arson fires with multiple ignition sources and/or multiple ignition locations are discounted in this instance (relative to the Performance Solutions reviewed) and are outside the scope of this report. No amount of professional advice (in both DtS and performance-based designs) can obviate major arson fires with multiple ignition sources and areas of fire origin. Security and fire management procedures and measures would be required to address major arson fires (as for any building).

In any case, it is assumed within this report that a fire will start. The worst credible design fires selected to evaluate the proposed Performance Solutions are considered to have included minor arson fires as minor arsonists are typically opportunistic and use the combustibles readily available on site rather than employ introduced fuel load.

Page 11 of 33


3 DOMINANT OCCUPANT CHARACTERISTICS

3.1 Nature of occupancy

The occupants are to consist of staff, maintenance contractors and visitors. Medium to long term staff members and maintenance contractors are expected to be familiar with the layout of the subject building and location of exits. Visitors may not be familiar with the building layout but are expected to be aware of the main entrance by which they access the subject building.

3.2 State and physical attributes

Occupants are expected to be awake and alert. The majority of building occupants are expected to be able-bodied. Any occupants requiring mobility assistance are likely to be accompanied by a caregiver or under the assistance of the staff members in the event of an emergency.

3.3 Mental Attributes

It is expected that the staff would have the ability to interpret fire cues, understand fire alarm messages, and make and implement decisions.

Most of the other occupants are expected to have the ability to interpret fire cues, understand fire alarm messages, and follow the instructions given to them by the staff and emergency services personnel.

Most occupants are expected to evacuate the building following the warning signals and guidance provided by the staff or fire brigade.

3.4 Emergency training

Occupants are not expected to have been trained in first attack fire fighting using hose reels or extinguishers.

Staff are expected to have been provided with training with respect to emergency procedures to AS 3745-2010.

3.5 Number of occupants

Based on application of BCA table D1.13 the maximum number of occupants anticipated in the subject tenancies are as follows:

Table 5 Number of occupants

Location Area Density (BCA D1.13) Occupants

Ground retail (class 6) 200m2 3m2/person 67

Ground class 5 300 m2 10m/person 30

Level 1 class 5 300 m2 10m/person 30

Not included in

Level 1 amenities 100 m2 calculations as they 0 serve the occupied space.

BCA. Page 12 of 33


4 PERFORMANCE SOLUTIONS SUMMARY

The below table presents a summary of the Performance Solution covered by this FER:

Table 6 FER Performance Solution Summary

' Performance Solution 1 - level 1 egress distance

BCA DTS clause: D1.6

Description of the DTS Distance of travel from the first floor office area to an exit is up to 30m, in Non-conformance: lieu of 20m.

Applicable BCA PR's: DP4, EP2.2

Assessment Method: A2.2(1 )(b) -- Be at least equivalent to the DtS provisions A2.2(2)(d) -- Comparison with the DtS provisions

A- Fire Initiation and Development and Control IFEG Sub-Systems B-- Smoke Development and Spread and Control considered in the analysis: D- Fire Detection Warning and Suppression

E-- Occupant Evacuation and Control

Acceptance Criteria: Required Safe Egress Time of the Performance Solution is less than that of an equivalent DTS Solution, ie RSET Ps < RSET ors.

I

Performance Solution 2-- Width of level 1 egress stairs

BCA DTS clause: D1 .6

Description of the DTS Width of egress path serving first floor is 850mm at its narrowest point in Non-conformance: the stair, ie less than 1m wide.

Applicable BCA PR's: DP4, EP2.2.

Assessment Method: A2.2(1 )(a) -- Compliance with all relevant Performance Requirements A2.2(2)(b)(ii) - Other verification method

IFEG Sub-Systems E-- Occupant Evacuation and Control considered in the analysis: F - Fire services intervention

> The width of the stair being less than 1m wide causes no adverse Acceptance Criteria: impact on egressing occupants.

> The width of the stair has no adverse impact on fire brigade access.

Page 13 of 33


Performance Solution 3 - Exit door swings

BCA DTS clause: 02.20

Description of the DTS Permit final exit doors from the stair serving as the required exit from first Non-conformance: floor to swing against the direction of egress.


Assessment Method: A2.2(1 )(b) -- Be at least equivalent to the DtS provisions A2.2(2)(d) - Comparison with the DtS provisions

IFEG Sub-Systems E-- Occupant Evacuation and Control considered in the analysis:

Acceptance Criteria: The egress provisions are equivalent to DTS provisions.

Page 14 of 33


5 FIRE ENGINEERING REQUIREMENTS

5.1 Introduction

This chapter describes:

Descriptions of the DTS non-conformance permitted by the Performance Solution.

> Fire engineering requirements relied upon to assess the Performance Solution.

> Other relevant preventative and protective measures in the building.

> Management in use requirements.

No deviations from the requirements described herein are to be incorporated into the building design.

5.2 Overview of preventative and protective measures

The building's preventative and protective measures considered during the assessments is tabled below.

It is noted that this FER is for works to an existing building - some or all of the fire safety systems are permitted to comply with their original performance standards, subject to appropriate documentation and certification to be provided by the competent fire safety practitioner.

It is noted that the responsibility for confirming the full fire safety schedule of required systems remains with the Certifying Authority.

Table 7 Schedule of essential services

' Fire Safety Measure Standard of Performance

AS1670.1-2018. Automatic fire detection system Fire Engineering Report by BCA Logic reference 111772-FER-

r2 dated 21 July 2020.

Emergency Lighting BCA E4.2; AS2293.1-2005

AS37 45-2010. Emergency Management Plan Fire Engineering Report by BCA Logic reference 111772-FER-


Exit Signs BCA E4.4; AS2293.1-2005

BCA E1.3, AS2419.1-2005 Fire Hydrant Systems Coverage from street hydrants assumed to provide adequate

protection.

AS1670.1-2018. Occupant Warning System Fire Engineering Report by BCA Logic reference 111772-FER-


Portable Fire Extinguishers BCA E1 .6; AS2444-2001

Page 15 of 33


5.3 Egress provisions

This FER permits the following egress non-conformances:

Distance of travel from the first floor office area to an exit is up to 30m, in lieu of 20m.

> Width of egress path serving first floor is 850mm at its narrowest point, ie less than 1m wide in the stair.

Some final exit doors on the ground floor swing against the direction of egress.

Inward swinging exit doors must be provided with hold open devices per BCA D2.20(b)(i), as shown in the below figure. The devices are not to be connected to the fire detection system, ie they are to remain open in the event of a fire. Devices are to self-latch in the event the door leaf is opened 90 degrees.

STORE

I Lr° I I I

MIL PARCEL SORTING

HOl D OPFN DFVICF PER BCA D2.20(b)(i)

■ ■ • RETAIL TENANCY 1 (AUSTRALIA POST]

• • RETAIL TENANCY 2

GROUND FLOOR

Figure 4 Inward swinging final egress doors fitted with hold open devices

Page 16 of 33


5.4 Services and equipment

5.4.1 Smoke detection system

An AS1670.1-2018 smoke detection system is to be provided. The system is to utilise point type detectors, which shall be located in all rooms and electrical and communications cupboards.

5.4.2 Occupant Warning System

An AS1670.-2018 Occupant Warning System (OWS) is to be provided throughout.

5.4.3 Other fire safety systems

Fire services and systems shall be provided and maintained as per the schedule of fire safety measures established by the Certifying Authority.

5.5 Fire brigade intervention

Fire Brigade intervention is anticipated for the fire scenarios considered, whether via automatic Fire Brigade monitoring or by occupants or passers by phoning. However, the positive impact of Fire Brigade intervention has not been included in any of the Performance Solution assessments. The FER is therefore inherently conservative.

Since Fire Brigade intervention is not used to achieve BCA compliance, a Fire Brigade Intervention Model (FBIM) is not considered necessary and has not been undertaken.

5.6 Implementation and commissioning

Prior to the Certification of Practical Completion (Occupation Certificate) appropriate undertakings of acceptance of the works and commissioning of systems should be sought from the consultants and contractors that are adequate to satisfy all approval conditions and contractual requirements.

Commissioning of the fire systems should be carried out in accordance with the relevant standards listed in the following sections. Commissioning and integrated function testing of all fire safety systems including interfaces should be carried out to ensure proper function.

5.7 Management in use

The fire safety systems must be maintained in accordance with applicable legislation, codes and standards and manufacturers' directions, in accordance with NSW and Federal legislations.

Emergency management training shall be provided and maintained in accordance with AS37 45-2010 or other appropriate standard or code. This is considered to be a standard management provision by the client and does not need to be sighted or reviewed by the fire engineer for occupation certification.

Page 17 of 33


6 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION 1-- LEVEL 1 EGRESS DISTANCE

6.1 Introduction

This solution assesses the extended egress distance from level 1.

Table 8 Performance Solution 1 Summary

Performance Solution 1 - level 1 egress distance


Description of the DTS Distance of travel from the first floor office area to an exit is up to 30m, in Non-conformance: lieu of 20m.

Applicable BCA PR's: DP4, EP2.2


A- Fire Initiation and Development and Control IFEG Sub-Systems B- Smoke Development and Spread and Control considered in the analysis: D-- Fire Detection Warning and Suppression

E-- Occupant Evacuation and Control

Acceptance Criteria: Required Safe Egress Time of the Performance Solution is less than that of an equivalent DTS Solution, ie RSET Ps < RSET ors.

ANCE TO THE I

FROM THEST POINT FIRST FLOOR

CORRIDOR

OFFICE 1

RECEPTION AREA [ OFF.CE 3

SUNROOM 2

Figure 5 Maximum 30m egress from level 1 office

Page 18 of 33


6.2 Fire Engineering Assessment

The assessment compares the Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) of the Performance Solution to that of an equivalent DTS Solution, ie it is an RSET»s vs RSETors assessment.

The DTS reference design used for the assessment is identical to the Performance Solution except that:

> no smoke detection or alarm system is provided as this is not required by DTS provisions.

> Travel distance is compliant, ie 20m to the exit.

The cue that occupants receive to evacuate is therefore different. Occupants in the DTS Solution will receive their cue to evacuate via olfactory means, ie they will smell the smoke which will trigger them to consider leaving the building. Occupants in the Performance Solution will receive a cue from the automatic fire detection and alarm system, which will alert occupants sooner than olfactory cues particularly for occupants in an area of the building remote form the fire start.

The Required Safe Egress Time (RSET) is defined in the IFEG 2005 as:

> RSET = cue time + pre-movement time + movement time

For this comparison, pre-movement times are assumed to be the same for both solutions. As such, detection and movement time for both the DTS and Proposed Solutions have been calculated and compared.

The DTS RSET is based on a 20m egress distance while the Performance Solution RSET is based on an extended travel distance of up to 30m. Conservatively this report assumes a travel speed of 0.8 mis. Due to the additional travel distance of 10m to an exit, the likely additional travel time to an exit is 13s.

Cue time for DTS solution is based on studies by Brennan3 for occupant reaction to olfactory and visual cues in the absence of any detection or alarm systems. Based on this the cue time for the DTS solution is estimated to be a medium response time of 165 seconds, acknowledging that the fire could start on the ground floor and so occupants on the first floor could be unaware of a developing fire in its early stages.

Cue time for the Performance Solution is based on the activation of a detector surface mounted on the ceiling within the room of the fire start, noting that the AS1670.1-2018 system provided includes detectors in all rooms. The activation time is calculated using the software application FPE Tool.

The input data to calculate the activation time of the first detector is as follows:

> The design fire used for the assessment is drawn from BCA Spec E2.2b Table 1, ie a 5MW unsprinklered fire.

> The design fires are generically represented by fast and ultrafast growth T? fires which are considered appropriate for retail and office spaces.

> Sensitivity calculations have been carried out using a medium growth T? fire.

> Ambient temperature is assumed to be 20°C.

Smoke detectors are modelled as equivalent to a thermal detector having an RTI of 5m's' with an activation temperature of 5°C above ambient.

> Furthest radial distance of a detector head from fire is 7m for the Performance Solution design (based on 10m grid).

Fire bed is assumed to be at floor level.

The ceiling height is 2,700mm.

The calculations are presented in Annexure B of this report and presented in Table 9.

For the design fire scenarios the acceptance criteria have been fulfilled, ie:

RSET PS < RSET DTS.

3 Modelling Cue Recognition and Pre-Evacuation Response; Brennan, P; Fire Safety Science -- The proceedings of the sixth international symposium pp 1029-1044.

Page 19 of 33


Table 9 RSET vs RSET results

Fire Olfactory Per Sol detector Difference Difference in RSET result scenario response response time in cue time movement

RSET Per Sol < RSET DTS time (s) (s) (s) time (s)

Ultrafast T2 165 21 -144 +13 131 seconds fire

Fast T? fire 165 35 -130 +13 117 seconds

Medium fire ( sensitivity 165 60 -105 +13 92 seconds scenario)

6.3 Sensitivity and redundancy

The Performance Solution assessments achieved safety margins of 131 seconds (fast fire) and 117 seconds (medium fire) in fulfilling the acceptance criteria.

The RSET vs RSET assessment included consideration of fast and ultra fast growth fire scenarios to cover a range of fires reasonably expected in an office. The calculations also included a sensitivity scenario of a medium growth fire which also achieved a passing result. The Performance Solution is therefore not sensitive to specific fire types.

The fire detection and alarm system that the Performance Solution relies upon includes a local battery back up and is fault monitored.

It is noted that smoke detectors are not required in void space between ground floor ceiling and underside of first floor. Should a fire start in this space the activation of detectors would be delayed. However, it is also anticipated this would delay reaction of occupants to the smoke whilst it is contained within the void space, and therefore this scenario would affect DTS and Performance Solutions equally. This is therefore not considered to be a sensitivity of the solution compared to DTS.

BCA Page 20 of 33


6.4 Conclusion

Based on the fire engineering assessment above, it is considered by BCA Logic that the applicable Performance Requirements are satisfied.

Table 10 DP4

Matters for consideration Remarks

(a) Exits must be provided from a building to allow occupants to evacuate safely, with their number, location and dimensions being appropriate to-

(i) the travel distance; and The location of exit from the first floor, being 30m from farthest point on the

(ii) The number, mobility and other characteristics of floor, has been shown to be occupants; and appropriately located by virtue of being

(iii) the function or use of the building; and favourable compared to DTS

.. provIsIonS.

(iv) the height of the building; and

(v) Whether the exit is from above or below ground level.

Table 11 EP2.2


(a) In the event of a fire in a building the conditions in any evacuation route must be maintained for the period of time occupants take to evacuate the part of the building so that-

(i) the temperature will not endanger human life; and

(ii) the level of visibility will enable the evacuation route to be determined; and The assessment has demonstrated

(ii) the level of toxicity will not endanger human life. that occupants can evacuate the building sooner than for an equivalent

(b) The period of time occupants take to evacuate referred DTS building. to in (a) must be appropriate to- Therefore by exceeding DTS

(i) the number, mobility and other characteristics of performance the solution maintains

the occupants; and tenable conditions relative to the presence of occupants for longer

(ii) the function or use of the building; and duration than a DTS Solution, and

(iii) the travel distance and other characteristics of the applicable parameters have been

building; and included in the assessment

(iv) the fire load; and

(v) the potential fire intensity; and

(vi) the fire hazard; and

(vii) any activate fire safety systems installed in the building; and

(viii) fire brigade intervention.

Page 21 of 33


7 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION 2- WIDTH OF LEVEL 1 EGRESS ST AIRS

7.1 Introduction

This solution assesses the width of the existing heritage stairway for use as an emergency exit.


Performance Solution 2-- Width of level 1 egress stairs


Description of the DTS Width of egress path down exit stairs serving first floor is 850mm at its Non-conformance: narrowest point, ie less than 1m wide.


Assessment Method: A2.2(1)(a) -- Compliance with all relevant Performance Requirements A2.2(2)(b)(ii) - Other verification method

IFEG Sub-Systems E-- Occupant Evacuation and Control considered in the analysis: F - Fire services intervention

> The width of the stair being less than 1 m wide causes no

Acceptance Criteria: adverse impact on egressing occupants.

> The width of the stair has no adverse impact on fire brigade access.

STAIR HAVING MINIMUM CLEAR WIDTH OF 850MM

DELIVERIES DOCK

tr i:c' z :,, O 0

APPROXIMATE 2M X 2M LANDING AT

■ BASE OF STAIRS

I /

RETAIL TENANCY' (AUSTRALIA POST;

• RETAIL TENANCY 2

Figure 6 Stair of less than 1m width serving level 1

Page 22 of 33



7.2.1 Occupant Egress

The width of a stairway is specified to allow for safe exit from the building. The table below shows the mean dimensions of humans as a comparison to the stair widths using data in the Standards Australia Handbook for British adults. Recent research by Ward suggested that using at least both the UK and USA data sources may be better, if designing for Australia, than the British data alone. Accordingly, USA data have also been included in the table for reference.

