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MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
1
1. Please provide a description of the current proposal as well as alternative design options that were considered in the
development of this proposal, including, but not limited to:
a) A description of the impacts on the proposal and any alternatives on the relevant Commonwealth Heritage values to the site:
Assessment of impacts to Commonwealth Heritage values of the Former Defence Site – Georges Heights and Middle Head
CRITERION ASSESSMENT AGAINST CRITERIA ASSESSMENT AGAINST VALUES MITIGATION MEASURES
(a) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s
natural or cultural history;
The proposed adaptation of the
former Ten Terminal (School of
Military Engineering) to provide a
residential care facility will cause no
adverse impacts on the natural and
cultural landscapes of the place. The
effects on the actual Ten Terminal
buildings and spaces will have minor
impacts on the overall ability of the
former Defence site to record and
interpret the different phases of
military use and occupation in
response to Australia’s changing
defence needs over time.
The proposal will not affect the
natural and evolving cultural and
landscape qualities of Middle Head
and Georges Heights and will
maintain potential for the function
as a natural vantage point north of
Middle head Road. The proposed
alterations and additions to Ten
Terminal will have minimal effect on
the ability to comprehend the
military and naval use over 150
years through the retained elements
of the former Middle Head barracks
complex and will have no effect on
other elements cited: the Drill hall
in 8th Brigade HQ, former ASOPA
precinct; or Golf Club House.
Whilst ongoing use of the site
for defence purposes is not
possible, the retention of key
building elements visible to the
public as well as the austere
aesthetic approach of the
original design being respected
in the treatment of the new
additions will assist in the
retention of evidence of the
site’s long history of use by
defence.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
2
(b) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s possession
of uncommon, rare or endangered
aspects of Australia’s natural or cultural
history;
Ten Terminal precinct does not
possess uncommon, rare or
endangered aspects of Australia’s
natural or cultural history,
particularly in comparison to other
elements of the place such as;
remnant natural vegetation on the
headlands, the Gunners barracks
and the former Submarine Miners’
Depot at Chowder Bay that come
into the category of “demonstrating
functions or designs of exceptional
interest,” These values of the
Former Defence Site – Georges
Heights and Middle Head are not
significantly impacted by the
impacts of the proposed action.
Ten Terminal precinct is not
identified as an item within the area
that is assessed as rare. The
proposed works will have no impact
on the examples of rarity cited: the
remnant natural vegetation ...
considered one of the finest harbour
foreshore parks in the world; the
Submarine Miners Barracks and
Workshops of 1890-93 at Chowder
Bay; the former Military Hospital
erected towards the end of the First
World War; the three c.1930 roofed
fuel storage tanks which were the
first example of large scale
camouflage in Australia; and HMAS
Penguin as a purpose built naval
training and hospitalisation complex
Not required.
(c) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s potential to
yield information that will contribute to
an understanding of Australia’s natural
or cultural history;
The significance assessment for the
Former Defence Site – Georges
Heights and Middle Head makes
scant reference to the contribution
of Ten Terminal precinct. Therefore
there will be a partial but not
significant impact on the ability of
the built forms and fabric of Ten
Terminal precinct to contribute to
understanding of the wider
evolution of the place and the range
of military activities and usage.
Retention of key elements
The Ten Terminal precinct makes a
very limited contribution to: a wider
understanding of the historical
context, design, construction and
operation of military barracks,
defence housing, fortifications, gun
batteries and defensive works in
Australia from 1870 to the post war
years of the twentieth century.
The buildings are not “purpose built”
but typical of barracks and
workshops of the mid twentieth
century as can be seen by the
sequence of occupancies for a range
The retention of key building
elements visible to the public
exhibiting the austere aesthetic
approach of the original design,
which will be respected in the
treatment of the new additions
retaining evidence of the site’s
long history of use by defence
combined with high quality
interpretive presentations
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
3
presenting to the public domain,
combined with archival recording
and an effective interpretation
programme will enable the
significance of Ten Terminal precinct
to be understood and
appreciated.
of military and other uses.
There would be minimal loss of the
collective research potential of the
suite of buildings representing
phases of development to show the
evolution of military use and
occupation of the area.
(d) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in demonstrating the principal
characteristics of;
(iii) a class of Australia’s natural or
cultural places; or
(iv) a class of Australia’s natural or
cultural environments;
The impacts of the proposed
adaptation and alterations retain the
ability to continue to demonstrate
the principal characteristics of a
military training establishment of
the World War 2 period within the
wider context of the various
Military installations of different
phases of the use and occupation of
the site, many of which have higher
significance ratings than Ten
Terminal precinct.
The proposed action has minimal
bearing on the natural vegetation at
the former Defence site.
The proposal will alter to a degree
one of the places that represents:
all of the built fabric and associated
cultural landscapes from the earliest
European defence related use of the
site up to the post-war years of the
twentieth century. However, Ten
terminal precinct is not an item that
has: ability to demonstrate technical
innovation in the early use of
concrete and the principal
characteristics and operation of
military barracks, drill halls, defence
housing, fortifications, gun batteries
and defensive technology and policy
in Australia and the architectural
styles employed by (NSW) Colonial
architects from 1870 and
Commonwealth architects from
1901. The architectural style is
unexceptional and the materials
used are conventional for the period
of construction. Therefore the
precinct makes an extremely limited
The retention of key building
elements visible to the public
exhibiting the austere aesthetic
approach of the original design,
which will be respected in the
treatment of the new additions
retaining evidence of the site’s
long history of use by defence.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
4
contribution to understanding the
characteristic values of the suite of
military developments in Middle
Head and Georges Heights...
