The City of Sydney has announced a new major restoration project to preserve some of the historic relics of Sydney Park.
From the early 19th century, brickworks were established in Sydney Park due to the presence of rich alluvial soil and clay beds ideal for pottery and brick making. Today, the brick kilns and chimneys are an important symbol of the area’s industrial heritage, which have unfortunately begun to deteriorate overtime.
Architects Tonkin Zulaikha Greer and landscape architects JMD Design have been engaged to create a concept design to restore the park’s brick kilns and chimneys and ensure their ongoing cultural significance.
Photograph by Paul Patterson (2017) courtesy of the City of Sydney.
Image:
Paul Patterson
The kiln precinct is located on the corner of Princes Highway and Sydney Park Road in Alexandra, where the majority of works will be focused. The surrounding area will be landscaped to create a more “welcoming” space, as per recent community feedback.
The concept design includes stabilizing the brick kilns and reinstating the roof structures, and raising parts of the lawn and plaza spaces to cater for small outdoor gatherings.
The heritage interpretation includes old railway tracks, the outline of the clay pit and footprints of demolished buildings to reveal the “untold history of brickmaking on the site”, the City of Sydney said.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore said council intended to retain the industrial character of the park while creating a place for communities to come together.
“The City is a leader in marrying historical structures and green space, such as at the wonderful Paddington Reservoir Gardens, and we’re ready to create another memorable space at Sydney Park,” said the Lord Mayor.
A community consultation period will run until 29 July, and locals are invited to provide feedback to council via the City of Sydney website.
Source: Architecture - architectureau