Table 13 Anthropometric data

Male Percentiles Female Percentiles Source of data

Hip Width 310mm 360mm 405mm 310mm 370mm 435mm

UK data Shoulder Width 420mm 465mm 510mm 355mm 395mm 435mm

Hip Width 310mm 356mm 402mm 328mm 380mm 432mm

USA data Shoulder Width 416mm 454mm 492mm 348mm 390mm 432mm

Based on the table above it can be seen that in general, the shoulder widths of occupants present as the greatest dimension of concern. It is noted that the provided clearance will at least be greater than shoulder width and will accommodate the majority of the population with a margin without needing to turn the body.

The width of the stairway is not considered to significantly delay or prevent persons from reaching required exits in an emergency. Both the proposed design and a prescriptive DTS solution 1m clear dimension would only permit the travel of persons in a single file arrangement.

Studies referenced within the SFPE Handbook of Fire Protection Engineers 4th Edition discuss that when persons travel they have the propensity to sway in a lateral motion and need to maintain minimum clearances between obstructions to ensure balance and unimpeded movement. The Handbook specifies that a minimum of 150mm needs to be maintained each side from the enclosing walls or side of stair treads to ensure effective travel.

Therefore the minimum effective width required to be maintained for unimpeded travel would be at least 810mm = 510mm (being a person's shoulder width) + 300mm (being minimum clearances). It is understood that the final provided clearance, being at least 850mm, will exceed this. The acceptance criteria has therefore been fulfilled.

7.2.2 Fire brigade access

The DTS prescribed width of an exit stair also takes into account that fire brigade personnel may be attempting to gain access at the same time as occupants are evacuating. A 1m wide path or stair provides sufficient room for persons to pass by travelling in opposite directions - ie support contraflow.

Although this minimum width for contra flow is not achieved, the stairs travers only a single level, and the landing at the base of the stairs is approximately 2m x 2m which provides ample area for a person to wait for the few seconds it takes for an occupant to descend the single level.

The narrowed stair is therefore not considered to cause significant adverse impact on fire brigade access. The acceptance criteria has therefore been fulfilled.

7.3 Sensitivity

The subject stair way provides the only access to the first floor. Therefore, occupants who have reached the first floor have already demonstrated that they can traverse the 850mm wide stair.

Page 23 of 33


7.4 Conclusion


Table 14 DP4



(i) the travel distance; and The subject stair dimensions are

(ii) The number, mobility and other characteristics of appropriate for egress of occupants; and occupants.

(iii) the function or use of the building; and



Table 15 EP2.2



(i) the temperature will not endanger human life; and

(ii) the level of visibility will enable the evacuation route to be determined; and

(iii) the level of toxicity will not endanger human life.

(b) The period of time occupants take to evacuate referred to The Performance Solution permits in (a) must be appropriate to- passage via the egress stairs, ie

(i) the number, mobility and other characteristics of the does not create additional risk of

occupants; and exposure of untenable conditions by impairing egress. Applicable

(ii) the function or use of the building; and parameters have been included in

(iii) the travel distance and other characteristics of the the assessment.

building; and






BCA-. Page 24 of 33


8 PERFORMANCE SOLUTION 3- EXIT DOOR SWINGS

8.1 Introduction

This Performance Solution assesses the suitability of retaining the existing inward swinging heritage doors for final exit doors


Performance Solution 3 - Exit door swings


Description of the DTS Permit final exit doors from the stair serving as the required exit from first Non-conformance: floor to swing against the direction of egress.



IFEG Sub-Systems E-- Occupant Evacuation and Control considered in the analysis:

Acceptance Criteria: The egress provisions are equivalent to DTS provisions.

CHANGE RM MALE)

EXIT FROM FIRST FLOOR LEADS DOWN STAIRS AND

i DISCHARGES FROM STAIRWELL ON GROUND FLOOR

KITCHEN

GROUND FLOOR

OFFICE 2 J RECEPTION AREA

INWARD SWINGING DOOR SERVING STAIRWELL EXIT DISCHARGE ON GROUND FLOOR

SUNROOM 2

FIRST-FLOOR

Figure 7 Exit door serving first floor permitted to swing against direction of egress

Page 25 of 33


INWARD SWINGING DOOR SERVING GROUND FLOOR BACK OF HOUSE

"····························

I •• I

AREA SERVED BY THE

d

SUBJECT DOOR

., AREA SERVED BY THE SUBJECT DOOR

DEL'VERES DOCK

PARCELS

ffi !z ::, 0 C

• ■ • RETAL TENANCY 1 {AUS7<ALIA POST;

• • RE TAIL TENANCY 2

GROUND FLOOR

Figure 8 Exit door serving ground floor permitted to swing against egress


BCA DTS clause O2.20(b)(i) permits an exit door to swing inward in the event the areas served is less than 200m2, it is the only exit from that area, and is fitted with a hold open device. The Performance Solution permits two existing final exit doors to swing inwards and demonstrates these as being equivalent to DTS doors permitted to swing inwards the reasons set out in the tables below. The assessment therefore demonstrates that the Performance Solution final exit doors are equivalent to DTS compliant exit doors, ie the acceptance criteria has been fulfilled.

It is noted that the building's third inward swing final exit door serving retail tenancy 2 is DTS and therefore not the subject of this Performance Solution.

Page 26 of 33


Table 17 Assessment of ground floor exit door serving non-public area of retail

BCA DTS feature Performance Solution Equivalence to DTS

The reason that the OTS provisions permit a door serving only 200m2 is that the number of occupants served is comparatively low, therefore it is not expected that crowd pressure will cause difficulties in occupants opening the door inward.

The occupancy of the area served by the exit is 30 persons as per BCA D1.13 calculations presented in Table 5 of this FER.

The areas served OTS provisions permit an inward swinging door regardless of the number of are each less occupants and in fact is often used for retail tenancies, which would contain up to than 200m2. 67 persons (based on BCA table D1.13)

The Performance Solution inward swinging door therefore serves less than half the number of occupants it could if were serving a typical OTS retail unit. Therefore the Performance Solution is less prone to crowd pressure preventing opening of the door than the OTS Solution.

The Performance Solution therefore compares favourably to OTS.

The subject door is in the back of house leading out through the loading dock and serves an area that is served by two required exits. The area served is highlighted orange in Figure 8.

The door is the However, considering human behaviour and the functional divisions of the space it is most likely that occupants within the orange shaded area would evacuate via

only required exit the back of house exit rather than passing through doorways to reach the retail provided from that shop and then exit out through the shop. area.

Therefore the Performance Solution configuration is practically equivalent to a OTS configuration as only the one exit containing the swinging door would be used by the occupants.

The Performance Solution is therefore equivalent to OTS in this regard.

The door is fitted Each inward swinging final exit door is fitted with a hold open device. with a hold open device. The Performance Solution is therefore OTS in this regard.

Table 18 Assessment of exit door serving first floor office

BCA DTS feature Performance Solution Equivalence to DTS

The occupancy of the area served by the exit is 30 persons as per BCA D1.13 The areas served calculations presented in Table 5 of this FER. are each less The same reasoning presented in the previous table remains applicable, ie the than 200m2. Performance Solution therefore compares favourably to OTS based on the low

occupancy.

The door is the only required final exit door serving the first floor exit stair

The door is the discharge.

only required exit It is noted that although other doors are available through which occupants provided from that leaving the first floor may reach outside however these doors are not included in area. the assessment of egress distance and therefore not defined as required.

The Performance Solution is therefore OTS in this regard.

The door is fitted Each inward swinging final exit door is fitted with a hold open device. with a hold open device. The Performance Solution is therefore OTS in this regard.

Page 27 of 33


8.3 Sensitivity

The requirements of the Performance Solution include a smoke detection system and Occupant Warning System over and above DTS requirements. As demonstrated in Performance Solution 1 of this FER these systems afford occupants with opportunity to commence their evacuation sooner than a DTS building. Therefore even in the event that the inward swinging doors do cause an unexpected obstruction, this is offset by the fact that evacuation has commenced sooner than for a DTS building and therefore aggregate increase in egress time is not expected to result.

8.4 Conclusion


Table 19 DP4



(i) the travel distance; and

(ii) The number, mobility and other characteristics of occupants; The exits provided are

and equivalent to DTS.

(iii) the function or use of the building; and



Table 20 EP2.2



(9) the temperature will not endanger human life; and

(ii) the level of visibility will enable the evacuation route to be determined; and

(iii) the level of toxicity will not endanger human life.

(b) The period of time occupants take to evacuate referred to in (a) must The Performance Solution has been demonstrated

be appropriate to- as equivalent to DTS with

(i) the number, mobility and other characteristics of the occupants; respect to egress routes.

and Applicable parameters have been included in the

(ii) the function or use of the building; and assessment.

(iii) the travel distance and other characteristics of the building; and






Page 28 of 33


9 ASSUMPTIONS AND LIMITATIONS

9.1 Assumptions

Assumptions are based on the practice nominated in the International Fire Engineering Guidelines and practical simplifications have been utilised to maintain a simple analysis that is representative of a real fire and life safety situation. For the purpose of this report, the following are assumed:

> All other components of the building not addressed within this document are compliant to the codes and standards nominated on the building's AFSS or as nominated by the Certifying Authority.

> Only one (1) fire will occur at a time.

> Occupants will become aware of the fire through fire cues, respond to the cue, cope with the cue and attempt to avoid the fire, as intended by the BCA for safe evacuation.

> Occupants do not engage in major firefighting activities. However, occupants may engage in minor firefighting. Any positive outcome from has not been included in the analysis.

9.2 Limitations

This report does not include nor imply any design or assessment of compliance or upgrading for:

> the structural adequacy or design of the building;

> the inherent derived fire-resistance ratings of any proposed structural elements of the building;

> the design basis and/or operating capabilities of any proposed electrical, mechanical or hydraulic fire protection services (other than any specifically referred to within the FER);

> business protection or business continuity;

> insurer's requirements; and

> property protection, other than adjacent properties.

This report also does not include, or imply compliance with:

> The Disability Discrimination Act (DOA) including the Disability (Access to Premises - Building) Standards 2012.

> Demolition Standards not referred to by the BCA 2019.

> Occupational Health and Safety Act (Work practices under general Work Cover issues).

> Construction Safety Act (During building alterations and additions process only).

> Requirements of other Regulatory Authorities including, but not limited to, Telstra, Sydney Water, Electricity Supply Authority, Roads and Traffic Authority (RTA), Work Cover, the local Council and the like.

Conditions of Development Consent issued by the Local Consent Authority.

9.3 Safety in design

> Design of the Performance Solution elements and the development as a whole remains the full responsibility of others, who in turn assign where and how systems and structures are installed and therefore are responsible for safety in design.

> No unique or unusual hazards that would not otherwise be present in the construction, installation, maintenance and decommissioning of a building and its elements are specified by the fire engineering requirements of this FER.

> System and building designers are responsible for the identification and mitigation of any risks associated with the construction, installation, maintenance and decommissioning of systems described within this report.

Page 29 of 33


10 INFORMATION SOURCES

This report has been based on the following information tabled below.

Table 21 Information sources

Reference Title Produced by Revision Date

20008_A1000 Site plan Helix A 14.05.2020

20008 A1100 Ground and level 1 overall Helix C 14.05.2020 plan proposed works

20008 A1500 Ground and level 1 detail Helix C 14.05.2020 plan proposed works

20008 A1000 Sectional elevations Helix C 14.05.2020

Page 30 of 33


ANNEXURE A GLOSSARY

The following glossary items are provided to clarify the meaning of these terms where they are used in our report. The terms are largely drawn from the BCA and IFEG.

Term Definition

Assessment A method used for determining that a Building Solution complies with the Method Performance Requirements.

Available Safe The time between ignition of a fire and the onset of the defined untenable conditions Evacuation Time in a specific part of the building.

Deemed-to-Satisfy The prescriptive provisions of a code that are deemed to satisfy the Performance Provisions Requirements

Design Fire A mathematical representation of a fire that is characterised by the variation of heat output and species yield with time within a design fire scenario.

The process of occupants becoming aware of a fire-related emergency and going Evacuation through a number of behavioural stages before and/or while they travel to reach a

place of safety, internal or external, to their building

Fire Hazard The danger in terms of potential harm and degree of exposure arising from the start and spread of fire and the smoke and gases that thereby generated.

The ignition, growth, spread, decay or burnout of a fire in a building as modified by Fire Scenario the fire safety system of the building. A fire scenario is described by the times of

occurrence of the events that comprise the fire scenario.

Fuel Load The quantity of combustible material within a room or compartment measured in terms of calorific value.

Heat Release Rate The rate at which heat energy is released by a fire.

Performance A requirement which states the level of performance which a Building Solution must Requirement meet.

A place within a building or within the vicinity of a building, from which people may Place of Safety disperse after escaping the effects of a fire. It may be an open space (such as an

open court) or a public space (such as a foyer or roadway).

Required Safe The time required for safe evacuation of occupants to a place of safety. Evacuation Time

Risk Product of the probability of a hazardous event occurring and its consequences.

An environment with no combustible furnishings other than wall/ceiling or floor Sterile linings (i.e. no couches, etc.); the group number of wall/ceiling linings and the critical

radiant flux of floor linings fully comply with BCA requirements.

Consideration of all the criteria referred to in the Performance Requirement to To the Degree determine the outcome appropriate to the circumstances, whereby in certain Necessary situations it may not be necessary to incorporate any specific measures to meet the

Performance Requirement.

Page 31 of 33


ANNEXURE B FPE TOOL CALCULATIONS

PRIN1DUT/SCREEN DISPLAY INTERVAL HEIGHT OF CE I LI NG ABOVE FUEL

(sec. )

DI STANCE OF DETECTDR FROM AXIS ur r IRE m INITIAL ROOM TEMPERATIJRE °C DETECTOR ACTUATI ON TIMPERATIJRE ° C DETECTOR RESPONSE TIME INDEX CTD (/s).5 5 PHINTIH DISABLED (Press ENTER to enable)

FIN ISHI:D WITH ROUTINE (Press ENTER)

1 2.7 ?7 20 25

rres= arr as.a%.ai.%» as »ea» a»tared

'ime(Sec) 21

RHR(kW) 83

Jet (C) 30

Head/det (0) ZS

Time(Sec) HHH(kW Jet (°C) Headdet ("C)

Detector actuation at Zl seconds-------

RTI = 5.0

Height Cm) = Z.7 Dist. -fire axis (m) = 7.0

o you want to see the graph of the ca lcu lat ion? ('r/N)

Page 32 of 33


Tirrc(Scc) 35

RHRCkW) 57

Jet (0) ZS

Headdet (0) 25

Tirre(Sec) RHRCkW Jet (°C) Head/de t C)

Detector actuation at 35 seconds-------

TI = 5.0

Height Cm = Z.7 Dist. - fire axis Cm) = 7.0

Do you want to see the graph of the calculation? (N)

po: EO

irrc(Sec) 60

Rlffl(kW) 4Z

Jet CC) 26

Headzdet (C) 25

Tirre(Sec) HHH(kW Jet (°C) Head/de (C

Detector actuation at 60 seconds-------

RTI 5.0

Height Cm) = 2.7 Dist. - fire axis (m) = 7.0

o you want to see the graph of the calculation? (YN)

Page 33 of 33

BOU N DA R Y [ 2 4 ,IB0 \ -·-·-·-

20008 AUSTRALIA POST ORANGE 222-224 SUMMER ST, ORANGE NSW 2800 (LOT 11 / SECTION 40 / DP 758817)

DEVELOPMENT APPLICATION ARCHITECTURAL DRAWINGS

SITE/ ROOF PLAN I COVER SHEET

A1100 GRD +L1 OVERALL FLOOR PLANS: PROPOSED WORKS

A1500

A2001

GRD & L 1 DETAIL FLOOR PLANS: PROPOSED WORKS

SECTIONAL ELEVATIONS A+B EXISTING STAFF PARKING

VE+CLE$

EXISTING HARDSTAND CONCRETE

CYCLE GARAGE (EXISTING)

NOT[: BUllDNG FOOTPRINT & SOLtNOARYOLtTLINlcAilE INDICAIIVC&SUSJfCTTOSURVEYM[ASURf

PROPOSEDDEMOLITK}fJSt()Pf SHO'NNOOTTED

02 A1000

. . . . ...

=n1 I

llJ z ::i llJ 0 LL LL 0 f Cf) 0 0...

