NO RTH SYD N E Y COUN CI L R E POR T S · 2014. 5. 23. · Item LP03 Legal and Planning Committee 12/05/14 NO RTH SYD N E Y COUN CI L R E POR T S Report to General Manager Attachments:

Item LP03 Legal and Planning Committee 12/05/14

N O R T H S Y D N E Y C O U N C I L R E P O R T S

Report to General Manager Attachments:

1. Careening Cove history 2. HMAS Platypus Community Newsletter

SUBJECT: Careening Cove Precinct Plan - Progress Report AUTHOR: Emma Booth, Team Leader - Design ENDORSED BY: Stephen Beattie, Acting Director Planning and Development Services EXECUTIVE SUMMARY: On 18 February 2013, Council resolved (Min. No. 50): THAT Council undertake the research and planning study, and develop a Careening Cove Precinct Plan, in consultation with the Precinct Committee and the local community. Research into previous strategic planning, development approvals and resolutions, as well as an initial site analysis of Careening Cove has been undertaken. This report presents key findings of the review. The next stage is to consult with Milson Precinct Committee, the local community and other key stakeholders to develop a long term vision for the precinct and identify projects that enhance the character, activities and accessibility of the area. Opportunities to foster partnerships between various landowners will also be examined. This work is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014. Improved foreshore access and pedestrian linkages across the precinct would be a highly desirable outcome of the precinct plan. A detailed investigation is needed to identify viable projects that would link existing publicly accessible foreshore areas. This should include links to the former HMAS Platypus site that fronts Neutral Bay, which is currently being remediated and redeveloped by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust. Preparation of the precinct plan is scheduled to commence in early 2015. FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS: Nil RECOMMENDATION: 1. THAT the Careening Cove Precinct Plan - Progress Report be received. 2. THAT consultation with the Milson Precinct Committee and other key stakeholders

commences in the third quarter of 2014.

Report of Emma Booth, Team Leader - Design Re: Careening Cove Precinct Plan - Progress Report

(2) LINK TO DELIVERY PROGRAM The relationship with the Delivery Program is as follows: Direction: 1. Our Living Environment

Outcome:

1.5 Public open space, recreation facilities and services that meet community needs

Direction: 2. Our Built Environment

Outcome: 2.1 Infrastructure, assets and facilities that meet community needs 2.3 Vibrant, connected and well maintained streetscapes and villages that

build a sense of community BACKGROUND On 18 February 2013, Council resolved: THAT Council undertake the research and planning study, and develop a Careening Cove Precinct Plan, in consultation with the Precinct Committee and the local community. The planning study is to include: Research on previous studies, plans, development applications, and resolutions; Identification of current planning controls and limitations; Development of a vision and strategy for the precinct; and Development of a masterplan for the precinct, including links and partnerships between

key sites, improved access to the foreshore for residents, visitors, and users, and coordination of activities and uses.

The status of the project was reported to Council in G01 Report on Matters Outstanding from Council Resolutions - Item 6. This report, adopted by Council on 17 March 2014 states that:

The study is to commence in January 2014 with an approximate 9-12 month timeframe;

The timeframe is to be revised on project commencement; and The matter is set to be reported to Legal and Planning Committee on 12 May 2014.

CONSULTATION REQUIREMENTS Consultation with the Milson Precinct Committee and other local community members forms part of Council’s resolution to prepare the Careening Cove Precinct Plan. Community engagement will be undertaken in accordance with Council’s Community Engagement Protocol.


(3) SUSTAINABILITY STATEMENT

The following table provides a summary of the key sustainability implications: QBL Pillar Implications Environment Improved pedestrian and public transport access to Careening Cove

will reduce traffic congestion and parking demand on local streets. Social Potential to enhance the character, activities and amenity of the area

for local residents, businesses and visitors. Potential to improve access to and enjoyment of the public domain.