(e) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in exhibiting particular aesthetic
characteristics valued by a community
or cultural group;
The Ten Terminal precinct buildings,
being utilitarian in character, do
not demonstrate any particular
aesthetic characteristics and
therefore do not make a
significant contribution to the
overall aesthetic values of the
Middle Head and Georges Heights
former Defence lands. The new
structures to be inserted into the
precinct will be complementary,
respecting the modest style of the
original buildings. Together with the
proposed landscaping, the
adaptation and alteration of Ten
Terminal to provide a residential
care facility will result in unassertive
changes that will not diminish the
aesthetic values of the existing
landscape of the headland.
The proposed alteration and
addition to ten terminal Precinct will
have no effect on the natural and
scenic values as a significant part of
Sydney Harbour's foreshore, and as
a relatively natural vantage point
and landmark in an otherwise highly
urbanised environment.
The proposal creates new
amenity with a reduced
footprint of the area of the
works, the landscaped space
provided between the buildings
providing public amenities and
interpretive venues as well as
connectivity across the
headland.
Improved vantage points for
views to the Harbour and a
public pathway will be provided
through the subtle landform
moulding to create a radiant
shield from the bush land in the
National Park.
The retention of the most
publicly visible single storey
components: the presentation
of Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle
Head Road; and the
presentation of the south wing
of Building 3 will maintain the
relationship of built form to the
enhanced open space of the
headland and retain views
across the site. The second
story addition to the middle
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
5
part of the main building will
increase the size of the existing
buildings. However the
additions have been kept to a
height underneath the existing
ridgeline of building 7. In
addition the retention of the
green tile hipped roof and the
set back of the 2 storey
addition from the northern side
of building 1 and the southern
side of building 3 will limit
visibility of the upper level from
Middle Head Road and the
Harbour.
(f) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in demonstrating a high degree of
creative or technical achievement at a
particular period;
There are several items and
precincts at the Former Defence
Site – Georges Heights and Middle
Head that meet this criterion
identified in the Commonwealth
Heritage listing for the site. Ten
Terminal is not one of these, which
is borne out by the significance
assessment undertaken for this
proposal. It was found that because
the former Ten Terminal precinct is
not significant with regard to this
criterion the proposed changes
would not diminish the overall
values of the former Defence lands.
The Commonwealth heritage values
specifically refer to: individual sites
and complexes within the relict
cultural landscape areas are
important for their ability to
demonstrate technical innovation in
the early use of concrete
The proposed development does not
affect any remnant of the area that
demonstrates technical
achievement.
Not required
(g) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s strong or
special association with a particular
The proposed use of the Ten
Terminal precinct and consequent
physical changes is confined to the
The proposed development will not
impair the: contribution to the
Sydney Harbour foreshores and
The retention of public open
space (and enhanced public
amenity) around the Ten
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
6
community or cultural group for social,
cultural or spiritual reasons;
immediate environs. The project will
include some landscape
improvements to publically
accessible spaces, thus enhancing
the value of the area to the
community. The decision to confine
the project to the south side of
Middle Head Road also creates
potential for increasing public
access therefore maintaining and
enhancing the value of the headland
to the community.
contains places, which are highly
valued by the community or the
associations of the headlands: with
recreational use, which began in the
nineteenth century and for their
symbolic associations as part of the
setting of Sydney Harbour and the
Sydney Heads.
Terminal site (which has never
previously been open to the
public) along with the exclusion
of the AA Battery Barracks
from the facility enabling the
SHFT to open up that area for
improved public access will be
positive outcomes for
recreational use by the
community.
(h) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s special
association with the life of works of a
person, or group of persons, of
importance in Australia’s natural or
cultural history;
The associations with notable
persons such as James Barnet, Lt
Colonel J Gordon, General Sir
William Jervois RE and Lt Colonel
Peter Scratchley do not extend to
the Ten Terminal precinct.
The proposed development would
have no effect on the associations
with the historic figures cited: Lt
Colonel J Gordon; ; Colonial
Architect James Barnet; General Sir
William Jervois RE and; Lt Colonel
Peter Scratchley
The interpretation facilities will
provide a much more effective
venue for explaining the roles
of these important historical
identities.
(i) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
as part of indigenous tradition.
The Plan of Management for the
former Defence lands at Middle
Head and Georges Heights was
informed by the “Archaeological
Survey of Sydney Harbour
Federation Trust Land at Middle
Head, Georges Heights and
Chowder Bay, Mosman”, NSW by
Australian Museum Business
services, June 2013, which did not
locate any indigenous sites on the
land occupied by Ten Terminal
precinct.
As yet, the AHC has not identified,
documented or assessed these
values.