FIGUREODU,1ENSIONSTOBEUSEDINPREFE'ffNCE TOSCALING,AUOII.IENSIONS;OBECH£CKEDONSITT

KEY

FINISHES

EI'AGE CREA PANTED 'BE WORKS

GALVANISED STEEL (STRUCTURAL POSTS

H EL IX

»e AUSTRALIA POST - ORANGE 222 - 224 Summer Street ORANGE NSW 2800 LOT11,SECTION40.DP750817

SITE I ROOF PLAN

ATE 4.0s.20

SCALF noo , • .,, 20008 DRAWN

CHECKED

APPROVED A1000 E

GURED DIME NSONS IO BE USED IN PREFERENCE TO SCANG. ANI DIMENSIONS TO SE CHECKED ON SITE

THISOOCUMENl NOTTO BF usrn FOR CONSTRUCTION UNlESSS!GNED&ISSLIEDfORCONSTRUCTION

I

@ SECTIONM SCALE 1:100 A2

1lg«iii BOLLARD NEW PROPRIETARY DOCK LEVELLER (2700W x 3000D)

EXISTING DOWNPIPE TO BE -REMQVED. ALLOW TO MODIFY zsg Ro oAggto [c dle REDIRECT VIA ;ANOPY ROOF Et & BOX GUTTER '

CANTILEVERED ROOF OVER EXISTING STAFF ENTRY POINT FOR WEATHER PROTECTION

EXISTING REDUNDANT CHILLER PIPEWORK TO BE DECOMISSIONED & REMOVED

EXISTING EAVES GUTTER & DOWNPIPE TO BE REMOVED & ROOF DRAINAGE MODIFIED TO INTEGRATE WITH CANOPY DRAINAGE CONFIGURATION. ALLOW TO MODIFY EXISTING ROOF DRAINAGE TO REDIRECT VIA NEW CANOPY ROOF

NEW STEEL FRAMED CANOPY WITH RETURN TIMBER CLAD WALLS TO MATCH EXISTING STRUCTURE TO FUTURE DETAILS

IIE-------f'++- NOTE: CLADDING STOPS TO DOCK LEVEL AND REMAINS OPEN BELOW

iii 0 9

KEY NOlf:BlJllDNGFOOTPRINT&BOLJNDARYOUlLINCAflE INDICAllVE/1.SUBJECTTOSURVEYMEASURE

PROPOSED DEOLITON SCOPE SOWN DOTTED

FINISHES

HERITAGE CREAM (PAINTED TIMBER WORKS)

GALVANISED STEEL (STRUCTURAL POSTS)

CRS CORRUGATED CLEAR POLYCARBONATE ROOF SHEETING WITH PROPRIETARY TRIMS

NOTE: SAFETY YELLOW USED TO LINEMARKING & TO POSTS (TO 1500H)

0 BE . ALLOW TO MODIFY &

TE NEW PIPE RAILING CH EXISTING

H E L I X

REMOVE EXISTING BOLLARD

AUSTRALIA POST - ORANGE 222-224 Summer Street ORANGE NSW 2800 LOH, SEC1ON 40. DP 75881

@ SECTIONBB A2

SECTIONAL ELEVATIONS: AA+ BB SCALE 1:100

DATE

SCALE 1.10 @ A 20008 DRAWN

CHfCKEPHELIX ISSlJE

APPROVED A2100 G

I I central west certifiers

GWD127/2020

Ms. D. Odrljin Helix Architects L1, 59 Hume Street Crows Nest NSW 2065

Dear Ms. Odrljin,

Re: Egress Issues - Orange Post Office 222 Summer Street, Orange

24 May 2020

I refer to our site meeting at Orange Post Office on Monday 11 May 2020. The purpose of our meeting being to inspect and assess egress issues from the first floor.

The inspection revealed several issues associated with egress from the first floor which do not comply with the 'deemed-to-satisfy' (DTS) provisions of Part D of the National Construction Code 2019 (NCC).

The identified non-compliances are-

(i) Part D1.4 NCC - Excessive travel distances to an exit. Approximately 29m travel distance from the worst affected point of the storey to the top step of the internal stairs. These stairs discharge into a hallway where there is a further travel distance of approximately 6m to an exit to open space.

(ii) D2.17 - Within this hallway there exists an electrical sub-board and data board. Neither have enclosures fitted fitted with smoke seals.

(iii) An escape ladder exists from a platform located off the first floor hallway. I consider that this ladder is unsafe and should be removed.

(iv) Part 02.20 NCC - All doors within paths of travel from were found to swing against the direction of egress, including the doors which provide egress to open space on the ground floor.

(v) Part 02.21 NCC- No egress doors are fitted with compliant door hardware. (vi) A fire hose reel is located within the hallway on the first floor approximately

17m from the top step of the internal stairs. Given that fire hose reels are no longer required for Class 5 buildings I would suggest that removal of the fire hose reel would be appropriate.

(vii) Parts E4.2, E4.5 NCC - Insufficient exit signage. Additional exit signs and emergency lighting is required to clearly identify paths of travel to exits.

(viii) Part 01.6 NCC- Stair width is less than 1m. (ix) Part 02.16 NCC - Balustrades and handrails on the stairs are too low. The

landing balustrades have a height less than 1m and the handrails less than 865mm.

32 Sale Stre t Orange NSW 2800 P PO Box 211 0range NSW 2800

T 02 6361 0400 M 0488 550062 F 02 63610500 E [email protected] ACN 125 875 489

(x) Part D2.13 NCC- Access to the male WC from the first floor hallway involves negotiating 5 steps of varying riser heights of between 165mm and 197mm. Given the constraints to rectifying these stairs it may be possible to provide a handrail fixed to the western side of the stairs to provide users with some stability.

It is my opinion that the majority of the identified egress issues should be discussed with an Accredited Fire Safety Engineer with a view to potentially dealing with the issues via a 'performance solution' report and that this report be submitted to Orange City Council in conjunction with the proposed development application for the proposed works associated with the upgrade of the building's loading dock.

I trust that this meets you needs. Should you require anything more in this regard please do not hesitate to contact me on 02 6361 0400.

Yours faithfully,

Graeme Drewe JP, MAIBS Director Accredited Certifier Accreditation No. BPB0100

EDWARDS HERITAGE CONSULTANTS

Heritage Impact Statement Alterations and additions to the loading bay

'Orange Post Office' 222-224 Summer Street, Orange

August EHC2020/0128

ABN 42 162 609 349

PO Box 4189 PITT TOWN NSW 2756 I (02) 4589 3049 [email protected] I www.edwardsheritage.com.au

Document Control

Project No. Issue Date Revision Issue Prepared

EHC2020/0128 23/06/2020 A Draft

28/07/2020 B Final draft

11/08/2020 C Reviewed

15/08/2020 D Client issue Principal Consultant/ Advisor

Reviewed

Bethany Robinson Heritage Consultant

O EDWARDS HERITAGE CONSULTANTS 2020

This report remains the property of Edwards Heritage Consultants.

The Client commissioning Edwards Heritage Consultants to prepare this report shall have a non-exclusive licence for the use of this report, however the copyright remains the property of Edwards Heritage Consultants.

No part of it may in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording or otherwise) be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system or transmitted, in part or in full, without the express written consent of Edwards Heritage Consultants.

EHC acknowledges the traditional custodians of the land on which we work and we recognise their continuing connection to land, waters and culture. We pay respect to Aboriginal Elders past, present and emerging.

DISCLAIMER

Any representation, statement, opinion or advice expressed or implied in this report is made in good faith but on the basis that Edwards Heritage Consultants is not liable (whether by reason or negligence, lack of care or otherwise) to any person for any damage or loss whatsoever which has occurred or may occur in relation to that person taking, or not taking (as the case may be) action in any respect of any representation.

While any representation, statement, opinion or advice in this report is provided in good faith, it does not guarantee that a development approval will be issued by the Consent Authority, nor give expressed or implied support to any development proposal, unless solely by professional recommendation and opinion.

HERITAGE IMPACT STATEMENT I 'Orange Post Office' 222-224 Summer Street, Orange EHC2020/0128


REPORT CONTENTS

1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY 1 2.0 INTRODUCTION 2

2.1 Context of the report 2 2.2 Methodology 2 2.3 Authorship 2 2.4 Limitations 2 2.5 Terminology 3 2.6 Physical Evidence 3

3.0 SITE ASSESSMENT 4 3.1 Location and Context 4 3.2 The subject site 5 3.3 Orange Post Office -- Exterior 5 3.4 Orange Post Office - Interior 9 3.5 Landscape 11 3.6 Streetscape contribution 12 3.7 Integrity and condition 12

4.0 HISTORICALOVERVIBN 14 4.1 Introduction 14 4.2General History of Australia Post 14 4.3 History of Orange Post Office 15

5.0 HERITAGE LISTING STATUS 21 5.1 Introduction 21 5.2 Statutory and non-statutory heritage listings 21 5.3 Items of heritage significance within the vicinity of the site 23

6.0 EXISTING HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENTS 24 6.1 Existing Statement of Cultural Significance - 'Orange Post Office' 24 6.2 Existing Statement of Cultural Significance -- Central Orange Heritage Conservation Area 25

7.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL 26 7.1 Plans & drawings referenced 26 7.2 Description of the proposed works 26

8.0 ASSESSMENT AGAINST STATUTORY PLANNING AND HERITAGE CONTROLS 27 8.1 Heritage Act 1977 27 8.2 Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011 28 8.3 Orange Development Control Plan 2004 28

9.0 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT 30 9.1 Consideration of the Heritage Impact 30 9.2 Response to the evaluation criteria 30

10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES 33 10.1 Conclusion 33 10.2 Recommended mitigation measures 33


1.0 EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

This Heritage Impact Statement has been prepared at the request of Helix Architects Pty Ltd to assess the potential heritage impacts and to accompany a Development Application to Orange City Council, which seeks approval for alterations and additions (fire safety upgrade works and new delivery dock) at Orange Post Office, 222-224 Summer Street, Orange.

Situated within the Orange City Council local government area and in the locality of Orange, which is 254 kilometres west of Sydney city, the site comprises Lots 11 and 22 in Section 40 of Deposited Plan 758817, commonly known as 'Orange Post Office' 222-224 Summer Street, Orange.

Orange Post Office is identified as an item of state heritage significance, listed under Schedule 5 of Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011 as well as being listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR) under the Heritage Act 1977. The site is also situated within the Central Orange Heritage Conservation Area, which is listed under Schedule 5 of the Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011.

For both the local and state heritage listing, the listing is underpinned by an existing well-founded historical context, assessment of significance and Statement of Significance. Consequently, this Heritage Impact Statement has not re-assessed the heritage values and significance of the Orange Post Office, but has relied upon the existing established values and cultural significance.

Orange Post Office has been substantially modified from its original form and design intent. While the overall silhouette and form remains substantially intact when viewed from the primary presentation to Summer Street, the integrity of the building has been substantially diminished at the rear as a result of past changes, whereby having reasonable tolerance to sensitive changes.

This Heritage Impact Statement has been prepared to consider the potential heritage impacts resulting from the proposed development, which involves minor demolition works and alterations and additions to improve the accessibility and functionality of the existing deliveries / loading dock space at the rear of the building by rationalising existing fire-safety measures, removal of redundant utilities and construction of a new canopy to a new dock leveller positioned externally to the existing delivery/ loading dock area.

The proposal has been assessed with regards to the identified heritage values and available physical and documentary evidence, including a visual inspection of the site and statutory planning requirements. In applying the evaluation criteria for assessing the likely impact of a proposed development on the heritage significance of listed items of heritage significance or heritage conservation areas (as published by the Heritage Council of NSW), subject to the recommendations in Section 10.2 of the report, the proposal is considered to have an entirely acceptable heritage impact.

O Edwards Heritage Consultants I August 2020 Page 1 of 33


2.0 INTRODUCTION

2.1 Context of the report

This Heritage Impact Statement has been prepared at the request of Helix Architects Pty Ltd to assess the potential heritage impacts and to accompany a Development Application to Orange City Council, which seeks approval for alterations and additions (fire safety upgrade works and new delivery dock) at Orange Post Office, 222-224 Summer Street, Orange.

The report considers:

1. What impact the proposed works will have on the identified heritage significance; 2. What measures are proposed to mitigate negative impacts; 3. Why more sympathetic solutions are not viable; 4. Recommendations to mitigate heritage impacts.

2.2 Methodology

This report has been prepared in accordance with the general methodology and guidelines set out in the Heritage Council of NSW publication 'Statements of Heritage Impact' as contained in the NSW Heritage Manual.

The overarching philosophy and approach to this report is guided by the conservation principles and guidelines of the Australia ICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural Significance (Burra Charter) 2013.

This Heritage Impact Statement is based upon the previously assessed heritage values and the established Statement of Cultural Significance as per the State Heritage Inventory Database No.2220042 and No.5051505 (see Appendix B).

A visual examination of the subject site has been undertaken, which is followed by a merit and significance based desktop assessment of the development proposal.

The potential, actual and/ or perceived heritage impacts stemming from the development proposal have been assessed with reference to the Heritage Act 1977, the Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011, the Orange Development Control Plan 2004, the Australia Post Heritage Strategy and the Heritage Council of NSW assessment criteria.

2.3 Authorship

This Heritage Impact Statement has been prepared by Michael Edwards B Env Plan, M.Herit.Cons, M.ICOMOS,

JP, Principal Heritage Consultant / Advisor and has been reviewed and endorsed by Bethany Robinson BA M.Mus.Herit, Heritage Consultant for EHC.

Mr Edwards has over 14 years extensive experience in both the town planning and heritage conservation disciplines and has held previous positions in Local and State Government. Mr Edwards has previously worked with the former Heritage Division of the NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and is currently Heritage Advisor to the City of Ryde Council, Cessnock City Council and Georges River Council.

Unless otherwise noted, all contemporary photography in this report is by EHC.

2.4 Limitations

This Heritage Impact Statement:



• Considers the site, external structures and internal rooms and spaces that were visually and physically accessible by EHC on the day of the inspection.

• ls limited to the investigation of the non-Aboriginal cultural heritage of the site. Therefore, it does not include any identification or assessment of Aboriginal significance of the place.

• Is limited to a due-diligence archaeological assessment only and does not present a detailed archaeological assessment of the site.

• Has been prepared relying on existing historical research and significance assessment. No further research or assessment has been undertaken. Subsequently, the heritage impact assessment of this report is based upon the previously assessed heritage values.

• Does not provide a structural assessment or constitute structural advice. • Does not provide a detailed assessment of the provisions of the Orange Development Control Plan

2004, but considers generally the development standards relating to the development of heritage items, development within the vicinity of heritage items and development within a heritage conservation area.

2.5 Terminology

The terminology used throughout this report is consistent with the NSW Heritage Manual and the Australia I COM OS Burra Charter (2013).

A glossary of common terms used is listed in Appendix A.

2.6 Physical Evidence

A visual examination of the site and the surrounding area was undertaken on 10 May 2020. All contemporary photography used in Section 2 of this report was captured at this time, unless otherwise credited.

This section of the page has been intentionally left blank.



3.0 SITE ASSESSMENT

3.1 Location and Context

The site is situated within the Orange City Council local government area and in the locality of Orange, which is 254 kilometres west of Sydney city. The site comprises Lots 11 and 22 in Section 40 of Deposited Plan 758817, commonly known as 'Orange Post Office' 222-224 Summer Street, Orange.

Figure 1: Aerial view of the locality. [Source: NSW Land and Property Information, 2020]

Figure 2: Aerial view of the site. [Source: NSW Land and Property Information, 2020]



3.2 The subject site

The subject site is located on the southern side of Summer Street and is situated within an established urban streetscape, which is largely characterised by commercial built forms ranging in scale from single storey to two and three storeys.

The site has a rectangular shape, with a conventionally wide frontage to Summer Street. It comprises an approximate area of 1,327sqm and is predominantly level, with an undulating surface.

Figure 3: View of the Orange Post Office from Summer Street.

3.3 Orange Post Office -- Exterior

Situated on the site is a two-storey rendered masonry Post Office, attributed to the late 19" century Victorian Italianate style.

Orange Post Office sits boldly on the allotment, having a commanding presence in the streetscape and is of an imposing, fine scale. The building is constructed of rendered and painted masonry and features a high degree of symmetry to its architectural composition, with the front elevation featuring a two-level colonnade with double storey entrance portico of Doric and Ionic columns, flanked by three bays of arched colonnade, with similar style pilasters, together with richly moulded columns and pilasters, bases, caps, cornices, brackets and urn shaped balustrade to parapet. A centrally positioned clock face is displayed within a small raised central pediment of a broken apex form, with bells and weathervane behind, in a small belfry.

The predominantly hipped and gable-ended roof is of corrugated iron, with a balustraded parapet to the northern facade and part way down the western facade. Three tall rendered and painted corbelled chimneys punctuate the roof planes, with two on the eastern roof plane and one on the south-western roof plane.

© Edwards Heritage Consultants I August 2020 Page 5 of 33


At the ground floor of the front elevation, the building features an open arcade which runs the entire length of the fac;ade and comprises arched bays and a central colonnaded porch. This verandah has a pebblecrete floor, concrete steps, board and batten ceiling, black wrought iron balustrading and large pendant lights. The masonry arches have decoratively moulded architraves and prominent keystones. The post box niches in the Post Office Lane facade have lockable gates and concrete steps with brown tiled floors. The first floor verandah of similar proportions to the ground floor arcade, has been partly enclosed on both ends to create additional rooms. Fenestration of the building is symmetrical about the centre line of the front facade, with casement windows featuring arched fanlights in the verandah infills of the top floor and original French doors.

At the rear, the building features a more utilitarian form, with two wings projecting off the main two-storey building. The western rear wing comprises two storeys, reducing to a single storey towards the rear, while the eastern rear wing is only single storey. Both are of brick construction and unpainted and have low pitched gabled roof forms that are clad in corrugated sheet metal and feature vertically proportioned double-hung sashes. The two projecting wings create a'U' shape to the overall building footprint, with a centrally positioned delivery/ loading dock which comprises a utilitarian steel roller shutter door framed by timber weatherboard cladding to walls. The former first floor balcony directly above the ground floor loading dock has been enclosed with a series of casement windows and a small door which opens onto a steel gangway that leads to a retractable fire escape ladder.