Economic Potential to support local businesses surrounding Careening Cove. Governance Opportunity to engage with the local community to developed a shared

vision and desired urban design outcomes for Careening Cove. DETAIL 1. The site Careening Cove is a small body of water on the northern side of Sydney Harbour. It is surrounded by the suburbs of Kirribilli and, to a minor extent, North Sydney. It is the smallest of five inlets between the Harbour Bridge and Bradleys Head, making a very intimate harbor-side setting. Careening Cove foreshores support a number of regionally significant recreational and cultural facilities, those being the Kirribilli Marina, Sydney Flying Squadron, Ensemble Theatre and Pattons Slipway. The 1 hectare Milson Park provides passive and active recreation opportunities for the local community, including a community garden which was established by Council with the support of the local community in 2009. Refer to Map 1 on the following page. Of particular historic significance to Sydney Harbour, Careening Cove has supported boatbuilding and maintenance operations since the 1820s. It is understood it is the location of the first sporting clubhouse on the North Shore. 2. The need for a precinct plan The preparation of a precinct plan for Careening Cove would enable:

greater engagement with the local community to develop a vision for the area and identify future projects and initiatives that may enhance people’s enjoyment and appreciation of the history of the Cove;

a forum to bring together the multiple stakeholders that currently offer the wide ranging activities around the waterfront to identify other issues and opportunities;

better use of Council-owned land; and the identification of projects that improve foreshore access, including links to the

former HMAS Platypus site, which may be funded in part through any available grants programs.


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Map 1: Key land uses surrounding Careening Cove

3. Progress on the planning study

Research into previous strategic planning, development approvals and resolutions, as well as an initial site analysis of Careening Cove has been undertaken. Key issues are discussed here.

3.1 Previous studies, plans, development applications and resolutions The Careening Cove Framework Plan was completed by the then NSW Maritime in 2006. The Plan supports the continued operation of the various foreshore activities and acknowledges the desirability of increased foreshore access, noting that the complex land ownership and number of jetties may be a constraint to achieving this. It also recommends the number of moorings be carefully managed to ensure safe navigational channels are maintained. Council is not aware of any actions that have been undertaken as a consequence of this plan. There are two significant projects being planned in and around the area. The first is the


(5) redevelopment of the Pattons Slipway site into a sailing academy facility that includes marina berths hardstand area and new boatshed. A development application is yet to be lodged with Council. The second project is the remediation and redevelopment of the former HMAS Platypus site that fronts Neutral Bay. This is discussed in Section 4.4. Previous Council resolutions concern public domain upgrades to Milson Park. The establishment of the community garden was completed in 2009. The installation of a rainwater tank and refurbishment of the toilets at Milson Park was completed in 2013. An upgrade to the stair access from Milson Park to High Street is scheduled for 2015/16 pending available funding. This upgrade is identified in both the Foreshore Parks & Reserves Plan of Management 2010 and the Foreshore Access Strategy 2007.

3.2 Site analysis

The initial site analysis has involved mapping:

Landform and view corridors; Pedestrian, cycle, public transport and vehicular access; Land ownership; Land uses and activities; and Heritage items and conservation areas.

This work will inform discussions with the community and other stakeholders. A key outcome of this analysis suggests improved foreshore access and pedestrian linkages across the precinct would be a highly desirable outcome of the precinct plan. 3.3 Historical research A brief section on the historical significance of Careening Cove to the Aboriginal community and European settlement has been co-written with Dr Ian Hoskins, Council’s Historian. This is included in Attachment 1, for information. 4. Next steps

4.1 Community consultation

The next stage is to consult with Milson Precinct Committee, local community and other key stakeholders. The Milson Precinct Committee has shown a keen interest in being involved in developing a long-term vision for the area and in the preparation of the precinct plan. They have offered to provide Council with a local perspective and thoughts and ideas that could be investigated. Meetings will be convened by the Strategic Planning section of Planning and Development Services, with the assistance of the Community Engagement Coordinator. This work is scheduled to begin in the third quarter of 2014.