Not applicable
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
7
Assessment of impacts to Commonwealth Heritage Values of Ten Terminal Regiment Headquarters and AusAid Training Centre
CRITERION ASSESSMENT AGAINST CRITERIA ASSESSMENT AGAINST VALUES MITIGATION MEASURES
(a) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s
natural or cultural history;
The assessment by Godden
Mackay Logan, which has been
adopted by the Sydney Harbour
Federation Trust’s
Comprehensive Plan 2003 is
“some” significance, which is
equivalent to the term “moderate’
significance applied in the
assessment for the Heritage
Impact Statement accompanying
the proposal. The proposed
adaptation of the former School of
Military Engineering to provide a
residential care facility will require
substantial physical changes to the
fabric, form and interiors of some
building elements of the precinct.
The proposed development has
been designed to maintain the
external envelope and appearance
of the most publicly visible
components: the presentation of
Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle Head
Road; and the presentation of the
south wing of Building 3 to the
publicly accessible land to the
south and east and to Sydney
Harbour National Park. The ground
floor brick appearance of the east
and west wings of Building 3 and
of Building 6 will be re-interpreted
The proposal will remove the rear
store annex to the
workshops/garage, building 6, and
building 2 (boiler room) and the
former east and west accommodation
wings of building 3. These buildings
do not demonstrate any specialised
functions associated with the military
units housed there at various times,
other than typical military
accommodation of the mid twentieth
century, a boiler room and a
store/workshop.
The proposed development will have
no impact on the values of the former
AusAid Training centre which has
previously been adapted to new uses.
Through the arrangement of the
buildings, a clear sense of the fabric,
form and landscape setting of the
buildings, including courtyard spaces
and connecting links will be retained
Whilst ongoing use of the site for
defence purposes is not possible, the
retention of key building elements
The headquarters building 1
will retain the ability to
interpret its former
administrative uses and the
south wing of building 3 will
retain examples of the mid
twentieth century
accommodation and the
lounge area. These buildings
present to the most publicly
accessible spaces along
Middle Head Road and to the
south side of the precinct.
The general form and
materiality of building 7,
Motor Transport and Garage
as well as the openings
adapted with glazed infills to
interpret its former functions.
Through the arrangement of
the buildings, a clear sense of
the fabric, form and
landscape setting of the
buildings, including courtyard
spaces and connecting links
will be retained
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
8
in the new construction and
retained in Building 7. Retention of
the central space within the new
central wings in the area of
Building 3 also retains a record of
the formal arrangement, although
modified by the wider building
footprints, the scale imparted by
the addition of an upper storey
and the introduction of
landscaping.
The setting of Ten Terminal
precinct will continue to provide
opportunities to understand the
former activities on the site
through presentation of the
retained forms of: Building 1 with
its simple uncluttered forecourt
and relationship to Middle Head
Road; Building 7; and the south
wing of Building 3 with open
outlook to the grassy open space
to the south, bush land of Sydney
Harbour National Park and the
Harbour. Importantly, the space
between the buildings from Middle
Head Road through to the open
area to the south will be made
publicly accessible retaining the
north – south vista.
visible to the public as well as the
austere aesthetic approach of the
original design being respected in the
treatment of the new additions will
assist in the retention of evidence of
the site’s long history of use by
defence including its use during the
Cold War and the Vietnam War
The site of the former AA Battery
arracks 1, 2 and 3 is no longer part
of the site for the proposal.
The primary means of
mitigating any diminution of
the ability to understand the
values of Ten Terminal are:
• A detailed archival record
in the form of drawings
and photography in
accordance with the
guidelines of the NSW
Heritage Branch.
• Interpretive displays of a
high standard as
described in the
interpretation strategy
following this section of
the response.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
9
It is considered that sufficient
form, fabric and layout of the
former Ten Terminal Engineering
School is retained to enable an
understanding of the former use
and occupancy of the buildings and
site for military training purposes
consistent with the level of
significance adopted by the
Sydney Harbour Federation Trust’s
Comprehensive master Plan and
the findings of the heritage impact
statement for the subject proposal.
(b) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s possession
of uncommon, rare or endangered
aspects of Australia’s natural or cultural
history;
While Ten Terminal may be one of
only three military establishments
of the same period built for similar
Military Engineering training
functions in NSW, it is considered
that such a narrow classification is
too restrictive. It is appropriate to
compare Ten Terminal with other
military establishments of a similar
period, i.e.: the late 1930s and
1940s. In this broader context the
characteristics of the Ten Terminal
buildings cannot be considered
uncommon or rare when
compared, for instance, with the
School of Artillery buildings at
North Head, which exhibit superior
formal building arrangements and
detailing and craftsmanship in
The commonwealth values identify
the AusAid Centre buildings as
important examples of basic army
weatherboard barracks buildings of
the 1930s-1940s wartime period.
No reference is made to Ten
Terminal.
The proposed works at Ten Terminal
will have no impact on the AusAid
precinct
None required.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
10
brickwork.
It is the specific training activities
conducted at the place that
contribute to any evaluation of
“rarity” more than the physical
attributes of the fabric and spaces
of the buildings. On these grounds,
the level of rarity is relative and
could not be considered
exceptional.
As a result (and acknowledging
that future use for activities
equivalent to the original and early
military uses are highly unlikely),
it is appropriate to adapt, or
change or, in some cases, replace
buildings to accommodate a
different use as long as sufficient
physical evidence is retained to
enable an understanding of the
historical and associational values
of the place. In this regard it is
important to distinguish and retain
those elements of the Ten
Terminal complex that would best
assist in understanding and
interpretation.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
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(c) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s potential to
yield information that will contribute to
an understanding of Australia’s natural
or cultural history;
The measures taken to retain the
more significant and/or publicly
visible elements in the proposed
adaptation of the former Ten
Terminal precinct demonstrate that
the ability of the place to
“contribute to an understanding
of Australia’s ... cultural history”
will be addressed.