The definitive framework for identifying architectural styles within Australia is that developed by Apperly, Irving and Reynolds in 'Identifying Australian Architecture: Style and Terms from 1788 to the Present'. The authors provide a perceptive account of what constitutes and defines a style. Mostly concerned with 'high' or 'contrived' architectural styles, rather than the 'popular' styles or the vernacular, it is accepted that the boundaries between identified styles are not always clear-cut.

In this manner, the building displays characteristics that are attributed to the late 19" century Victorian period and of the Victorian Free Classical architectural style.

Figure 4: View of the Orange Post Office.



Figure 5: View of the front colonnade entry. Figure 6: View from Post Office Lane.

Figure 7: View of the motorcycle garage structure. Figure 8: View of the rear loading dock.

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1 ·• Figure 9: View of the rear loading dock. Figure 10: View of the rear loading dock.



Figure 11: View of the rear loading dock.

Figure 12: View of the rear loading dock pedestrian entry. Figure 13: View of the existing fire exit stairs and A/C.

Figure 14: View of existing AC plant. Figure 15: First floor view over the loading dock.



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Figure 16: View of the retractable fire access ladder. Figure 17: View of the retractable fire access ladder.

3.4 Orange Post Office -- Interior

The interior of the building can be categorised as three distinct spaces:

The retail shop space at the ground floor; The 'back of house' operational areas of the ground floor; and The first floor former Postmasters Residence and former staff and managerial spaces.

This assessment limits its detailed discussion of the interior to the ground floor loading dock and immediately adjoining ancillary 'back of house' operational areas as well as the first floor.

The ground floor retail space has been truncated from the original configuration, having been separated into two separate tenancies around c1995/1996. The Orange Post Office retail 'shopfront' occupies the larger of the spaces to the ground floor, comprising a single room with a contemporary corporate retail fitout, with sales counters and various wall-mounted and free-standing display shelving units. Flooring within this space comprises fixed carpet and vinyl floor coverings, with plastered walls and plastered ceilings. There is evidence of early or original architraves located to the original openings and some fragments of early skirtings in the stair well. There are no fireplaces retained to the ground floor.

Internal doors are generally contemporary throughout the ground floor.

Behind the ground floor Australia Post retail shop, is the 'back of house' operational areas, which comprise mail sorting and various administrative services and offices in the eastern rear wing, and mail sorting and distribution to Post Office Boxes within much of the internal space occupying the western rear wing. Towards the centre of the building is the delivery/ loading dock, which comprises a utilitarian fit-out, with fixed shelving and checker plate steel flooring.

Internal stair access to the first floor is located towards the western side of the ground floor and comprises a timber staircase, showing evidence of having been relocated/ repositioned during past renovations.



The first floor is largely unoccupied and the Post Office currently utilises the vinyl floored northeastern corner lunch room and enclosed verandah, as well as the southeastern corner and southern locker rooms and bathrooms and carpeted northern meeting room.

Ceilings to the first floor are a combination of board and batten to the lunch-room and south-western locker room, suspended ceilings to the meeting room and adjacent vacant room to the south, and flush plaster ceiling in the hall, south-eastern locker room and stair well. There is a plasterboard ceiling in the southern verandah infill and v-jointed boarded ceiling to the northern verandah infills. There is a ceiling fan in the lunch-room and the entire floor is lit by fluorescent tube lighting. The wide first-floor skirting appears to be original to the original building fabric, with original architraves. There is later, plain skirting and architraves to the later additions to the building.

Windows on the first-floor are predominantly two pane upper and lower sash windows, with many later multi-pane windows in the infilled rear verandah. Internal doors are largely four panel original or early, with some later flush doors to later partition walls and former loading area at the centre of the southern verandah infill. There are early internal windows in the former light well on the eastern side.

The first-floor walls are predominantly rendered masonry, with later timber framed partition walls with plasterboard lining. Fireplaces have been bricked in or boarded over and only one surround has been retained in the south-eastern locker room.

Figure 18: Outward facing view from the deliveries/ loading dock.



Figure 19: View of the first-floor fire escape platform and ladder.

Figure 20: View of the first-floor corridor opening onto the fire-escape platform.

3.5 Landscape

Orange Post Office occupies the majority of the site area, with the building having zero to near-zero setbacks to the front and side property boundaries.

Forming a'U' shaped footprint, the two wings projecting off the main two-storey form of the building form a centrally positioned loading dock, which opens onto a concrete apron that occupies the remainder of the site area, save for a small detached single storey building in the southwestern corner of the site that is used for the storage of the 'Postie' motorcycles.

Consequently, the site is devoid of any soft landscaping and the entirety of the site area comprises hard surfaces.

Boundary fencing is limited to part of the western side and rear boundaries and comprises powdercoated steel fencing.

Figure 21: View from Post Office Lane. Figure 22: View from Post Office Lane.



Figure 23: View from Post Office Lane of the rear.

3.6 Streetscape contribution

Situated within the heart of the Orange CBD and forming a part of the more 'civic/ administrative centre', Orange Post Office is surrounded by predominantly two-storey retail and commercial late-19" and mid to-late 20" century buildings.

The building itself has a commanding presence in the streetscape, being of an imposing, fine scale and local landmark.

3.7 Integrity and condition

The integrity of a site, in terms of its heritage significance, can exist on a number of levels. For instance, a site may be an intact example of a particular architectural style or period and thus have a high degree of significance for its ability to illustrate that style or period.

Equally, heritage significance may arise from a lack of architectural integrity where the significance lies in an ability to illustrate an important evolution to the building or change in use.

While a detailed structural assessment is beyond the scope of this report, a non-invasive visual inspection of the exterior and interior has been undertaken, which identifies a number of structural and non-structural cosmetic changes that have been undertaken, including:

• Alterations and additions to the original building (c1903), with the conversion of first floor rooms to a telephone switchboard room and various other changes;

• Reconfiguration of the ground floor and removal of the original Postmaster's residence entry, ground floor rooms and internal stair access to the first floor and conversion to the present public retail shop of the Post Office (circa unknown);



• Conversion of part of the original ground floor Post Office to a separate retail tenancy (c1995/1996);

• Removal of internal chimneys and chimneybreasts to the ground floor and first floor; • Construction of a single storey wing projecting off the eastern side of the rear elevation of the

building and subsequent later reconfiguration (c1942); • Construction of a single storey wing projecting off the western side of the rear elevation of the

building (c1940s-1950s); • The rear elevation of the original Post Office building has been extensively modified, with the

conversion of the ground floor offices to create a delivery / loading dock. At the first floor, the former balcony shared between the Postmasters residence and the Clerk's Office has been enclosed with timber-framed windows (c1940-1950s);

• Reconfiguration of the internal stair access on the western end of the building (circa unknown); • Demolition of the former brick stable and storehouse at the rear of the site (c1950s); • Construction of skillion-roofed detached cycle shed at the southwestern corner of the site (c1980s); • Corporate branding of the Post Office retail shop (c1995-1996) including the trunctating of the

ground floor retail space into two separate tenancies; • Installation of mechanical AC ducting and associated conduits throughout the building and in

various locations.

Overall, the changes demonstrate the evolution of the building during its time of occupation and changes in trends, technology and the evolving functions and requirements of Australia Post. The changes have altered the original building footprint and silhouette, though the notable changes are generally considered to have a low to moderate impact on the overall character and design integrity of the building.

Orange Post Office appears in reasonable repair and condition.




4.0 HISTORICAL OVERVIEW

4.1 Introduction

This section attempts to place Orange Post Office into the context of the broader history of the region as well as outlining the sequence of development, occupation and use of the site.

The historical analysis is directly extracted from the NSW State Heritage Inventory datasheet (SHI No.2220042) and no additional historical research has been undertaken, with the exception of the incorporation of historical imagery that directly informs this impact assessment.

4.2 General History of Australia Post

The first official postal service in Australia was established in April 1809, when the Sydney merchant Isaac Nichols was appointed as the first Postmaster in the colony of NSW. Prior to this, mail had been distributed directly by the captain of the ship on which the mail arrived, however this system was neither reliable nor secure.

In 1825 the colonial administration was empowered to establish a Postmaster General's Department, which had previously been administered from Britain. In 1828 the first post offices outside of Sydney were established, with offices in Bathurst, Campbelltown, Parramatta, Liverpool, Newcastle, Penrith and Windsor. By 1839 there were forty post offices in the colony, with more opened as settlement spread.

During the 1860s, the advance of postal services was further increased as the railway network began to be established throughout NSW. In 1863, the Postmaster General WH Christie noted that accommodation facilities for Postmasters in some post offices was quite limited and stated that it was a matter of importance that 'post masters should reside and sleep under the same roof as the office'.

The first telegraph line was opened in Victoria in March 1854 and in NSW in 1858. The NSW colonial government constructed two lines from the GPO, one to the South Head Signal Station, the other to Liverpool. Development was slow in NSW compared to the other states, with the Government concentrating on the development of country offices before suburban ones. As the line spread, however, telegraph offices were built to accommodate the operators. Unlike the Post Office, the telegraph office needed specialised equipment and could not be easily accommodated in a local store or private residence. Post and telegraph offices operated separately until January 1870 when the departments were amalgamated, after which time new offices were built to include both postal and telegraph services. In 1881 the first telephone exchange was opened in Sydney, three years after the first tests in Adelaide. As with the telegraph, the telephone system soon began to extend into country areas, with telephone exchanges appearing in country NSW from the late 1880s onwards. Again the Post Office was responsible for the public telephone exchange, further emphasising its place in the community as a provider of communications services.

The appointment of James Barnet as Acting Colonial Architect in 1862 coincided with a considerable increase in funding to the public works program. Between 1865 and 1890 the Colonial Architects Office was responsible for the building and maintenance of 169 Post Offices and telegraph offices in NSW. The post offices constructed during this period featured in a variety of architectural styles, as Barnet argued that the local parliamentary representatives always preferred 'different patterns'.

The construction of new post offices continued throughout the Depression years under the leadership of Walter Liberty Vernon, who held office from 1890 to 1911. While twenty-seven post offices were built between 1892 and 1895, funding to the Government Architect's Office was cut from 1893 to 1895, causing Vernon to postpone a number of projects.

Following Federation in 1901, the Commonwealth Government took over responsibility for post, telegraph and telephone offices, with the Department of Home Affairs Works Division being made



responsible for post office construction. In 1916 construction was transferred to the Department of Works and Railways, with the Department of the Interior responsible during World War II.

On 22 December 1975, the Postmaster General's Department was abolished and replaced by the Post and Telecommunications Department. This was the creation of 'Telecom' and 'Australia Post'. In 1989, the Australian Postal Corporation Act established 'Australia Post' as a self-funding entity, heralding a new direction in property management, including a move away from the larger more traditional buildings towards smaller shop front style post offices.

For much of its history, the post office has been responsible for a wide variety of community services including mail distribution, an agency for the Commonwealth Savings Bank, electoral enrolments, and the provision of telegraph and telephone services. The town post office has served as a focal point for the community, most often built in a prominent position in the centre of town close to other public buildings, creating a nucleus of civic buildings and community pride.

4.3 History of Orange Post Office

The first European settlement in Orange began during the early 1820s, when a convict cattle station was established. The region was opened up for free settlement after 1826, when Governor Darling redefined the limits of location. Originally known as Blackmans Swamp, the village of Orange was proclaimed and surveyed in 1846.

The first post office was established in 1849, and is reported to have been within the store of John Woodward, fronting the road to Bathurst.

Orange's population began to rise rapidly with the discovery of gold in the district, and the village gradually filled with buildings of more permanence. The second post office was constructed during this period (1851-55) with a John Arkins as Postmaster. Arkins' annual salary was £12, increasing to £50 by 1855 when James Dale was Postmaster, and then to £100 by 1861, an indication of the growing postal business in Orange.

In December 1860 the Telegraph reached Orange, six years after its introduction to Australia. The Telegraph Station Master was Robert Pizey, who was appointed with a salary of £150. Pizey was succeeded by Charles Cooper as Telegraph Master in October 1862.

From 1 January 1870 the post office and telegraph offices were amalgamated in Australia. In Orange, Charles Cooper stayed on as Telegraph Master while his wife Rose Cooper was appointed Post mistress. It seems that the two offices operated out of the same building at this time, although no official record of this exists. In 1877, Charles Cooper wrote to the Post Master General asking for further assistance in the running of the Post Office, complaining that he was often at the office from 8.30am till 1 0pm, longer when he had to receive or dispatch mail. As a result of Cooper's request, he was appointed as Postmaster as well as Telegraph Master from 15th October 1877, a position he held until his retirement in 1897, and an assistant was employed at £100 per annum.

The Colonial Architect James Barnet prepared plans for the present Post Office during 1877, which would adequately accommodate both the postal and telegraph services. The plan included accommodation for the District Surveyor and Road Superintendent, as well as the Post and Telegraph Office in the one building. The estimated cost for construction came to £6,000.

The building tender was accepted from a Mr J Douglas on 18 November 1878. A clock and turret were added to the design during 1879 at an extra cost of £395, with the clock itself costing £205. The building was completed on 29 December 1879 and officially opened by the Postmaster General, Mr S. Samuel on 10th February 1880.



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Figure 24: View of Orange Post Office c1890s. [Source: National Archives of Australia, 2020. 3025524

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Figure 25: View of the c1903 plans for the alterations and additions to the Orange Post Office. [Source: Australia Post]



Figure 26: View of the c1903 plans for the alterations and additions to the Orange Post Office. [Source: Australia Post]

During 1903, the decision was made to take over the entire building for use as the Post Office and to carry out alterations and additions. A tender from Mr J H Gains was accepted for the work at £1,397. In August 1903, the Road Superintendent vacated the section of the building he had occupied, and the Post Office moved into this section while the work was completed in the main office.

Three upstairs rooms, which had been occupied by the School of Arts were also taken over by the Post Office, while the telephone switchboard was placed in the upper front room. The repairs and alteration were finalised on 14 July 1904 at a total cost of £1,500. Further additions were made to the Post Office in 1913.

During the height of World War II, the Australian Government undertook extensive works programs to bolster Australia's defence, which was not only achieved through coastal fortifications, but through communications. Many building projects were undertaken to accommodate the increase and often intensification of operations.

At Orange, the Works and Services Branch NSW for the Commonwealth of Australia Department of the Interior, approved plans in late October 1942 for the alterations and additions to the Orange Post Office, which would include the construction of a new single storey hipped roof wing projecting off the eastern side of the rear elevation.

The architectural plans still detailed the original first floor balcony at this time, suggesting that the enclosure of the balcony post-dated 1942.



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Figure 27: Plans showing the c1942 alterations and additions to the Orange Post Office. [Source: Australia Post]



Figure 28: View of the loading dock of Orange Post Office, c1948. [Source: National Archives of Australia, 2020. C4076 3030699]

Figure 29: View of the bicycle storage shed, c1948. [Source: National Archives of Australia, 2020. C4076 3030700]



A number of further alterations to the building and site have occurred since this time, including the demolition of the small single storey brick bicycle storage building (former stables) post 1948, the relocation of the southwestern internal stair, addition of the toilets in the 1950-60s.

The continuing importance of the Orange Post Office to the region during the second half of the 20 century, saw Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II visit in 1969 as part of her Australian tour. The building was adorned with flags and crowds of locals gathered to welcome The Oueen.

Little structural modification appears to have been undertaken to the building during the second half of the 20" century, other than more cosmetic changes. In 1983, the clock mechanism was electrified and the Post Office interior was remodelled in c1995 to improve retail services.

The Post Office's functions changed drastically in the early 1990s when the mail sorting section was moved to a new site at Leewood. A considerable amount of work was then carried out in late 1996 to convert the left (east) half of the Post Office chamber into a modern style Post Office shop. The right-hand section was then partitioned off with the creation of a new internal wall and offered for separate lease.




5.0 HERITAGE LISTING STATUS

5.1 Introduction

Identification of the statutory and non-statutory heritage listings applicable to the subject site is as follows:

5.2 Statutory and non-statutory heritage listings

Statutory lists

The subject site is identified as an item of state heritage significance ('Orange Post Office' 222-224 Summer Street, Orange [Item No.I42]), listed under Schedule 5 of Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011.

The subject site is identified as an item of state heritage significance ('Orange Post Office' 221 Summer Street, Orange [SHR Item No.01416]), listed on the State Heritage Register which is administered under the Heritage Act 1977.

The subject site is located within the Central Orange Heritage Conservation Area (C1) listed under Schedule 5 of Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011.

Non-statutory lists

The subject site is not identified on any non-statutory heritage lists or registers.