(6) 4.2 Other stakeholders

Opportunities to foster partnerships between the various landowners and possibly deliver additional waterfront activities that better meet the needs of the local community and enhance Careening Cove will be examined. Again, this will involve a series of meetings convened by Strategic Planning. 4.3 Foreshore access and other links through the precinct As discussed in Section 3.2, improved foreshore access and pedestrian linkages across the precinct would be a highly desirable outcome of the precinct plan. A detailed investigation is needed to identify viable projects that would link existing publicly accessible foreshore areas. The outcome of this work could inform future applications for funding under State level initiatives such as the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program, if available. 4.4 HMAS Platypus It is worth noting the Milson Precinct has suggested Council examine the potential for a pedestrian link between the High Street Wharf and the former HMAS Platypus site that fronts Neutral Bay. The HMAS Platypus site was transferred to the Sydney Harbour Federation trust in 2005. The Harbour Trust has completed the remediation of the site, and is now commencing the partial demolition of the concrete wharf and replacement of windows in the three largest buildings. Advice released in December 2013 suggests the Harbour Trust will commence the long term planning for the site this year, pending funding (Attachment 2). Council will continue to participate on the Platypus Community Advisory Committee. Work on precinct plan is likely to inform Council’s input on this committee. The precinct plan should investigate links to the HMAS Platypus site. This would form a strong basis for any grant application to the Sharing Sydney Harbour Access Program. 4.5 Current planning controls Following the preparation of an agreed vision and desired outcomes for the precinct, a review of the existing planning controls will be undertaken. Any proposed changes to the planning controls will form part of the implementation strategy under the precinct plan. 4.6 Precinct plan The precinct plan will be a clear, easy to read and illustrated document that details:

A vision for Careening Cove; Site history; Planning context; Community expectations and ideas; Place analysis; Short to long term initiatives; and


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Implementation strategy including potential funding sources. 4.7 Work program Preparation of the precinct plan is scheduled to commence in early 2015. 5. Conclusion Careening Cove has long been an important area of recreation and cultural activity in North Sydney but no comprehensive vision for the area has been established. The preparation of a clear, strategic plan aimed at enhancing the character, activities and accessibility of the precinct, in close collaboration with the community and landowners, will contribute to North Sydney’s vitality whilst protecting the amenity of the surrounding residential community.

CAREENING COVE PRECINCT PLAN 1

HISTORY1.1 OVERVIEW 21.2 CHRONOLOGY 3

CAREENING COVE

NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL 2

Careening Cove, located on the northern side of the Sydney Harbour, is the smallest of five similar inlets between the Harbour Bridge and Bradley’s Head. Its name is derived from the previous use of the foreshore there to careen, or scrape clean, the hulls of ships.

The Aboriginal name for Careening Cove was Wia Wia, or Wéyé Wéyé. It has had at least two other European names: Rainbow Cove, was a reference to the HMS Rainbow that was careened in the cove in the 1820s. The creek that flowed into the cove was then called Rainbow Creek. A third name, Slaughter House Bay, was derived from the wooden structure known as the ’The Slaughter House’ at the bottom of Willoughby Street.

From the mid-19th century the bay was surrounded by large estates. These included Edward Lord’s ‘Rockville’, William Montcastle’s, ‘Glenburn’, and I.Hudson’s ‘Ulls-water”.On the southern shore was “Wia Wia” the home and gardens of John Milson.

From 1888, when James Wrixton built a boatshed at the bottom of Willoughby Street, Careening Cove became a major site of boatbuilding and repair and sailmaking.

1 SITE HISTORY

Around 1890, the estuarine wetland area around the cove was reclaimed as a park. This occurred in response to concerns about the polluted mudflats and the need for parkland. First known as Kirribilli Park, this area was renamed Milson Park. The park is designed in the Federation style with a single row of trees lining the boundaries, a central roundel with small monuments surrounded by 35m high Cotton Palms and with mature trees such as Moreton Bay Fig, Holly Oak, Lace Bark and Brushbox along the northern boundary. The park has undergone several upgrades and now has a children’s playarea, a com-munity garden, picnic benches and tables as well as an amenities block.