Sufficient form and fabric of the
more publicly perceived elements
of Ten Terminal will be retained,
particularly within an appropriately
understated landscape setting to
the north and south sides that is
reflective of the minimalist
landscape approach typically taken
at military establishments.
This criterion is not assigned
Commonwealth heritage values.
None required.
(d) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in demonstrating the principal
characteristics of;
(iii) a class of Australia’s natural or
cultural places; or
(iv) a class of Australia’s natural or
cultural environments;
The measures discussed in
assessing the impacts of the
proposed adaptation in terms of
criterion (c) also apply to the
ability to continue to demonstrate
the principal characteristics of a
military training establishment of
the World War 2 period.
The values state; the AusAid Centre
buildings reflect the way that these
structures have been able to be
adapted for a wide variety of uses
over the decades.
No reference is made to Ten Terminal.
The proposed works at Ten Terminal
will have no impact on the AusAid
None required.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
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precinct
(e) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in exhibiting particular aesthetic
characteristics valued by a community
or cultural group;
The significance of the
architectural design of the
buildings lies in its unexceptional
and conventional qualities that
typify some military
establishments of the World War 2
period. To the extent that there
are any features of aesthetic
interest these are confined to the
modelling and detailing of the
brickwork of the projecting bay of
the central main entrance to
Building 1, which is retained.
The project retains other building
elements of Ten Terminal precinct
to enable an understanding of the
austere aesthetic design approach.
The values state: AusAid area is a
cohesive, closely sited enclave of
similarly styled and clad buildings,
within an area of garden beds and
lawns creating a restful atmosphere.
Consequently it has notable aesthetic
qualities.
No reference is made to Ten
Terminal.
The proposed works at Ten Terminal
will have no impact on the AusAid
precinct
None required.
(f) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
in demonstrating a high degree of
creative or technical achievement at a
particular period;
The significance assessment found
that the former Ten Terminal
precinct is not significant with
regard to this criterion.
Nevertheless, the proposed new
works employ conventional
building construction materials and
methods consistent with the
unexceptional technical qualities of
the existing buildings, which are
considered to be an appropriately
This criterion is not assigned
Commonwealth heritage values.
None required.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
13
low key approach.
(g) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s strong or
special association with a particular
community or cultural group for social,
cultural or spiritual reasons;
The association of the facilities of
Ten Terminal with training of
military engineers ceased in the
late 1940s giving way for relatively
brief periods to the School of
pacific Administration (1947 – 51),
12th Lines of Communication (1946
– c1947), III Light Anti-Aircraft
Battery (1953 – 1957), ! Terminal
Group, later renamed Ten Terminal
Group (1967 – 1998). It can be
seen that the building complex
was considered to be an asset that
could be adapted to the changing
needs of the Australian Army over
time. The associations of persons
with its original functions would
have diminished considerably over
the more than six decades that
have passed.
The proposed adaptation and
alteration of Ten Terminal precinct
for residential care accommodation
has been designed to retain
sufficient physical evidence,
together with archival recording
and an interpretation programme,
to provide an understanding of the
previous use as a military training
establishment and the specific
The values state: the area,
overlooking the harbour, has social
significance for the Sydney
community as well as for former and
current service personnel.
The decision to confine the proposal
to the south side of Middle Head
Road creates potential for these
values to be enhanced by creation of
more landscaped public space and
vantage points to view towards
Middle Harbour.
Aged care facilities are an important
and growing part of society. For an
aged care facility to share outdoor
spaces with the public in this way
provides a unique opportunity to
keep the elderly residents engaged
with the community around them,
and introduce to these members of
the community, the heritage values
of Middle Head and Georges Heights
as well as and the former Ten
Terminal.
The augmentation of public
open space (and enhanced
public amenity) around the
Ten Terminal site (which has
never previously been open to
the public) along with the
exclusion of the AA Battery
Barracks from the facility
enables the SHFT to open up
that area for improved public
access, which will be positive
outcomes for recreational use
by the community.
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
14
nature of the training undertaken
with particular reference to the
importance to Australia’s
development of armed forces in
World War 2.
(h) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s special
association with the life of works of a
person, or group of persons, of
importance in Australia’s natural or
cultural history;
The brief association of the then
Colonel John R Kerr during the
occupation of Ten will be
incorporated into the interpretive
programme.
The physical fabric of Ten Terminal
does not provide a means of
understanding the associations of
John Kerr, James Macauley or
Brigadier Alf Conlon.
The interpretation facilities
will provide a much more
effective venue for explaining
the roles of these important
historical people.
(i) The place has significant heritage
value because of the place’s importance
as part of indigenous tradition.
The majority of the proposed new
work is confined to the existing
building footprints or paved areas
immediately adjacent to existing
buildings, where a considerable
amount of disturbance to the land
has previously occurred. It is
unlikely that evidence of the
occupation and use of the land by
indigenous people will be
encountered. Landscape works are
proposed partly outside the areas
of significant disturbance generally
to shallow depths.
This criterion is not assigned
Commonwealth heritage values.
None required.