1354

[En 4 IF

Figure 30: Map showing the heritage status of the subject site (centre of frame) and surrounding allotments. [Source: Orange LEP 2011, Heritage Map HER_008C, with EHC overlay]



Heritage Council of New South Wales i.i.ri]ll!I

- - {I -

State Heritage Register- SHR 01416, Plan 3122 Orange Post Office 221 Summer Street, Orange Gazettal Date 22 December 2000 0 5 10 15 20 -- - Meters Scale 1.300 @A3 Datum/Projection. GCS GDA 1994

Figure 31: SHR curtilage map for Orange Post Office. [Source: State Heritage Register - Item No.SHR01416]

$

Legend c:J SHR Curhl.ag<>

Land Parcels

Ralways

Roads

Cc D Suburbs



5.3 Items of heritage significance within the vicinity of the site

For the purposes of this heritage impact assessment, the term 'in the vicinity' is taken to be any item or items that:

i) Are within an approximate 1 00m radius of the boundaries of the subject site; ii) Have a physical relationship to the subject site i.e. adjoin the property boundary; iii) Are identified as forming a part of a group i.e. a row of terrace houses; iv) Have a visual relationship to and from the site; or v) Are a combination of any of the above.

In applying the above criteria, items of local heritage significance (listed under Schedule 5 of Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011) within the vicinity of the subject site include:

• 'Former street signs' 23 Byng Street, 212-220 Summer Street, 222-224 Summer Street, 244-246 Summer Street, 266 Summer Street and 37 William Street, Orange (Item No.I157)

• 'Palmer's Building (former AJS Bank)' 226-232 Summer Street, Orange (Item No.I43) • 'Myer building' 212-220 Summer Street, Orange (Item No.I140) • 'Royal Hotel Incorp' 251-257 Summer Street, Orange (Item No.I361) • 'Commonwealth Bank' 244-246 Summer Street, Orange (Item No.I141) • 'Shop' 215 Lords Place, Orange (Item No.I175) • 'Solicitors Office' 209 Lords Place (corner of Colvin Lane), Orange (Item No.I176)

There are no items of state heritage significance (listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR) under the Heritage Act 1977) within the vicinity of the subject site.




6.0 EXISTING HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENTS

6.1 Existing Statement of Cultural Significance --'Orange Post Office'

The NSW State Heritage Inventory (SHI No.2220042) (see Appendix B) provides a Statement of Cultural Significance of 'Orange Post Office' as follows:

'An important public building by James Barnet, and a manifestation of the post Goldrush confidence of the 1870s. Along with the Palmer's Building, this is the main architectural focal point of the main commercial street.

Orange Post Office is associated with the early development of the area in the mid nineteenth century as it is linked with the original post office established in 1849. It is also associated with the rapid growth of the population of Orange due to the discovery of gold as a second post office was required in the early 1850s to meet the increased demand. Orange Post Office is historically significant because it is associated with the development of communications services in the Orange district in the 1870s as the post office and telegraph services were amalgamated. Orange Post Office also provides evidence of the changing nature of postal and telecommunications in NSW as the telephone exchange was introduced in 1903.

Orange Post Office is also historically significant because it is associated with the NSW Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet, which designed and maintained a number of post offices across NSW between 1865 and 1890.

Orange Post Office is aesthetically significant because it is a distinctive example of the Victorian Free Classical style, with strong visual appeal. It forms part of a historic streetscape and makes a significant contribution to the character of the Orange civic precinct.

Orange Post Office is also considered to be significant to the community of Orange's sense of place.'

The NSW State Heritage Register (SHI No.5051505) (see Appendix B) provides a Statement of Cultural Significance of 'Orange Post Office' as follows:

'Orange Post Office is significant at a State level for its historical associations, strong aesthetic qualities and social value.



Orange Post Office is aesthetically significant because it is a distinctive example of the Victorian Free Classical style, with strong visual appeal. It forms part of a historic streetscape and makes a significant contribution to the character of the Orange civic



precinct.

Orange Post Office is also considered to be significant to the community of Orange's sense of place.'

Despite the two separate Statements of Significance, it is noted that both are very similar.

6.2 Existing Statement of Cultural Significance -- Central Orange Heritage Conservation Area

The NSW State Heritage Inventory (SHI No.2221131) provides a Statement of Cultural Significance of the Central Orange Heritage Conservation Area as follows:

'Consisting of a range of buildings dating from the latter part of the nineteenth century and the early part of the twentieth, the conservation area has historical importance for reflecting the development and prosperity of Orange during this period.

The conservation area exhibits several fine examples of different architectural styles. The building materials used, the mature street trees and the fine parklands all help to bring the area together as an aesthetically pleasing whole and as a townscape of importance.

Representing much of the core of the city, the conservation area has an appreciable level of social significance for the Orange community.'




7.0 DEVELOPMENT PROPOSAL

7 .1 Plans & drawings referenced

This Heritage Impact Statement provides an assessment of the development proposal as shown on the following plans and drawings:

ESTER IE Title: A1000 A1100

C E

A1500

A2100

Site Roof Plan Ground + Level 1 Overall Plans Proposed Works

Ground + Level 1 Detail Floor Plan Proposed Works

Sectional Elevations AA+BB

EEE 20/07/2020

Prepared By: Helix Architects

7.2 Description of the proposed works

The development proposal seeks the consent of Orange City Council and the Heritage Council of NSW for the alterations and additions to the existing Orange Post Office.

The objective of the proposal is to improve the accessibility and functionality of the existing deliveries/ loading dock space at the rear of the building by rationalising existing fire-safety measures, removal of redundant utilities and construction of a new canopy to a new dock leveller positioned externally to the existing delivery/ loading dock area.

To achieve this, the proposal will involve partial demolition works to the existing building, including:

• Removal of existing redundant fire hose reels to the ground floor Post Box sorting room and first floor corridor;

• Removal of existing retractable fire egress ladder and gate; • Removal of existing rainwater goods over the existing delivery/ loading dock area; • Removal of existing bollard from adjacent to the existing delivery/ loading dock; • Removal of redundant utilities and conduits associated with roof-mounted AC units above the

existing delivery/ loading dock.

Following the partial demolition works, the proposal will then involve the alterations and additions to the building, including:

• Construction of a new steel-framed canopy with return timber clad walls to match existing weatherboard cladding on rear elevation;

• Construction of a new cantilevered roof canopy over the existing staff entry adjacent to the delivery / loading dock;

• Installation of a new proprietary automatic dock leveller to service the delivery/ loading dock; • Installation of new rainwater goods to the modified canopy over the delivery/ loading dock; • Installation of new bollards adjacent to the delivery/ loading dock area; • Modification of the existing first floor fire egress gangway handrail following the removal of the

gate.

Overall, the entirety of the works are minor in extent and concentrated to the rear 'back of house' areas of the Orange Post Office, involving minor material changes to previously modified and non-significant fabric.

The heritage impacts of the above-described proposal are considered in detail in the ensuing sections of this report.



8.0 ASSESSMENT AGAINST STATUTORY PLANNING AND HERITAGE CONTROLS

8.1 Heritage Act 1977

The Heritage Act 1977 provides statutory protection for items of state heritage significance that are listed on the State Heritage Register (SHR).

As outlined in Section 5 of this report, Orange Post Office is identified as an item of state heritage significance, listed on the SHR.

Pursuant to Section 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977, the approval of the Heritage Council of NSW is ordinarily required for any works that:

(a) demolish the building or work, (b) damage or despoil the place, precinct or land, or any part of the place, precinct or

land, (c) move, damage or destroy the relic or moveable object, (d) excavate any land for the purpose of exposing or moving the relic, (e) carry out any development in relation to the land on which the building, work or relic

is situated, the land that comprises the place, or land within the precinct, (f) alter the building, work, relic or moveable object, (g) display any notice or advertisement on the place, building, work, relic, moveable

object or land, or in the precinct, (h) damage or destroy any tree or other vegetation on or remove any tree or other

vegetation from the place, precinct or land.

However, Section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977 provides for certain minor works and activities to be exempt from requiring approval under Section 57(1), if undertaken in accordance with the guidelines set out in 'Standard Exemptions for Works Requiring Heritage Council Approval' (NSW Heritage Council, 2009), otherwise known as the 'Standard Exemptions'.

Any works that do not clearly fall within the ambit of the Standard Exemptions would require the approval of the Heritage Council of NSW pursuant to Section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977.

In other words, this means that there is a 'two tier' approval process for items and places of state heritage significance that are listed on the State Heritage Register: an exemption or approval from the Local Council under clause 5.10 of the relevant Local Environmental Plan and an exemption or approval under the Heritage Act 1977 from the Heritage Council of NSW.

If a Standard Exemption is granted under Section 57(2) of the Heritage Act 1977, then development consent under Section 60 is not required. However, if an exemption has not been obtained for the works or activity, then any Development Application lodged with the Local Council would be treated as an Integrated Development Application ('IDA'), whereby requiring concurrence from Heritage NSW.

Following completion of the IDA process, an application would then need to be submitted to the Heritage Council of NSW to undertake the actual works or activity, as required by Section 60 of the Heritage Act 1977 and such application must take account of the Heritage Council's 'general terms of approval' for the IDA.

In reviewing the development proposal, the Standard Exemptions of Section 57(2) allow for certain activities associated with the development proposal. In this manner, the Standard Exemptions applicable to the development proposal include:


HERITAGE IMPACT STATEMENT I 'O range Post Off ice' 222-224 Summer Street, Orange EHC2020/0128

• No.7: Minor Activities with Little or No Adverse Impact on Heritage Significance

The proposed development has been considered against the guidelines of the relevant Standard Exemptions and is considered satisfactory for the following reasons:

Standard Exemption: No.7: Minor Activities with Little or No Adverse Impact on Heritage Significance

Requirements: Anything which in the opinion of the Director-General is of a minor nature and will have little or no adverse impact on the heritage significance of the item does not require approval under subsection 57(1) of the Act.

A person proposing to do anything of the kind described in paragraph 1 must write to the Director-General and describe the proposed activity. If the Director-General is satisfied that the proposed activity meets the criteria set out in paragraph 1, the Director-General shall notify the applicant.

Response: The proposed works are for their entirety, isolated to the rear 'back of house' areas of the Orange Post Office, and involve material affectation to previously modified and non-significant fabric.

The changes proposed will involve minimal material affectation to significant fabric and will have a minimal visual impact, with no discernible changes proposed to the primary elevations or views of the building. All changes are considered reversible and will not obscure significant features of the building, nor the ability to appreciate and interpret the manner in which the building has evolved and changed.

Section 7.0 of this report provides a description of the development proposal, together with an itemised list of proposed works. This Heritage Impact Statement is intended to accompany an application pursuant to Section 57 of the Heritage Act 1977.

Consequently, a 's57 Exemption Application' should be prepared and submitted to Heritage NSW, who administer the Heritage Act 1977, accompanied by a copy of this Heritage Impact Statement. Following the issuance of an exemption under Section 57(2), a Development Application to Orange City Council should be submitted, accompanied by a copy of the s57 exemption endorsement.

8.2 Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011

Clause 5.10 of the Orange Local Environmental Plan 2011 establishes the statutory framework for heritage conservation and the management of heritage items, heritage conservation areas and archaeological sites (both Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal).

The provisions specify circumstances where development consent is and is not required, together with specifying statutory requirements and key considerations for the Consent Authority.

In assessing development proposals relating to listed items of heritage significance, or involving development on land situated within a Heritage Conservation Area, Council as the Consent Authority, must consider the impacts of the proposed works on the heritage item and / or Heritage Conservation Area (clause 5.10(4)).

The ensuing heritage impact assessment considers in detail what impact the proposed development will have on the established cultural significance and heritage values of the subject site and Heritage Conservation Area, together with listed items of heritage significance and Heritage Conservation Areas within the vicinity of the site (as identified in Section 5).

8.3 Orange Development Control Plan 2004

Section 13 of the Orange Development Control Plan 2004 ('the DCP'), contains performance-based controls that relate to the development of heritage items, development within the vicinity of a heritage



item, or development within a heritage conservation area.

These development controls seek to ensure that new development is appropriately designed, contextually responsive and sympathetic to the heritage values and significance of an item or place.

The proposed development has been considered against the development guidelines of the DCP and consistency is demonstrated in the ensuing heritage impact assessment.




9.0 HERITAGE IMPACT ASSESSMENT

9.1 Consideration of the Heritage Impact

The ensuing heritage impact assessment is based upon the Statement of Significance (refer to Section 6.1 above); available physical and documentary evidence including a visual inspection of the site and statutory planning requirements.

The Heritage Council of NSW has published a series of evaluation criteria for assessing the likely impact of a proposed development on the heritage significance of listed heritage items or heritage conservation areas1, which are listed below and considered in the ensuing statement of heritage impact.

9.2 Response to the evaluation criteria

i) Minor Partial Demolition

• Is the demolition essential for the heritage item to function? • Is the resolution to partially demolish sympathetic to the heritage significance of the item?

The proposed demolition works are not considered essential for the continued functioning of the heritage item, however as set out in Section 7 of this report, the proposed demolition works involve the removal of redundant services or fabric and elements of very little significance, facilitating improved internal circulation, reduction in visual clutter, rationalisation of services and the improved functionality of the delivery/ loading dock area with all-weather protection for the dock area.

• Are important features of the item affected by the demolition (e.g. fireplaces in buildings)?

The minor demolition works involve the removal of non-original and non-significant fabric, including galvanised steel bollards and retractable fire egress ladder, redundant service conduits for the roof-mounted AC plant, steel rainwater goods and internal wall-mounted fire hose reels. The demolition works involve the removal of fabric that is relatively contemporary to the building and associated with late 20" and early 21 century changes to the building to address building performance and compliance standards with respect to fire egress and services, as well as applicable Australian Standards and Australia Post operational requirements.

The entirety of the proposed demolition works are contained to the rear utilitarian elevation of the building, concentrated around the existing centrally positioned delivery / loading dock area. While the rear of the building is visible from a public thoroughfare to a neighbouring public carpark, such views are secondary and of the service areas. Notwithstanding, the demolition works would not be directly discernible and there are no important features of the building that would be affected by the minor demolition works.

• If the partial demolition is a result of the condition of the fabric, is it certain that the fabric cannot be repaired?

The demolition works are not proposed on the basis of condition, but on the basis that the elements have either been made redundant, or are no longer fit for purpose to meet current operational requirements and / or BCA standards.

NSW Heritage Branch, 'Heritage Impact Statements -- Some questions to be answered in a Statement of Heritage Impact and Supporting Information Required'.



ii) Alterations and Additions (Minor Additions)

• How is the impact of the addition on the heritage significance of the item to be minimised?

The proposed additions involve the construction of a small steel framed canopy, with fixed roof sheeting and timber cladding to the return walls that projects over the existing concrete driveway and delivery / loading dock area, together with a new dock leveller (adjustable height platform).

The additions are concentrated to the rear elevation of the building and in what is considered a utilitarian 'service' area of the building. Previous structural and cosmetic alterations and additions have substantially obscured the rear elevation of the building, diminishing its design integrity to a point that the proposed additions will not obscure original or highly significant fabric or building features.

The proposed canopy structure and cantilevered roof over the staff entry stairs, will attach to previously modified and non-original / non-significant fabric, whereby having a negligible and therefore acceptable impact on the significance of the Orange Post Office. All proposed works are considered well documented and reversible, according with the relevant Articles of the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter (2013).

• Are the additions sympathetic to the heritage item? In what way (e.g. form, proportions, design)?

• Will the additions visually dominate the heritage item?

The proposed canopy structure and dock leveller, together with the cantilevered roof over the staff entry stairs, are of a modest scale and form that will quietly sit at the rear of the building and largely visually 'screened' by the existing single-storey wings that project of the rear elevation of the Orange Post Office building.

The additions are lightweight and visually transparent and will not visually dominate the building, adopting a palette of materials and colour finishes which will clearly distinguish the work as new, yet harmoniously integrate with the materiality of the existing building.

The additions will not be visible or discernible from the primary front elevation or from important secondary views along Post Office Lane.

• Is the addition sited on any known, or potentially significant archaeological deposits? If so, have alternative positions for the additions been considered?

The Orange Post Office site has archaeological potential, with various earlier known structures having existed towards the rear boundary.

However, the proposed works are situated in an area of the building and site that is not known to have previously contained any built improvements, where having low archaeological sensitivity and potential.

Regardless, the proposed works involve minimal ground disturbance, with only the construction of small pier footings for the vertical posts of the proposed steel canopy structure.

iii) Fire Upgrading

• How has the impact of the upgrading on the heritage significance of the item been minimised?



• Are any of the existing services of heritage significance? In what way? Are they affected by the new work?

The proposed alterations to the existing first floor fire egress retractable ladder and removal of two internal wall-mounted fire hose reels, will involve only minimal material affectation to non-original and non-significant features and fabric of the building.

The removal of the retractable fire egress ladder will rationalise the various accretions at the rear of the building and although this elevation is utilitarian in character and of low visual significance, the works will minimalise the various ad-hoc additions and installations and will visually declutter the rear service area of the building.

• Has the advice of a conservation consultant (e.g. architect) been sought? Has their advice been implemented?

• Has the advice of a fire consultant been sought to look for options that would have less impact on the heritage item? Will this advice be implemented? How?