The main heritage value of the area lies in the con-tinuation of boat repair, building and racing and the significance of Milson Park with its Federation style design and plantings.

1.1 OVERVIEW

BELOWNorth Shore Rowing Club c.1890


EARLY COLONIAL

Careening Cove was part of the traditional land of the Cammeraygal people. The name Wia Wia, first record-ed by James Larmer in the 1830s and therefore long after the original clan groupings had been disrupted through dispossession, may have been their name for the place. The Cammeraygal almost certainly used the cove’s resources of fresh water and shellfish.

PRE COLONIAL1.2 CHRONOLOGY

1820s There is little information about the use of the area before the 1820s. Then Careening Cove still had tidal flats, a sheltered position and deep water frontages which made it an ideal site for cleaning and caulking – ‘careening’ – the hulls of wooden ships. The HMS Rainbow which famously ‘discovered’ rivers on the far north coast of New South Wales under Captain Rous was careened there, this is when the name Ca-reening Cove started being regularly used.Southern shore is part of the John Milson 50 acre grant. The allotments were sold or leased for the purpose of whale fishery, hence Whaling Road, but there is no evidence that whale fishery was actually taken up.

1828 James Milson quarried stone as ballast for vessels he careened at his ‘heaving down’ site at Careening Cove. The creek and springs in this quarry provided fresh water for himself and his shipping cus-tomers.

1829 Carabella Cottage, designed by architect Mr. Thomas Haines, of Parramatta is built on the southern side of the mouth of Careening Cove using lime mortar made from shells gathered in Careening Cove. This cottage was demolished in 1936 and the site is now occupied by the Royal Sydney Yacht Squadron.

1830s James Milson builds a house on the southern shore extending from Willoughby Street to the water’s edge and named it ‘WiaWia’ after the aboriginal name for Careening Cove.

1830 - 1831 The Surveyor-General at the time, Major Mitchell, is instructed to make a distribution of the ground between Careening Cove and Neutral Harbour, and Great Sirius and Little Sirius coves for whaling establishments.

BELOWProposed reclamation of Careening Cove 1878

NORTH SYDNEY COUNCIL 4

VICTORIAN1868 A group of Aboriginal people gather at the cove to perform a corroboree for the benefit the vis-iting Prince Alfred. They reportedly used local wood to fashion boomerangs. North Sydney’s first historian, and a long time resident, GVF Mann referred to the group as ‘the original inhabitants of the country’ but it is unclear whether that term referred to their origins in North Sydney.

1879 The North Shore Rowing Club was established on the on the western side of Careening Cove at the bottom of Willoughby Street.

1880s Concerns expressed at ‘unsantiary condition ‘of cove from run-off and the deposit of harbour pollu-tion

1888 Wrixton’s Boatyard is built on reclaimed land at end of Willoughby Street.

1890 The open channel concentrated the storm water and flooded Milson Park. The Water and Sew-erage Board then built a circular storm water channel from the lower end of the municipal channel into Ca-reening Cove. Around this time, the mud flats around the cove were reclaimed as park which is now known as Milson Park.

BELOWH Younger’s boatyard c.1907Warren, Fisher and Prichard Bros c.1920Map of St Leonards 1887


FEDERATION TO WWII POST-WAREarly 1900s Henry Younger operates a boatyard (Patton’s Slipways Site) until the early 1950s. The buildings on the site date from the 1920s. Patton’s purchases the slipway site in the late 1950s.

1903 The North Shore Rowing Club erects a new clubhouse on a block of land they obtained at the head of careening Cove.

1911 George Sandeman operates marine engineer-ing buisness which possibly becomes Stewart San-deman Ltd shipwrights and marine engineers by the 1920s

1912 Kirribilli Park, is renamed Milson Park and a central monument installed to dedicate the park to A G Milson, mayor from 1909-1913. 1920 ED Pike's timberyard established.