1. Alternative design options considered:
The project was amended from the original proposal to respond to a variety of matters.
A summary of the previous proposal:
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT
15
• Residential Aged Care Facility comprising 93 individual rooms with en-suite.
• Adaptive reuse of the Ten Terminal complex (including addition of second above the middle part of building 3) on the southern side of Middle
Head Road and rebuild of the 3 AA Battery Barracks buildings on the northern side of Middle Head Road, including underground parking area
The main results of the amendments from the previous proposal to the current proposal were:
• a restriction of the development/site to the Ten Terminal Complex only, at the south side of Middle Head Road;
• a reduction in the number of rooms from 93 to 86;
• the exclusion of the AA Battery Barracks from the project creating the opportunity for the Trust to use this land/buildings in other ways;
• the area between the garages (buildings 6 and 7) and the other Ten Terminal buildings to become open public space;
• the retention of a number of trees previously identified for removal both around the 3 AA Battery buildings and on the western side of the Ten
Terminal complex;
• more efficient facility operations;
• a reduction in height of the building by the reduction in the pitch to the new roofs.
Plans comparing the existing buildings, the original proposal and the amended proposal are attached.
From the original proposal there was adjustment of the positioning of the parts of the proposed building that sit generally in the locations of the east and
west wings of the Ten Terminal site (after excluding the Barracks). This enabled the retention of some of the larger trees on the west side of the
complex and a more efficient use of space. As a result, in the new proposal it was no longer possible to retain some of the walls of Building 3 that were
retained in the original proposal. Only the partially retained east wall of the east wing of Building 3 would have been visible from outside the complex.
The other partially retained wall faced into the central courtyard.
Building 6 will also now be demolished and rebuilt new structure with a slightly larger footprint will replace it... Importantly, the most publicly visible
components: the presentation of Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle Head Road; and the presentation of the south wing of Building 3 to the publicly accessible
land to the south and east and to Sydney Harbour National Park will be retained
Whilst the loss of the portions of original fabric of Building 3, previously retained, will have an additional impact on the heritage values, that impact will
be minimal as the retained walls would have not been obvious to the public and will be replaced by new walls utilising similar materials and architectural
features. The loss of building 6 will have a minor impact on heritage values as it has been assessed as only having moderate level of significance and
will be replaced by a new building again utilising similar materials and architectural features.
This minor increase in impact is balanced against the significant positive benefits to be obtained, as a result of the change. The Sydney Harbour
Federation Trust will be able to create opportunities for improved public access and enhancement of the park like setting on the north side of Middle
Head Road. In addition the area between the main Ten Terminal group of buildings and the former transport depot (buildings 6 and 7) will also be
publicly accessible for community use in the current proposal compared to being fenced off as it is at present and in the original proposal. This new
landscaped public amenity will provide barbecue facilities, seating, places to linger and interpretive items to aid in public understanding of the historical
significance of the area and its natural and cultural attributes in pleasant surroundings.
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The result of these modifications to reduce impacts on Commonwealth heritage values is as follows:
• The retention of the most publicly visible components: the presentation of Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle Head Road; and the presentation of the
south wing of Building 3 along with the removal of the AA Battery Barracks from the proposal will minimise the impact of views to the site
(criterion E)
• The second story addition to the middle part of the main building will increase the size of the existing buildings, however the additions have been
kept to a height underneath the existing ridgeline of building 7, again minimising the impact of views to the site (criterion E).
• Confining the residential care campus to Ten Terminal precinct south of Middle Head Road making the former AA Battery Barracks precinct
available for the Trust to provide enhanced public access and retention of existing trees on the north side of Middle Head Road. Confining the
proposal to one side of Middle Head Road will further remove any confusion about the access between the 2 sites. In addition the area between
buildings 6 and 7 and the rest of the Ten Terminal buildings will be public open space. These changes will ensure continued recreational access
to and use of community areas, natural areas and foreshores (criterion G).
Avoidance and mitigation measures, that were considered but not implemented:
• Whilst the loss of the portions of original fabric of Building 3, previously retained, will have an additional impact on the heritage values, that
impact will be minimal as the retained walls would have not been obvious to the public and will be replaced by new walls utilising similar
materials and architectural features. Without having to retain these walls has enabled concentration of the project on the south side of Middle
Head Road freeing the AA Barracks site on the north for more public open space and movement of the building to the east and the retention of
the largest of the trees on the west side of Building 3 by setting the new building away from the critical root zone and canopy.
• The loss of the previously retained external walls of building 6 will have a minor impact on heritage values as it has been assessed as only
having moderate level of significance and will be replaced by a new building again utilising similar materials and architectural features. Both of these changes will enable more efficient facility operation and are offset by the confinement of the development to the southern side of Middle
Head Road and the opening up of public space between the garages and the other Ten Terminal buildings.