EHC has provided initial heritage advice during an on-site consultation in conjunction with a BCA / Fire consultant. That advice has been implemented in the design and has informed the proposed changes to fire egress and safety measures.

• Are any known or potential archaeological deposits (underground or under floor) affected by the proposed new services?

The proposed fire upgrade works do not involve any underground or under floor works.




10.0 RECOMMENDATIONS AND MITIGATION MEASURES

10.1 Condusion

Orange Post Office is presently identified as an item of state heritage significance, listed on Schedule 5 of the Orange LEP 2011 and the State Heritage Register, which is administered under the Heritage Act 1977. For both the local and state heritage listing, the listing is underpinned by an existing well-founded historical context, assessment of significance and Statement of Significance.

Consequently, this Heritage Impact Statement has not re-assessed the heritage values and significance of the Orange Post Office, but has relied upon the existing established values and cultural significance.

Orange Post Office has been substantially modified from its original form and design intent. While the overall silhouette and form remains substantially intact when viewed from the primary presentation to Summer Street, the integrity of the building has been substantially diminished at the rear as a result of past changes, whereby having reasonable tolerance to sensitive changes.

The entirety of the works are concentrated to the rear of the building and in areas that have previously been substantially modified. In this regard, the proposed works involve material changes to non-original and non-significant fabric, respecting important features and fabric of the building.

As the proposed works are concentrated to the more 'utilitarian' areas of the building and in areas of lesser visual prominence from the public domain, the minor demolition works (mostly limited to the removal of redundant services) and the modest scale and form of the steel-framed canopy and staff entry roof, will have only a very minor visual and physical impact on the Orange Post Office.

Subject to the recommendations below, the proposed works at Orange Post Office, are considered to have an entirely acceptable heritage impact.

10.2 Recommended mitigation measures

The following recommendations arise from the heritage impact assessment in Section 10 of this report. Adoption and implementation of the recommendations should be seen as mechanisms for addressing statutory requirements, mitigating heritage impacts and to ensure appropriate conservation and ongoing management of the heritage item.

Recommendation Recommendation 1: Standard of workmanship

Recommended management/ mitigation measures All works undertaken on the site in association with the proposed works should be specified, supervised and carried out by people with knowledge, skills and experience appropriate to the work.

End of Report



Appendix A

Common Terms Used


The following is a list of terms and abbreviations adopted for use in the NSW Heritage Manual (prepared by the Heritage Council of NSW), and other terms used by those involved in investigating, assessing and managing heritage, including terms used within this Heritage Impact Statement:

Aboriginal significance: An item is of Aboriginal heritage significance if it demonstrates Aboriginal history and culture. The National Parks and Wildlife Service has the primary responsibility for items of Aboriginal significance in New South Wales.

Adaptation: Modification of a heritage item to suit a proposed, compatible use.

Aesthetic significance: An item having this value is significant because it has visual or sensory appeal, landmark qualities and/or creative or technical excellence.

Archaeological assessment: A study undertaken to establish the archaeological significance (research potential) of a particular site and to propose appropriate management actions.

Archaeological feature: Any physical evidence of past human activity. Archaeological features include buildings, works, relics, structures, foundations, deposits, cultural landscapes and shipwrecks. During an archaeological excavation the term 'feature' may be used in a specific sense to refer to any item that is not a structure, a layer or an artefact (for example, a post hole).

Archaeological significance: A category of significance referring to scientific value or 'research potential' that is, the ability to yield information through investigation.

Archaeological sites: A place that contains evidence of past human activity. Below ground archaeological sites include building foundations, occupation deposits, features and artefacts. Above-ground archaeological sites include buildings, works, industrial structures and relics that are intact or ruined.

Archaeology: The study of material evidence to discover human past. See also historical archaeology.

Artefacts: Objects produced by human activity. In historical archaeology the term usually refers to small objects contained within occupation deposits. The term may encompass food or plant remains (for example, pollen) and ecological features.

Australia ICOMOS: The national committee of the International Council on Monuments and Sites.

Burra Charter: (and its guidelines). Charter adopted by Australia ICOMOS which establishes the nationally accepted principles for the conservation of places of cultural significance.

Comparative significance: In the NSW Heritage Assessment Procedure there are two

values used to compare significance: representativeness and rarity.

Compatible use: A use for a heritage item, which involves no change to its culturally significant fabric, changes which are substantially reversible or changes, which make a minimal impact.

Cultural landscapes: Those areas of the landscape, which have been significantly modified by human activity. They include rural lands such as farms, villages and mining sites, as well as country towns.

Cultural significance: A term frequently used to encompass all aspects of significance, particularly in guidelines documents such as the Burra Charter. Also one of the categories of significance listed in the Heritage Act 1977.

Curtilage: The geographical area that provides the physical context for an item, and which contributes to its heritage significance. Land title boundaries and heritage curtilages do not necessarily coincide.

Demolition: The damaging, defacing, destroying or dismantling of a heritage item or a component of a heritage conservation area, in whole or in part.

Conjectural reconstruction: Alteration of a heritage item to simulate a possible earlier state, which is not based on documentary or physical evidence. This treatment is outside the scope of the Burra Charter's conservation principles.

Conservation: All the processes of looking after an item so as to retain its cultural significance. It includes maintenance and may, according to circumstances, include preservation, restoration, reconstruction and adaptation and will be commonly a combination of more than one of these.

Conservation Management Plan: (CMP) A document explaining the significance of a heritage item, including a heritage conservation area, and proposing policies to retain that significance. It can include guidelines for additional development or maintenance of the place.

Conservation policy: A proposal to conserve a heritage item arising out of the opportunities and constraints presented by the statement of heritage significance and other considerations.

Contact sites: Sites which are associated with the interaction between Aboriginal and non Aboriginal people.

Excavation permit A permit issued by the Heritage Council of New South Wales under

section 60 or section 140 of the Heritage Act 1977 to disturb or excavate a relic.

Fa~ade: The elevation of a building facing the street.

Heritage At 1977: The statutory framework for the identification and conservation of heritage in New South Wales. The Act also describes the composition and powers of the Heritage Council.

Heritage Advisor: A heritage consultant engaged by a local council, usually on a part time basis, to give advice on heritage matters to both the council and the local community.

Heritage assessment criteria: Principles by which values for heritage significance are described and tested. See historical, aesthetic, social, technical/ research, representativeness, rarity.

Heritage conservation area: An area which has a distinctive character of heritage significance, which it is desirable to conserve.

Heritage Council: The New South Wales Government's heritage advisory body established under the Heritage Act 1977. It provides advice to the Minister for Urban Affairs and Planning and others on heritage issues. It is also the determining authority for section 60 applications.

Heritage fabric: All the physical material of an item, including surroundings and contents, which contribute to its heritage significance.

Heritage inventory: A list of heritage items, usually in a local environmental plan or regional environmental plan.

Heritage item: A landscape, place, building, structure, relic or other work of heritage significance.

Heritage NSW: The State Government agency of the Department and Premier and Cabinet, responsible for providing policy advice to the relevant Minister, administrative services to the Heritage Council and specialist advice to the community on heritage matters.

Heritage precinct: An area or part of an area which is of heritage significance. See also heritage conservation area.

Heritage significance: Of aesthetic, historic, scientific, cultural, social, archaeological, natural or aesthetic value for past, present or future generations.

Heritage study: A conservation study of an area, usually commissioned by the local council. The study usually includes a historical context report, an inventory of heritage items


within the area and recommendations for conserving their significance.

Heritage value: Often used interchangeably with the term 'heritage significance'. There are four nature of significance values and two comparative significance values. See heritage significance, nature of significance, comparative significance.

Hierarchy of significance: Used when describing a complex heritage site where it is necessary to zone or categorise parts of the area assigning each a particular significance. A commonly used four level hierarchy is: considerable, some, little or no, intrusive (that is, reduces the significance of the item).

Industrial archaeology: The study of re lies, structures and places involved with organised labour extracting, processing or producing services or commodities; for example, roads, bridges, railways, ports, wharves, shipping, agricultural sites and structures, factories, mines and processing plants.

Integrity: A heritage item is said to have integrity if its assessment and statement of significance is supported by sound research and analysis, and its fabric and curtilage are still largely intact.

International Council on Monuments and Sites (1COMOS): An international organisation linked to UNESCO that brings together people concerned with the conservation and study of places of cultural significance.

There are also national committees in sixty countries including Australia.

Level of significance: There are three management levels for heritage items in New South Wales - local, regional and state. The level is determined by the context in which the item is significant. For example, items of state

heritage significance will either be fine examples or rare state-wide or will be esteemed by a state-wide community.

Local significance: Items of heritage significance which are fine examples, or rare, at the local community level.

Moveable heritage: Heritage items not fixed to a site or place (for example, furniture, locomotives and archives).

Occupation deposits: (In archaeology.) Accumulations of cultural material that result from human activity. They are usually associated with domestic sites, for example, under-floor or yard deposits.

Post-contact: Used to refer to the study of archaeological sites and other heritage items dating after European occupation in 1788 which helps to explain the story of the relationship between Aborigines and the new settlers.

Preservation: Maintaining the fabric of an item in its existing state and retarding deterioration.

Rarity: An item having this value is significant because it represents a rare, endangered or unusual aspect of our history or cultural heritage.

Reconstruction: Returning a place as nearly as possible to a known earlier state by the introduction of new or old materials into the fabric (not to be confused with conjectural reconstruction).

Relic: The Heritage Act 1977 defines relic as: ...any deposit, object or material evidence relating to non-Aboriginal settlement which is more than fifty years old.' The National Parks and Wildlife Act 1974 defines a relic as:' ..any deposit, object or material evidence (not

being a handicraft made for sale) relating to indigenous and non-European habitation of the area that comprises New South Wales, being habitation both prior to and concurrent with the occupation of that area by persons of European extraction, and includes Aboriginal remains

Representativeness: Items having this value are significant because they are fine representative examples of an important class of significant items or environments.

Restoration: Returning the existing fabric of a place to a known earlier state by removing accretions or by reassembling existing components without introducing new material.

Social significance: Items having this value are significant through their social, spiritual or cultural association with a recognisable community.

State heritage inventory: A list of heritage items of state significance developed and managed by the Heritage Division. The inventory is part of the NSW Heritage Database.

State significance: Items of heritage significance which are fine examples, or rare, at a state community level.

Statement of heritage significance: A statement, usually in prose form which summarises why a heritage item or area is of importance to present and future generations.

Technical/research significance: Items having this value are significant because of their contribution or potential contribution to an understanding of our cultural history or environment.


Appendix B

Heritage Listings

2tit: NSW GOVERNMENT

NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment

Home > Topics > Heritage places and items > Search for heritage

Orange Post Office Item details

Name of item:

Type of item:

Group/Collection

Category:

Location:

Primary address:

Local govt. area:

Orange Post Office

Conservation Area

Postal and Telecommunications

Post Office

Lat: -33.283734 Long: 149.100403

222-224 Summer Street (Cnr Post Office Lane), Orange, NSW 2800

Orange

All addresses

Street Address Suburb/town LGA Parish County Type

222-224 Summer Street (Cnr Post Office Lane)

Orange Orang e

Primary Address

Statement of significance:

An important public building by James Barnet, and a manifestation of the post Goldrush confidence of the 1870s. Along with the Palmer's Building, this is the main architectural focal point of the main commercial street.




Orange Post Office is also considered to be significant to the community of Orange's sense of place.

(Heritage Database)

Date significance updated: 30 Sep 10

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 OEH copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/Maker:

Builder /Maker:

Physical description:

James Barnet

J. Douglas

Two storey rendered Post Office of Victorian Italianate style. A two level colonnaded building with double storey entrance portico of Doric and Ionic columns, flanked by three bays of arched colonnade, with similar style pilasters. Richly moulded columns and pilasters, bases, caps, cornices, brackets and urn shaped balustrade to parapet. Clock face is displayed in small raised central pediment, with bells and weather vane behind, in small belfry. The juxtaposition with the earlier bank building is awkward in scale and may reflect being designed by the Government, in Sydney. Heritage Study, 1985)

Orange Post Office is an imposing, finely scaled and detailed two-storey Victorian Free Classical building, and is located within the heart of the city's civic centre and is surrounded by predominantly two-storey retail and commercial late nineteenth and mid to late twentieth century buildings. It is constructed of rendered and painted masonry in a cream and stone painted colour scheme. The predominantly hipped and gable-ended roof is of corrugated iron, with a balustraded parapet to the northern facade and part way down the western facade. There is a central clock with a white and black face installed at the centre of the northern facade parapet, and it is surmounted by a broken apex pediment. Below the clock face is a dentilled, moulded string course and there is a bracketed moulded string course on the first floor level.

A pyramidal corrugated iron roof supported by cast iron corner posts, with an ornate weathervane at the apex, caps off the open belfry behind the clock face. The roof of the two-storey section is punctuated by three tall, rendered and painted corbelled chimneys; two at the eastern edge and one at the south-western side.

The northern facade has a two-storey verandah, with rendered masonry arches and columns to both, and infills to three bays of each side of the upper floor. The first-floor centre verandah is painted brown and cream and has a bituminous-coated floor, timber balustrade painted to imitate masonry and board and batten soffit. The ground-floor open arcade runs the entire length of the facade and comprises arched bays and a central colonnaded porch. This verandah has a pebblecrete floor, concrete steps, board and batten ceiling, black wrought iron balustrading and large pendant lights. The masonry arches have decoratively moulded architraves and prominent keystones. The post box niches in the Post Office Lane facade have lockable gates and concrete steps, with brown tiled floors.

The northern facade also comprises a variety of column types, both attached and freestanding, ranging from squat Corinthian-styled columns supporting the moulded window arches to Ionic-styled main columns and square corner pilasters.

Fenestration of the building is symmetrical about the centre line of the front facade, with casement windows featuring arched fanlights in the verandah infills of the top floor and original French doors.

The interior spaces of the ground floor of Orange Post Office include the carpeted retail area to the north-east, and separate carpeted retail premises in the north-western corner. There are also sheet vinyl floored mail sorting and storage areas to the south, a post boxes wing in the south-western corner and carpeted offices to the centre eastern side. The rear dock space has a textured steel plate floor.

The ground-floor ceilings are varied. The retail area and separate retail premises have a plaster ceiling with moulded cornice and exposed beams. There is a plasterboard ceiling in the rear dock and suspended ceilings in the mail room and offices. There is both exposed and enclosed air conditioning ducting in the mail room, retail area and offices, with fluorescent lighting throughout the entire ground floor.

There are original or early architraves located to the original openings and some fragments of early skirting in the stair well. However, much later architraves and skirting are dominant on this floor.

Windows on the ground floor generally comprise single upper and lower pane sash windows, with arched top sashes and white painted frames. Internal doors are modern flush, half glazed and sliding doors. There are later front doors in the separate retail premises and automatic doors in the Post Office.

Walls are rendered and painted masonry in a generally grey colour scheme standard to the Australia Post fit out of the 1990s and there are smooth-rendered, Doric-styled structural columns located in both the retail area of Australia Post and in the adjacent retail premises. There are no fireplaces retained to the ground floor.

The main stair to the first-floor has been relocated during past renovations and comprises grey painted turned timber posts and balusters with a shaped rail. Treads are clad with vinyl sheet with black edge strips.

The first-floor is largely unoccupied and the Post Office currently utilises the vinyl floored north eastern corner lunch room and verandah, as well as the south-eastern corner and southern locker rooms and bathrooms and carpeted northern meeting room.

Ceilings to the first floor are a combination of board and batten to the lunch room and south-western locker room, suspended ceilings to the meeting room and adjacent vacant room to the south, and flush plaster ceiling in the hall, south-eastern locker room and stair well. There is a plasterboard ceiling in the southern verandah infill and v-jointed boarded ceiling to the northern verandah infills. There is a ceiling fan in the lunch room and the entire floor is lit by fluorescent tube lighting.

The wide first-floor skirting appears to be original to the original building fabric, with original architraves. There is later, plain skirting and architraves to the later additions to the building.


The first-floor walls are predominantly rendered masonry, with later partition walls. The first floor has a cream/apricot and grey trim colour scheme. Fireplaces have been bricked in or boarded over and only one surround has been retained in the south-eastern locker room.

Signage for the Post Office comprises a freestanding standard Australia Post sign on the front facade, general shop signage related to the separate retail premises and an attached "Post Office Lane" sign to the north western corner. The street and footpaths are landscaped with trees, planters and low flower beds. The adjacent Post Office Lane is treated with planter boxes, lamp posts, seating, shrubs, trees and a currently disused kiosk.

(Heritage Data base)

Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:

Orange Post Office is generally in good condition, with some evidence of previous patching. There is some internal water damage and internal downpipe replacement to the first-floor western verandah infill.

Date condition updated:11 Nov 10

Modifications and dates:

Further information:

History

Historical notes:

Alterations to ground level entry; windows in upper colonnade; windows to ground level phone booths; pebblecrete steps and ramp; aluminium mail chute. (Heritage Study, 1985)

Additions, largely in English Bond face brickwork, have occurred to the rear of the building and in several different stages. These incorporate the weatherboard infill of the upper-floor verandah, the two-storey brick addition to the south-western corner of the two-storey original section of building, the weatherboard addition of a rear dock and two single-storey gable-ended brick additions to the eastern and western boundaries. A concreted yard is retained between these additions and the rear. There is also a more recent ski Ilion-roofed brick cycle shed at the south-western corner of the site.

The original Post Office building completed in 1879 appears to have comprised the northern two-storey section, probably with several rear additions. Unknown additions have been recorded as occurring in 1891-2, possibly including the stepped down, two storey addition to the north-western corner of the original section. In 1899 a Telephone Exchange was opened in Orange, this probably relates to the spaces allocated as such in the 1903 plans of the south-western corner. 1903-4 additions saw the renovation to incorporate the entire building for use by the Post Office. Three upper rooms formerly used by the School of Arts were taken over and the telephone switchboard was placed in the upper front room. 1942 plans indicate the relocation of the south-western stair well as having already occurred, shifted to the west and they indicate the presence of the eastern stair well which was later removed and a light well created, the date of this change is unknown. The date of construction for the weatherboard infill of the rear verandah is unknown, and addition of the male and female toilets to the eastern end, possibly 1950-60s construction. Plans appear to indicate that in 1979 the third post box bay to the southern end of the western facade was added. Some time after 1979 a section of the rear ground floor verandah was enclosed and extended to form the current dock area and the northern facade post boxes were removed, date of construction is unknown. The electrification of the clock mechanism occurred in June 1983. The extension of the eastern side single-storey section of building to the south occurred prior to 1995, probably c1989 when demolition was occurring to the rear of the site. This is probably close to the time when the brick cycle shed to the south-western corner of the site was built and the rear ground-floor verandah disappeared. An extension of the western side wing appears to have occurred before these changes, possibly in the 1970s. c1989 saw the photographic recording and demolition of the former stables to the south of the site for car parking. c1995 standard Australia Post interior fit out to the ground floor retail area, construction of new partition offices to the eastern side ground floor, separation of the north-western retail space and installation of automatic front doors.

(Heritage Database)

Nata ble features: Verandah decoration, verandah roof and structure.

Streetscape: Level 1


In 1825 the colonial administration was empowered to establish a Postmaster General's Department, which had previously been administered from Britain.

In 1828 the first post offices outside of Sydney were established, with offices in Bathurst, Campbelltown, Parramatta, Liverpool, Newcastle, Penrith and Windsor. By 1839 there

were forty post offices in the colony, with more opened as settlement spread. During the 1860s, the advance of postal services was further increased as the railway network began to be established throughout NSW. In 1863, the Postmaster General WH Christie noted that accommodation facilities for Postmasters in some post offices was quite limited, and stated that it was a matter of importance that 'post masters should reside and sleep under the same roof as the office'.




Following Federation in 1901, the Commonwealth Government took over responsibility for post, telegraph and telephone offices, with the Department of Home Affairs Works Division being made responsible for post office construction. In 1916 construction was transferred to the Department of Works and Railways, with the Department of the Interior responsible during World War II.

On 22 December 1975, the Postmaster General's Department was abolished and replaced by the Post and Telecommunications Department. This was the creation of Telecom and Australia Post. In 1989, the Australian Postal Corporation Act established Australia Post as a self-funding entity, heralding a new direction in property management, including a move away from the larger more traditional buildings towards smaller shop front style post offices.


Orange Post Office

The first European settlement in Orange began during the early 1820s, when a convict cattle station was established. The region was opened up for free settlement after 1826, when Governor Darling redefined the limits of location. Originally known as Blackmans Swamp, the village of Orange was proclaimed and surveyed in 1846. The first post office was established in 1849, and is reported to have been within the store of John Woodward, fronting the road to Bathurst.



From 1 January 1870 the post office and telegraph offices were amalgamated in Australia. In Orange, Charles Cooper stayed on as Telegraph Master while his wife Rose Cooper was appointed Post mistress. It seems that the two offices operated out of the same building at this time, although no official record of this exists. In 1877, Charles Cooper wrote to the Post Master General asking for further assistance in the running of the Post Office, complaining that he was often at the office from 8.30am till 10pm, longer when he had to receive or dispatch mail. As a result of Cooper's request, he was appointed as Postmaster as well as Telegraph Master from 15th October 1877, a position he held until his retirement in 1897, and an assistant was employed at £100 per annum.



During 1903 the decision was made to take over the entire building for use as the Post Office and to carry out alterations and additions. A tender from Mr J H Gains was accepted for the work at £1,397. In August 1903, the Road Superintendent vacated the section of the building he had occupied, and the Post Office moved into this section while the work was completed in the main office.

Three upstairs rooms, which had been occupied by the School of Arts were also taken over by the Post Office, while the telephone switchboard was placed in the upper front room. The repairs and alteration were finalised on 14 July 1904 at a total cost of £1,500.

Further additions were made to the Post Office in 1913. A number of further alterations to the building have occurred since this time, including the relocation of the south western stair, addition of the toilets in the 1950-60s and electrification of the clock mechanism in 1983.

The Post Office interior was remodelled in cl 995 to improve retail services.

(Heritage Database)

ORANGE POST OFFICE (1864):

"[By the 1860s] Orange Post Office had moved to its present site, although when Holtermann's photographer recorded it in the 1870s, the present impressive building had not yet been erected.

The electric telegraph was extended to Orange by a contractor named Thomas E. Ellis, who had his tender accepted during August 1860".

(Foister, Voices, CWD, 7 Dec. 1983).

"The telegraph reached Orange in 1861".

"The telegraph reached Orange on 2 December 1860, when the Orange Telegraph Office was opened. At the time Telegraph and Post Offices were usually conducted as separate establishments. The name of the first Telegraph Station Master at Orange is not known. Robert Pizey was appointed to the position on 1 May 1861 with a salary of 150 pounds per annum.

Mr. Pizey was succeeded as Telegraph Station Master by Charles Cooper on 1 Oct. 1862. Mr. Cooper was to remain at Orange until his retirement 35 years later (in the meantime becoming Postmaster as well as Telegraph Master)".

(C.P. Keating, J.P., Postmaster East Orange).

"Messrs. Hale Brothers, who have obtained the contract for the completion of the new post and telegraph office, expect to be in a position to hand the building over to the Government in seven or eight weeks. The work is progressing rapidly".

(Western Examiner, 20 Feb. 1864 ).

"The new post and telegraph office is now finished. The building with its neat, prominent and finished front, is quite an ornament to the town. The satisfactory manner in which the work has been completed reflects credit on the skill and energy of the contractors, the Messrs. Hale".

(Western Examiner, 9 April 1864, cited by Foister, who adds:

"The Governor, Sir John Young, and Lady Young, visited Orange about this time, probably to coincide with the opening of the new post and telegraph office".

[Photo of this earlier Post Office, c.1871, in Bartlett, p.9).

"During 1870 the amalgamation of Post Offices and Telegraph Offices was commenced.

At this time (1 Jan. 1870) Mrs. Rose Cooper, wife of the Postmaster, was appointed Postmistress while he remained as Telegraph Station Master. No doubt the Post Office was conducted at the same premises as the Telegraph Office. At the time the Postmistress's remuneration was mentioned as being "Commission on the sale of stamps etc. Only". However, records of 1874 show that she was receiving 66 pounds per annum, plus 52 pounds per annum to enable an Assistant to be employed.

In 1871 a branch of the Government Savings Bank was established at the Orange Post Office.

In 1877, Charles Cooper wrote to the Postal Department asking for further assistance in the Post Office. He reported that he attended the Post Office from 8.30 a.m. To 6p.m. And 7 p.m. To 10 p.m. (frequently 10.30 p.m.), as well as at 4.30 a.m., 5 a.m., and 6 a.m., when he had to receive and despatch mails.

At this time Mr. Cooper mentioned that two Telegraph Clerks (Operators) were employed at the office. As a result of Mr. Cooper's request it was decided to appoint him Postmaster, as well as station master (this was the usual practice at amalgamated Post and Telegraph Offices) and to pay an assistant 100 pounds per annum.

Mr. Cooper assumed contro l of the Post and Telegraph Office on 15 Oct. 1877. A former letter carrier (postman), Mr. C. Slack, was appointed Assistant. In 1883 Mr. Cooper obtained leave to travel abroad. Whilst absent he was relieved by Mr. J.Y. Nelson.

When Mr. Cooper retired in 1897 he was succeeded by Mr. A.H. Davies, who commenced duty at Orange in Feb. 1897".


"Another Victorian Italianate building, this was designed by James Barnet, the Government Architect, and opened in 1880".

(Derek Woolcott, Walking Tour Leaflet).

"It will add materially to the conveniences of the town when the new post-office, of which the foundation is laid, will replace the present inconvenient galvanized iron shed..."

(Sydney Morning Herald, 28 Sept. 1878).

"Plans were prepared by the Colonial Architect (J. Barnet) for Orange Post Office in 1877 . The plan included accommodation for the District Surveyor and Road Superintendent, as well as the Post and Telegraph Office, in the one building. Estimated cost of the building was 6,000 pounds.

The tender of Mr. J. Douglas to erect the offices was accepted on 18 November 1878.

During 1879, it was decided to add a turret and clock, the estimated cost of these additions being approximately 395 pounds inclusive.

The building was completed on 29 December 1879, and was officially opened by the Postmaster-General, Mr. S. Samuel on 10 February 1880".

(C.P. Keating, J.P., Postmaster East Orange; reprinted in CWD Sunday, 29 March 1992).

"When the Orange Post Office was officially opened on Tuesday, 10 February 1880, Orange was a small but progressive municipality.

There was no town water supply and residents depended on wells and tanks.

Sewerage was not to come for many years and typhoid fever raged each summer.

The new Post Office building was described as a combination of Doric and Ionic orders the ground floor being Doric and the upper part Ionic.

There were 18 rooms in the structure, two of them being set aside for the use of the District Surveyor and Road Superintendent.

Residential accommodation was also provided for the postmaster.

James Douglas of Orange (father of Mr. Stuart Douglas) was the contractor and the building was completed on 29 December 1879.

Post offices were then under the control of the State Government.

Shortly before noon the formal ceremony of opening the new building began.

Among those present were Hon. Saul Samuel, CMG (Postmaster General); Andrew Taylor Kerr, MP; John Tom Lane (Police Magistrate); James Tarpy (Mayor of Orange); Mr. Barnet (Colonial Architect); James Douglas (the contractor); Police Sub-Inspector Garvan; Drs. Southan, Warren and Codrington; Surveyor Fisher; Revs. F.B. Boyce and Little; Messrs. James Dalton, B. Nelson, Geo. McKay, Elwin, Stabback, Paul, Moulder, Nathan, J.C. Mclachlan, Bowen and many others. Mesdames Samuel and Kerr were also in the official party.

In opening proceedings, the Mayor said the new building was the only Government building worthy of the name in Orange.

'We urgently need a new Court House and a water supply', he told the Minister. (The present Court House was built two years later and in 1890 the first town supply from the Gosling Creek reservoir was turned on).

He extended a welcome to the Postmaster General and the Colonial Architect and complimented the latter on the building.

Mr. Samuel spoke of the great progress made in the district. He was proud of his department and his officers. He drew comparisons between the present mail services and those of earlier days (the railway had arrived at Orange three years earlier, and previous to that the mail came by Cobb and Co. Coaches for many years).

In the name of the Governor (Lord Loftus), Mr. Samuel then formally declared the new post and telegraph offices opened. His speech was frequently applauded.

Champagne was then served and the health of all concerned was drunk in bumpers. A grand banquet was held the same night.

After the opening ceremony, the whole party left for Spring Hill where about 300 were .. [remaining three lines illegible]".

(R.C. Sheridan, CWD, 13 February 1969).

"In 1903 it was decided to take over the whole of the building for Post Office purposes and to carry out alterations and additions to the building; the tender of Mr. J.H. Gain, for 1,397 pounds was accepted for the work.

The Road Superintendent vacated the section of the premises which he had occupied, in August 1903, and the following month the Post Office was moved into this section of the building whilst work was being completed on the old Post Office.

Three upper rooms, which had been used by the School of Arts, were also taken over by the Post Office, and the telephone switchboard was placed in the upper front room. The repairs and alterations to the building were completed on 14 July 1904, at a cost of 1,500 pounds".

(C.P. Keating, J.P., Postmaster East Orange; reprinted in CWD Sunday, 29 March 1992).

[See Bartlett, p. 9, for photo of Post Office in 1880s, also photo "early this century, after the 1904 alterations").

"A Telephone Exchange was opened in Orange on 1 Nov. 1899.

Dalton Bros. Ltd. Had Phone No. 1, so it is assumed they were the first subscribers".


"The telephone service in Orange began on 30 October 1899, and there soon were about 30 subscribers. As a child I remember reading in a very old publication, the name of which I can't recall, that "the exceptionally inclement weather conditions we are experiencing, according to many residents, is undoubtedly caused by the new-fangled telephone lines hanging around our area"."

(Joan Carty, 1988 article).

"For a long time the Orange School of Arts was located on the second floor of the post office building in Summer St., with the late Sammy Simms as librarian. That portion is now [ 1946] the telephone exchange. The School of Arts later moved to Anson St."

(Joe Glasson, 1946, Voices, CWD, 26 April 1983).

The Post Office's functions changed drastically in the early 1990s when the mail sorting section was moved to a new site at Leewood. A considerable amount of work was then carried out in late 1996 to convert the left (east) half of the Post Office chamber into a modern style Post Office shop. The right-hand section was then offered for lease.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)

3. Economy Developing local, regional and national economies

3. Economy Developing local, regional and national economies

4. Settlement

New South Wales theme

Communication-Activities relating to the creation and conveyance of information

Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences

Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing

Local theme

Communicating by mail-

Technologies of tele communication

Planning

Building settlements, towns and cities

8. Culture Developing cultural institutions and ways of life

9. Phases of Life-Marking the phases of life

urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns. suburbs and villages

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.

Persons-Activities of, and associations with, identifiable individuals, families and communal groups

relationships between key structures and town plans-

Late Victorian civic design-

Associations with Government Architect. James Barnet-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]

SHR Criteria b) [Associative significance]

SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]

SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]

SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]

SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]

SHR Criteria g) [ Representativeness]

Integrity /Intactn ess:

Orange Post Office is associated with the development of postal services in the area from 1849. As such, the current Post Office is associated with the growth of the Orange district during the mid nineteenth century. It is also associated with the construction of a number of post offices in the 1850s; the result of rapid growth of the population of Orange due to the discovery of gold in the region.

Orange Post Office is historically significant because it is associated with the development of communications services in the Orange district in the 1870s, the time when the post office and telegraph services were amalgamated,

Orange Post Office provides evidence of the changing nature of postal and telecommunications practices in NSW, as the telephone exchange was introduced in 1903.

Orange Post Office is historically significant because it is associated with the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet, which designed and maintained a large number of post offices across NSW between 1865 and 1890.

Orange Post Office is an architecturally distinct building of Victorian Free Classical style, with such finely scaled and detailed characteristics as the pediment with open apex, parapet concealing roof, and classical arcade, Orange Post Office is aesthetically significant because it is a fine example of the Victorian Free Classical Style with strong visual appeal. It forms part of a historic streetscape and makes a significant contribution to the character of the Orange civic precinct,

As a prominent civic building with strong streetscape appeals and the centre of communications for over a century, Orange Post Office is considered to be significant to the community of Orange's sense of place,

The site has some potential to contain archaeological information which may provide information relating to the previous use of the site and the evolution of the building and out-buildings associated with use by the Post Office.

Orange Post Office is an important building, as it is linked to the early development of the city and surrounding region, It forms a key element of a set of Victorian buildings, enhancing the character of the civic precinct with its fine architectural scale and form.

Orange Post Office represents the first use of the arcaded form for a large regional post office. Orange Office is also a clear example the Victorian Free Classical style of architecture. It is part of the group of nineteenth-century post offices in NSW designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet,

The exterior fabric remains largely intact, although the arcading has been partially filled in, The interior fabric has been substantially altered. The Post Office retains the features which make it culturally significant, including architectural details such as the classical front porch with fluted columns, central pediment, and parapeted roof, and its overall

form, scale and style.