b) A description of measures proposed for each alternative design to retain the fabric/buildings/original layout, in order to preserve
the Commonwealth Heritage values of the sites (avoidance measures):
The overall form of Building 1, including the green tile hipped roof and substantially unaltered north, east and west elevations presenting to Middle Head
Road will be retained. (Values identified against Criteria A, D and E)
The overall form of Building 7, including a green tile hipped roof and brick walls with glazed infills, replacing the roller shutter doors and new windows
presenting to Middle Head Road will be retained. (Values identified against Criteria D and E)
The overall form, external fabric and doors and (with minimal alteration of windows) of the south wing of Building 3 as presenting to the publicly
accessible areas to the south, east and south west and in Sydney Harbour National Park will be retained. (Values identified against Criteria A, D and E)
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The south terrace will be increased in size and raised to floor level in a manner sympathetic to the building. Removal of the existing intrusive pergola is
an improvement. (Values identified against Criterion G)
Retention of the central common room and fireplace in the south wing of Building 3 will retain the spatial qualities of this space, which is extended
northwards, through the new construction of the link section. (Values identified against Criterion A)
Maintaining a central open space, reflecting the open courtyard between the existing east and west wings of Building 3. (Values identified against
Criterion A)
The existing timber windows in the south wing of Building 3 and in Building 1 will be restored. (Values identified against Criterion D)
OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES EXPLORED BUT NOT ADOPTED
During the design process a number of options/alternatives were explore and either abandoned or changed as result of the collaboration between the
architects and the heritage architect, such as;
• The upper level glazed link from the back of building 1 to Building 7 and the new structures to the south originally had a south facing balcony.
This was deleted in favour of a small full height glazed lounge area to create a simpler more transparent structure;Early plans to change floor
levels in the retained buildings were put aside and ramps have been able to connect for disabled access throughout;
• Single large dormers within the roof form of Building 7 were changed to smaller individual skillion dormers of more conventional dimensions;
• The decision to not retain the east external wall of the east wing and the east courtyard facing wall of the e west wing of Building 3 as remnant
fabric was seen as a minor loss compared with the ability to move the accommodation wings slightly to the east to preserve an existing large
and valuable tree;
• The earlier plan to use salvaged or similar green roof tiles on the new upper storey was set aside in favour of lower pitched roofs possible using
metal sheet material to mediate the scale.
• The main entry to Building 1 facing Middle Head Road has been retained. Moving the main entry to the eastern end of Building 1 was
considered.
• A 2-storey addition over building 1 and over the southern portion of building 3 was considered. The second story addition over the Ten Terminal
buildings has been set back from the northern side of building 1 and the southern side of building 3.
• Placement of accommodation above the area between the garages buildings and the main Ten Terminal building was considered.
c) A description of measures to sympathetically incorporate new additions in terms of building materials, scale and mass to the original
buildings in order to preserve the Commonwealth Heritage values of the sites (mitigation measures):
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The austere aesthetic approach of the original design is respected in the treatment of the new additions. The building envelope will employ a
combination of conventional construction of brickwork and lightweight clad upper wall and low pitched roofs with simple openings. The original green
tiles will be re-laid over new sarking on all retained roof planes of Buildings 1, 7 and Building 3 south wing facing out to the public view with salvaged
tiles used where possible on linking roof planes over single storey elements. The consistency of green tile pitched roof planes against the bush land
backdrop of the rising land to the west is a notable feature of the existing buildings when viewed from the National Parks and Wildlife Service buildings
to the east of the site. This quality will be partially maintained in the new works.
Adoption of the existing main entrance as the main entrance to the complex provides glimpses through to the central open space, which importantly
reflects the original building layout. Glimpses to the national park and the harbour will also be available from the central open space through the
common area within the south wing of Building 3 including the retained lounge area.
d) A discussion of the likely effectiveness of the avoidance and mitigation measures proposed in reducing the impact to Commonwealth
Heritage values, and
The external envelope elements of higher significance presenting to the public domain in Middle Head Road, the area to the north of Middle Head Road
and the open publicly accessible areas to the south, east and south west will retain the hipped tile roof forms, brick walls and fenestration patterns that
demonstrate the former utilitarian “military” character of Ten Terminal.
The new works have been designed to minimise the apparent bulk and scale through the modelling of roof forms and to complement the traditional
construction and materials of the retained significant building elements keeping the height of the new two storey sections lower than the existing ridge
line of Building 7. In this way the overall complex will moderate the effect of the additional storey with the retention of single storey structures making a
transition in scale to the public interface. The architects have deliberately avoided assertive architectural forms and stylistic devices taking a
conservative approach to the modelling of new building elements and selection of materials.
It has been possible to retain a sense of some existing internal spaces and fabric in some locations:
• The existing common room at the centre of the south wing of Building 3 will become a lounge area retaining the existing brick fireplace and
views out to the Sydney Harbour National Park. The spaces at the east wing of Building 1 will be substantially retained as a library and quiet
room.
• It is proposed that the partitioning for the administration spaces in Building 1 will be designed using timber panelling and glass to reflect the
character of the existing timber and glass partitions.
e) An explanation as to why the final proposal was chosen
The design process has been subject to a high degree of consultation between Boffa Robertson, the architects for the project and the heritage architects,
CCG Architects. The collaboration was very productive in terms of finding design solutions that balance the special needs of residential care
accommodation and retention of heritage values of the former Ten Terminal precinct. There have also been several meetings with staff of Sydney
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Harbour Federation Trust as the design has evolved. These meetings have been valuable in providing guidelines for the design and feedback to identify
issues for further consideration and development. There was also a 28 day public consultation period for the original proposal. The current design
responds to issues raised during the public consultation process.
MAIN OUTCOMES
The important outcomes of the collaborative processes that resulted in the final proposal being chosen are as follows:
• Concentration of the facility on the south side of Middle Head Road.
• The area between buildings 6 and 7 and the rest of the Ten Terminal buildings will be public open space.
• The additional upper floor level is set well back behind Building 1 and set well back behind the south wing of Building 3 to minimise visibility over
the retained ridge lines.
• Maintaining the existing central entry in Building 1 as the main formal entrance to the facility.
• The transparency and simplicity of the design of the link between Building 1 and Buildings 7 and new building on the site of Building 6 as well as
provision of a public thoroughfare.
• Maintaining a simple open landscape setting to the front of Building 1.
• Creation of a lightly framed transparent design for the glazed canopy over the main entry at Building 1.
• Detailed design resolution to enable interpretation of bricked up original windows, recessing the brick infill from the face of the original masonry
wall sufficient to create a shadow effect.
• Selection of complementary materials and finishes for new elements
• Following the community consultation process, confining the residential care campus to Ten Terminal precinct south of Middle Head Road making
the former AA Battery Barracks precinct available for the Trust to provide enhanced public access and retention of existing trees on the north
side of Middle Head Road. Confining the proposal to one side of Middle Head Road will further remove any confusion about the access between
the 2 sites.
• Retention of the largest of the trees on the west side of Building 3 by setting the new building away from the critical root zone and canopy.
2. Details of any proposed comprehensive archival recording, including methods of recording, storage and public access
The existing structures and site plan of the former Ten Terminal will be archivally recorded in accordance with the guidelines published by the
NSW Heritage Council. Recording will be undertaken in two ways:
• Measured drawings based on the drawings currently held by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust updated by check measuring to record the
present state of the buildings in the Ten Terminal precinct and the existing site arrangements. The drawings will comprise floor plans, elevations
of each building element and roof plans.
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• Archival photographic record in digital format undertaken by a photographer with specialized experience in compiling archival records in
accordance with the guidelines established by the NSW Heritage Council. The archival photographic record will include a brief historic
background, description of the equipment and techniques employed, catalogue of all images cross referenced to location plans.
The archival record will be lodged where it can be made publicly available in consultation with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
3. Details of any proposed heritage interpretation activities through the provision of a heritage interpretation strategy
• A detailed interpretation strategy will be prepared by the project heritage consultants. The strategy will set the guidelines for preparation of
an interpretation plan and design and production of the interpretive facilities which will be prepared by designers and curatorial experts
experienced in the field An outline of the interpretive approach is set out below:Statement of objectives of the interpretation strategy,
primarily to inform people about important aspect of the natural and cultural history of Ten Terminal in the context of its location within the
wider area of the Middle Head landform;
• Identify audience for the interpretive facilities
• Further description of the two nominated locations: the west wall of the entry foyer in Building 1 and the linear space between Buildings 1 &
3 and building 7 and the replacement of Building 6;
• Exploration of interpretive themes, e.g.:
o Entry foyer location – Wartime life; roles and functions of military units that have occupied Ten Terminal; evolution of the building
complex; short biographies of notable occupants associated with Ten Terminal; accounts of interesting events or personalities
associated with Ten Terminal (the soldier’s experiences). The over-arching theme will be to focus on people and activities as well as
the buildings themselves.
o Public open space – Timeline of Middle Head as an experiential venue moving through the space: from its natural formation, through
indigenous occupation to the early colony, to military and defence – initially in the nineteenth century and then in response to twentieth
century conflicts (WW1, WW2, Korean War, Vietnam War), to the role and achievements of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.
These themes may be illustrated in the open air by objects, creative interpretive devices of artistic merit and limited text.
• Guidelines for interpretive content – to be appropriate for the identified audiences (concise information and presentation to capture and hold
interest);
• Guidelines for interpretive design quality of a high standard to be delivered by persons skilled in delivering content in a stimulating and
creative way.
4. Please provide information about the fire-retardant structure proposed including its location on a map, the design including the
materials and an assessment of the visual impact of the fire-retardant structure on the aesthetic quality of the environment
Design including materials
MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014
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The radiant-heat barrier solution will not read as a structure but as a subtle remodelling of the landform at the interface between the bush land edge and
public open space and car park. The shallow regrading of the continuous low mound as perceived form the public open space will continue to read as
lawn surface. The gravel pathway on top will utilise materials that blend into the environment. The low planting on the steeper embankment facing
towards the National Park will provide a suitable transition. At the edge of the existing car park the embankment will replace an unsightly truck was bay
and concrete paved area which will be a considerable contribution towards reinstating a more natural environment.
Assessment of visual impact on the aesthetic quality of the environment
Ground levels in the area to the south of building 3 and buildings 6 and 7 currently slope away down to vegetation beyond the boundary (weed infested
native bushland) of around 5 metres height. The remodeling will effectively flatten part of the existing sloping lawn area and the lookouts will provide
some views from an area which currently has none.
The remodeling to the east of the complex will run along the edge of the carpark. From a small section of the car park the view may be impeded,
however, the view from the pathway itself will be enhanced from views that are currently available. Public amenity and accessibility around the car park
will also be significantly improved as there is currently no path in some parts forcing pedestrians to walk through the carpark itself.
The landscape remodelling including the radiant-heat barrier solution is sympathetic to the scenic qualities of Middle Head and Georges heights and
provides new public vantage points. The design responds well to the values identified against Criteria A – Processes, C – Characteristic values, E
Aesthetic characteristics and G – Social value.