Assessment criteria:

Items are assessed against the r;J State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Recommended management:

Recommendations

Management Category

Statutory Instrument

Statutory Instrument

Description

List on a Local Environmental Plan (LEP)

Include in a Conservation Area within an LEP

Date Updated

29 Sep 10

30 Sep 10

Listings

Heritage Listing Listing Title Listing Gazette Gazette Gazette Number Date Number Page

Local Environmental Plan 12 May 00 57 3927

Local Environmental Plan Orange LEP 142 24 Feb 12 2011

Within a conservation area on an LEP

Potential Heritage Item A 17 May 02

Study details

Title Year Number Author Inspected Guidelines by used

Orange Heritage Study 1985 C345 Hughes, Trueman, N Ludlow Consultants 0

Andrew Ward & Associates and 1989 Australia Post N Clive Lucas Stapleton & Associates Historic Properties 0

Survey

Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd 2000 Australia Post y Assessment of 24 e Post Offices s

Orange community based Heritage 2011 David Scobie y Study 2011 Architects Pty Ltd e

s

References, internet links & images

Type Author Year Title Internet Links

Writt Apperley, Irving and 1989 A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian en Reynolds Architecture

Writt Bridges and McDonald 1988 James Barnet - Colonial Architect en

Writt National Trust of Australia 1974 Classification Listing Card - Orange Post en (NSW) Office Group

Writt Ross Maroney 2000 Historical Society Data en

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

(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:

Name: Local Government

Database number:

2220042

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Orange Post Office Item details

Name of item:

Type of item:

Group/Collection

Category:

Location:

Primary address:

Local govt. area:

Local Aboriginal Land Council:

Property description

Lot/Volume Code

LOT

LOT

All addresses

Street Address

221 Summer Street

Orange Post Office

Built

Postal and Telecommunications

Post Office

Lat:

221 Summer Street, Orange, NSW 2800

Orange

Orange

Lot/Volume Number

11

22

-33.2840272852 Long:

Suburb/town

Section Number

40

40

LGA

149.1000761560

Plan/Folio Code

DP

DP

Parish County

Plan/Folio Number

758817

758817

Type

Orange Orange Primary Address

Owner/s

Organisation Name Owner Category Date Ownership Updated

Australia Post Federal Government

Statement of significance:

Orange Post Office is significant at a State level for its historical associations, strong aesthetic qualities and social value.

Orange Post Office is associated with the early development of the area in the mid nineteenth century as it is linked with the original post office established in 1849. It is also associated with the rapid growth of the population of Orange due to the discovery of gold as a second post office was required in the early 1850s to meet the increased demand. Orange Post Office is historically significant because it is associated with the development of communications services in the Orange district in the 1870s as the post office and telegraph services were amalgamated. Orange Post Office also provides

evidence of the changing nature of postal and telecommunications in NSW as the telephone exchange was introduced in 1903.



Orange Post Office is also considered to be significant to the community of Orange's sense of place.

Date significance updated: 27 Jun 01

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 OEH copyright and disclaimer.

Description

Designer/ Maker:

Builder/Maker:

Physical description:

Designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet.

].Douglas

Orange Post Office is an imposing, finely scaled and detailed two-storey Victorian Free Classical building, and is located within the heart of the city's civic centre and is surrounded by predominantly two-storey retail and commercial late nineteenth and mid to late twentieth century buildings. It is constructed of rendered and painted masonry in a cream and stone painted colour scheme. The predominantly hipped and gable-ended roof is of corrugated iron, with a balustraded parapet to the northern facade and part way down the western facade. There is a central clock with a white and black face installed at the centre of the northern facade parapet, and it is surmounted by a broken apex pediment. Below the clock face is a dentilled, moulded string course and there is a bracketed moulded string course on the first floor level.

A pyramidal corrugated iron roof supported by cast iron corner posts, with an ornate weathervane at the apex, caps off the open belfry behind the clock face. The roof of the two-storey section is punctuated by three tall, rendered and painted corbelled chimneys; two at the eastern edge and one at the south-western side.

The northern facade has a two-storey verandah, with rendered masonry arches and columns to both, and infills to three bays of each side of the upper floor. The first-floor centre verandah is painted brown and cream and has a bituminous-coated floor, timber balustrade painted to imitate masonry and board and batten soffit. The ground-floor open arcade runs the entire length of the facade and comprises arched bays and a central colonnaded porch. This verandah has a pebblecrete floor, concrete steps, board and batten ceiling, black wrought iron balustrading and large pendant lights. The masonry arches have decoratively moulded architraves and prominent keystones. The post box niches in the Post Office Lane facade have lockable gates and concrete steps, with brown tiled floors.

The northern facade also comprises a variety of column types, both attached and freestanding, ranging from squat Corinthian-styled columns supporting the moulded window arches to Ionic-styled main columns and square corner pilasters.

Fenestration of the building is symmetrical about the centre line of the front facade, with casement windows featuring arched fanlights in the verandah infills of the top floor and original French doors.

Additions, largely in English Bond face brickwork, have occurred to the rear of the building and in several different stages. These incorporate the weatherboard infill of the upper-floor verandah, the two-storey brick addition to the south-western corner of the two-storey original section of building, the weatherboard addition of a rear dock and two single-storey gable-ended brick additions to the eastern and western boundaries. A concreted yard is retained between these additions and the rear. There is also a more recent ski Ilion-roofed brick cycle shed at the south-western corner of the site.

The interior spaces of the ground floor of Orange Post Office include the carpeted retail area to the north-east, and separate carpeted retail premises in the north-western corner. There are also sheet vinyl floored mail sorting and storage areas to the south, a post boxes wing in the south-western corner and carpeted offices to the centre eastern side. The rear dock space has a textured steel plate floor.

The ground-floor ceilings are varied. The retail area and separate retail premises have a plaster ceiling with moulded cornice and exposed beams. There is a plasterboard ceiling in the rear dock and suspended ceilings in the mail room and offices. There is both exposed and enclosed air conditioning ducting in the mail room, retail area and offices, with fluorescent lighting throughout the entire ground floor.

There are original or early architraves located to the original openings and some fragments of early skirting in the stair well. However, much later architraves and skirting are dominant on this floor.

Windows on the ground floor generally comprise single upper and lower pane sash windows, with arched top sashes and white painted frames. Internal doors are modern flush, half glazed and sliding doors. There are later front doors in the separate retail premises and automatic doors in the Post Office.

Walls are rendered and painted masonry in a generally grey colour scheme standard to the Australia Post fitout of the 1990s and there a re smooth-rendered, Doric-styled structural columns located in both the retail area of Australia Post and in the adjacent retail premises. There are no fireplaces retained to the ground floor.

The main stair to the first-floor has been relocated during past renovations and comprises grey painted turned timber posts and balusters with a shaped rail. Treads are clad with vinyl sheet with black edge strips.

The first-floor is largely unoccupied and the Post Office currently utilises the vinyl floored north eastern corner lunch room and verandah, as well as the southeastern corner and southern locker rooms and bathrooms and carpeted northern meeting room.

Ceilings to the first floor are a combination of board and batten to the lunch room and southwestern locker room, suspended ceilings to the meeting room and adjacent vacant room to the south, and flush plaster ceiling in the hall, southeastern locker room and stair well. There is a plasterboard ceiling in the southern verandah infill and v-jointed boarded ceiling to the northern verandah infills. There is a ceiling fan in the lunch room and the entire floor is lit by fluorescent tube lighting.

The wide first-floor skirting appears to be original to the original building fabric, with original architraves. There is later, plain skirting and architraves to the later additions to the building.


The first-floor walls are predominantly rendered masonry, with later partition walls. The first floor has a cream/apricot and grey trim colour scheme. Fireplaces have been

bricked in or boarded over and only one surround has been retained in the southeastern locker room.

Signage for the Post Office comprises a freestanding standard Australia Post sign on the front facade, general shop signage related to the separate retail premises and an attached "Post Office Lane" sign to the north western corner. The street and footpaths are landscaped with trees, planters and low flower beds. The adjacent Post Office Lane is treated with planter boxes, lamp posts, seating, shrubs, trees and a currently disused kiosk.

Physical condition and/or Archaeological potential:

Modifications and dates:

Further information:

Current use:

Former use:

Orange Post Office is generally in good condition, with some evidence of previous patching. There is some internal water damage and internal downpipe replacement to the first-floor western verandah infill.

Date condition updated:27 Jun 01

The original Post Office building completed in 1879 appears to have comprised the northern two-storey section, probably with several rear additions.

Unknown additions have been recorded as occurring in 1891-2, possibly including the stepped down, two-storey addition to the northwestern corner of the original section.

In 1899 a Telephone Exchange was opened in Orange, this probably relates to the spaces allocated as such in the 1903 plans of the south-western corner.

1903-4 additions saw the renovation to incorporate the entire building for use by the Post Office. Three upper rooms formerly used by the School of Arts were taken over and the telephone switchboard was placed in the upper front room.

1942 plans indicate the relocation of the southwestern stair well as having already occurred, shifted to the west and they indicate the presence of the eastern stair well which was later removed and a light well created, the date of this change is unknown.

The date of construction for the weatherboard infill of the rear verandah is unknown, and addition of the male and female toilets to the eastern end, possibly 1950-60s construction.

Plans appear to indicate that in 1979 the third post box bay to the southern end of the western facade was added.

Some time after 1979 a section of the rear ground floor verandah was enclosed and extended to form the current dock area and the northern facade post boxes were removed, date of construction is unknown.

The electrification of the clock mechanism occurred in June 1983.

The extension of the eastern side single-storey section of building to the south occurred prior to 1995, probably c1989 when demolition was occurring to the rear of the site. This is probably close to the time when the brick cycle shed to the southwestern corner of the site was built and the rear ground-floor verandah disappeared. An extension of the western side wing appears to have occurred before these changes, possibly in the 1970s.

cl 989 saw the photographic recording and demolition of the former stables to the south of the site for carparking.

c1995 standard Australia Post interior fitout to the ground floor retail area, construction of new partition offices to the eastern side ground floor, separation of the northwestern retail space and installation of automatic front doors.

The security grilles located at the entrances to the post office boxes are unsympathetic to the style of the building.

LEP - state significant

Post Office

Post Office

History

Historical notes: Background


In 1825 the colonial administration was empowered to establish a Postmaster General's Department, which had previously been administered from Britain.

In 1828 the first post offices outside of Sydney were established, with offices in Bathurst, Campbelltown, Parramatta, Liverpool, Newcastle, Penrith and Windsor. By 1839 there were forty post offices in the colony, with more opened as settlement spread. During the 1860s, the advance of postal services was further increased as the railway network began to be established throughout NSW. In 1863, the Postmaster General WH Christie noted that accommodation facilities for Postmasters in some post offices was quite limited, and stated that it was a matter of importance that 'post masters should reside and sleep under the same roof as the office'.




Following Federation in 1901, the Commonwealth Government took over responsibility for post, telegraph and telephone offices, with the Department of Home Affairs Works Division being made responsible for post office construction. In 1916 construction was transferred to the Department of Works and Railways, with the Department of the Interior responsible during World War II.

On 22 December 1975, the Postmaster General's Department was abolished and replaced by the Post and Telecommunications Department. This was the creation of Telecom and Australia Post. In 1989, the Australian Postal Corporation Act established Australia Post as a self-funding entity, heralding a new direction in property management, including a move away from the larger more traditional buildings towards smaller shop front style post offices.


Orange Post Office

The first European settlement in Orange began during the early 1820s, when a convict cattle station was established. The region was opened up for free settlement after 1826, when Governor Darling redefined the limits of location. Originally known as Blackmans Swamp, the village of Orange was proclaimed and surveyed in 1846. The first post office was established in 1849, and is reported to have been within the store of John Woodward, fronting the road to Bathurst.



From 1 January 1870 the post office and telegraph offices were amalgamated in Australia. In Orange, Charles Cooper stayed on as Telegraph Master while his wife Rose Cooper was appointed Post mistress. It seems that the two offices operated out of the same building at this time, although no official record of this exists. In 1877, Charles Cooper wrote to the Post Master General asking for further assistance in the running of the Post Office, complaining that he was often at the office from 8.30am till 10pm, longer when he had to receive or dispatch mail. As a result of Cooper's request, he was appointed as Postmaster as well as Telegraph Master from 15th October 1877, a position he held until his retirement in 1897, and an assistant was employed at £100 per annum.



During 1903 the decision was made to take over the entire building for use as the Post Office and to carry out alterations and additions. A tender from Mr JH Gains was accepted for the work at £1,397. In August 1903, the Road Superintendent vacated the section of the building he had occupied, and the Post Office moved into this section while the work was completed in the main office.

Three upstairs rooms, which had been occupied by the School of Arts were also taken over by the Post Office, while the telephone switchboard was placed in the upper front room. The repairs and alteration were finalised on 14 July 1904 at a total cost of £1,500.

Further additions were made to the Post Office in 1913. A number of further alterations to the building have occurred since this time, including the relocation of the southwestern stair, addition of the toilets in the 1950-60s and electrification of the clock mechanism in 1983.

The Post Office interior was remodelled in c1995 to improve retail services.

Historic themes

Australian theme (abbrev)

3. Economy-Developing local. regional and national economies

3. Economy-Developing local. regional and national economies

4. Settlement-Building settlements. towns and cities

New South Wales theme

Communication-Activities relating to the creation and conveyance of information

Technology-Activities and processes associated with the knowledge or use of mechanical arts and applied sciences

Towns, suburbs and villages-Activities associated with creating, planning and managing urban functions, landscapes and lifestyles in towns. suburbs and villages

Local theme

Communicating by mail-

Technologies of telecommunication-

Planning relationships between key structures and town plans-

Assessment of significance

SHR Criteria a) [Historical significance]

SHR Criteria c) [Aesthetic significance]

SHR Criteria d) [Social significance]

SHR Criteria e) [Research potential]

SHR Criteria f) [Rarity]

Orange Post Office is associated with the development of postal services in the area from 1849. As such, the current Post Office is associated with the growth of the Orange district during the mid nineteenth century. It is also associated with the construction of a number of post offices in the 1850s; the result of rapid growth of the population of Orange due to the discovery of gold in the region.

Orange Post Office is historically significant because it is associated with the development of communications services in the Orange district in the 1870s, the time when the post office and telegraph services were amalgamated.

Orange Post Office provides evidence of the changing nature of postal and telecommunications practices in NSW, as the telephone exchange was introduced in 1903.

Orange Post Office is historically significant because it is associated with the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet, which designed and maintained a large number of post offices across NSW between 1865 and 1890.

Orange Post Office is an architecturally distinct building of Victorian Free Classical style, with such finely scaled and detailed characteristics as the pediment with open apex, parapet concealing roof, and classical arcade. Orange Post Office is aesthetically significant because it is a fine example of the Victorian Free Classical Style with strong visual appeal. It forms part of a historic streetscape and makes a significant contribution to the character of the Orange civic precinct.

As a prominent civic building with strong streetscape appeals and the centre of communications for over a century, Orange Post Office is considered to be significant to the community of Orange's sense of place.

The site has some potential to contain archaeological information which may provide information relating to the previous use of the site and the evolution of the building and out-buildings associated with use by the Post Office.

Orange Post Office is an important building, as it is linked to the early development of the city and surrounding region. It forms a key element of a set of Victorian buildings, enhancing the character of the civic precinct with its fine architectural scale and form.

SHR Criteria g) [ Representativeness]

Integrity /Intactn ess:

Assessment criteria:

Orange Post Office represents the first use of the arcaded form for a large regional post office. Orange Office is also a clear example the Victorian Free Classical style of architecture. It is part of the group of nineteenth-century post offices in NSW designed by the Colonial Architect's Office under James Barnet.

The exterior fabric remains largely intact, although the arcading has been partially filled in. The interior fabric has been substantially altered. The Post Office retains the features which make it culturally significant, including architectural details such as the classical front porch with fluted columns, central pediment, and parapeted roof, and its overall form, scale and style.

Items are assessed against the t;J State Heritage Register (SHR) Criteria to determine the level of significance. Refer to the Listings below for the level of statutory protection.

Procedures /Exemptions

Section of act

57(2)

Description

Exemption to allow work

Title

Stand a rd Exemp tions

Comments

SCHEDULE OF STANDARD EXEMPTIONS

Action date

Sep 5 2008

HERITAGE ACT 1977

Notice of Order Under Section 57 (2) of the Heritage Act 1977

I, the Minister for Planning, 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

1. revoke the Schedule of Exemptions to subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act made under subsection 57(2) and published in the Government Gazette on 22 February 2008; and

2. grant standard exemptions from subsection 57(1) of the Heritage Act 1977, described in the Schedule attached.

FRANK SARTOR

Minister for Planning

Sydney, 11 July 2008

To view the schedule click on the Standard Exemptions for Works Requiring Heritage Council Approval link below.

t;J Standard exemptions for works requiring Heritage Council approval

Listings

Heritage Listing Listing Title

Heritage Act - State Heritage Register

Listing Number

01416

Gazette Date

22 Dec 00

Gazette Number

Gazette Page

168 13873

Local Environmental Plan

Potential Heritage Item A 17 May 02

Study details

Title Year

Significant Landscapes List Australian Institute of Landscape Archictects (NSW)

Australia Post - Assessment of 24 Post Office

2000

Number Author

Godden Mackay Logan Pty Ltd

Inspected by

Guidelines used

N 0

y e s

References, internet links & images

Type Author Year Title Internet Links

Writt Apperly, Irving and 1989 A Pictorial Guide to Identifying Australian en Reynolds Architecture

Writt Australia Post Historical Orange Post Office History en Officer

Writt Bridges and McDonald 1988 James Barnet Colonial Architect en

Writt National Trust of Australia 1974 Classification Listing Card - Orange Post en (NSW) Office Group

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

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(Click on thumbnail for full size image and image details)

Data source

The information for this entry comes from the following source:

Name: Heritage Office

Database number:

5051505

File number: H00/00155

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Documents

Australia Post Orange