5. Please include a comparison of the public site access before and after construction and discuss the impacts of the proposal on
public open space, the social characteristics of the site and the cultural values of the site.
The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust managed land at Middle Head is a former defence site. This part of Middle Head is a commercial precinct within a
parkland setting. There are currently 23 private business operators leasing offices and buildings from the SHFT at Middle Head representing a wide
variety of industries.
The 10 Terminal building is currently fenced off from the public will become more accessible than ever before. A drawing has been prepared to compare
publicly accessible parts of the site prior to and following the development. The original proposal included the redevelopment of the site currently
occupied by the barracks, however as this is now not part of the amended scheme, an opportunity exists for this part of the precinct to be made publicly
accessible further enhancing public amenity.
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Public access is an important part of the proposal. The scheme maintains public access from Middle Head Road to the lawn areas south of building 3,
creating community spaces including seating and BBQ facilities. This is made possible by incorporating an aerial link between the western building group
and the ‘garages’.
Aged care facilities are an important and growing part of society. For an aged care facility to share its outdoor spaces with the public in this way
provides a unique opportunity to keep the elderly residents engaged with the community around them, whilst in the tranquil surrounds of the parkland.
The need for aged care is large. According to the 2011 census, Mosman alone has 27,453 residents of which >1,500 are aged 80 years old or over. The
generally accepted principal is that the number of people aged 80 years old or over in Australia will double over the next 20 years. Measured against the
Commonwealth Government Benchmark for aged care places there is a current shortfall of approximately 350 aged care beds in Mosman and North
Sydney which is forecast to rise to 417 beds by 2017. Except for this proposal there are currently no additional beds planned for the area.
18.06.14Amended Drawing - Prelim. IssueA
A
DateNo. Amendment
JK
Project
DrawingAREA COMPARISON
1:1000
JUN 2014Date
Scale
Amendment
Drawn
Job No. : Drawing
1139 / DA110
Suite 7, Level 1 Epica, 9 Railway StreetChatswood NSW 2067AUSTRALIATel. (02) 9406 7000Fax. (02) 9406 7099Email : [email protected]
C This document, information and design concepts shown in it are copyright toBoffa Robertson Group. Any inconsistencies between drawn information andcurrent Codes and Standards are to be notified immediately.
COVE AT MIDDLE HEADNEW RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY
Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600
Drawing Number 0011Issue Date 01.07.2014no
rth
Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership
The public open space includes the design of an earth berm (raised bank) that is landscaped with native grasses, groundcovers and low shrubs. There will be a public pathway running along the top of the berm with 3 lookout points provided. Each lookout position allows for vantage points for the public to viewcertain aspects of the harbour previously obstructed.
Along the edge of each of the 3 lookouts there will be a sandstone edge detail that will provide a naturalistic edge designed to compliment the existing headland geology. This edge treatment will also provide informal edge seating for users to rest. The design of these spaces provide suitable widening to allow for a comfortable and safe passing between users.
A native climber (Cissus sp.) will further assist to blend the berms embankment into the existing native landscape and further assist in berm stabilisation.
PRECINCT 4 - Public Open Space
Precinct 4 - Publ ic Open Space Proposals Summary and Site Photos
KEY PLANLANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN
1
2
2
3
4
5
Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600
Drawing Number 0012Issue Date 01.07.2014no
rth
Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership
Ear th Berm Treatment Design SECTIONS
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 1
SCALE 1:200 @ A3
The berm to the east of the complex will run along the edge of the carpark. From a small section of the car park the view will be impeded, however, the view from the pathway itself will be enhanced from what is currently available.
Public amenity and accessibility around the car park will also be significantly improved as there is currently no path in some parts.
KEY PLAN
Enhancement of potential vantage points to both the south and east
Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600
Drawing Number 0013Issue Date 01.07.2014no
rth
Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership
Ear th Berm Treatment Design SECTIONS
SCALE 1:200 @ A3
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 2Whilst the view from a small section of the carpark will be impeded, this will be more than offset by the significantly improved public amenity and views from the path and lookouts. Further the landscaping including native grasses, low shrubs and native climber will be sympathetic to the current natural environment.
KEY PLAN
Possible edge and berm planting treatments
Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600
Drawing Number 0014Issue Date 01.07.2014no
rth
Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership
Ear th Berm Treatment Design SECTIONS
SCALE 1:200 @ A3
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 3
KEY PLAN
Sydney Lookout Designs
Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600
Drawing Number 0015Issue Date 01.07.2014no
rth
Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership
Ear th Berm Treatment Design SECTIONS
SCALE 1:200 @ A3
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 4Ground levels in the area to the south of building 3 and buildings 6 and 7 currently slope away down to vegetation (weed infested native bushland).
The berm will effectively flatten parts of the southern grounds to the berm and lookouts that will provide some views from an area which currently has none.
KEY PLAN
Georges Heights Lookout - Sydney
Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600
Drawing Number 0016Issue Date 01.07.2014no
rth
Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership
Ear th Berm Treatment Design SECTIONS
SCALE 1:200 @ A3
PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 5Earth Berm is to be constructed from imported clean fill from metropolitan excavations otherwise destined for landfill with native grasses, groundcovers and low shrubs
KEY PLAN