1920s J Hayes and Sons boatbuilders operating from Bradly Avenue

1937 North Shore Rowing Club relocates to the quieter calmer waters of the Lane Cove River in 1933.

1939-45 Hayes and Sons contracted to build small auxilliary service craft.

1958 Sydney Flying Squadron begins occupation of former rowing club premises

1950s Patton’s Slipway Pty Ltd established at 62 Wil-loughby Street, A&W Engineering adn Ship Repair Co Pty Ltd operating.

1960 The ensemble theatre moves into boatshed next to Patton’s and becomes Sydney's first harbour-side theatre.

2007 The playground in Milson Park is upgraded.

2009 A community garden is established.

BELOWLooking west c.1920Aerial view c.1970s

The Platypus Site - October 2012

Platypus Remediation ProjectCommunity Newsletter

Edition 10

Future Plans for Platypus

With the remediation project coming to a close, more detailed planning will shortly commence on the future use of the Platypus Site. Progress with the planning and implementation of the project will be dependent on Federal government funding.

The Harbour Trust plans to hold an Open Day after the completion of the wharf demolition and window replacement works. The purpose of the Open Day will be to provide the community with an opportunity to view the completed works to date and to discuss future Site planning.

For further information on the project, please go to www.harbourtrust.gov.au click on the ‘Visit’ tab and select Platypus, Neutral Bay.

Welcome to the tenth edition of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust’s newsletter on the remediation of the Platypus Site, Neutral Bay.

The Harbour Trust is pleased to advise the community that the excavation and treatment of the gasworks contaminated material at the Platypus Site is now completed.

The remaining permanent infrastructure works are underway and are planned for completion in the first quarter of 2014.

Also in early 2014, the Harbour Trust will commence the demolition of the ends of the concrete wharf and the window replacement works. These works are planned to be completed by May 2014.

Artist’s impression of the completed Platypus Site showing parks, the shortened wharf, the walkway to Kesterton Park and a revitalised commercial site.

PLATYPUS PROJECT REMEDIATION ELEMENTS

PRELIMINARY PROJECT WORKS

Asbestos removal and lead paint treatment

Building demolition works

Substation installation

Wharf repairs

SITE REMEDIATION WORKS

Thiess site establishment

Seawall cleaning and repointing

Installation of emission control system

Jet grout wall behind seawall

Erection of odour control enclosure

Community Open Day

Excavation and treatment of contaminated fill

Proof of performance trial

Tar and tarry waste removal

Treatment of remaining fill material

Permanent Infrastructure Works

Wharf Demolition and Window Works - May 2014

Permanent infrastructure works Thiess Services has completed the gasworks treatment works at Platypus and are now concentrating on the permanent infrastructure works. These new works include: a stormwater collection system; a seepage water collection system; in-ground services to the roadways; concrete walls to form landscaping areas; and new pavements and slabs.

Thiess are making steady progress and expect to complete their works in the first quarter of 2014.

For any queries about these works please call Thiess’ Community Relations Manager, Catherine Fletcher on 1800 009 414.

Wharf demolition and window replacement worksIn early 2014, the Harbour Trust will commence the partial demolition of the concrete wharf. The works include the removal of the last 40 metres of wharf structure at the Anderson Park end of the wharf and the last 60 metres at the Kesterton Park end.

Also in early 2014, the Harbour Trust will commence the replacement of windows to the sawtooth roofs in the three largest buildings remaining on the Site. The windows have an asbestos rope seal which needs to be removed. All removal works will be monitored by an independant occupational hygienist.

Both the wharf and window works are planned to be completed by May 2014.

Aerial view of the Platypus Site showing the odour control enclosure and emission control system. These temporary structures will be dismantled and removed from the Site in the coming months.

Documents

NO RTH SYD N E Y COUN CI L R E POR T S · 2014. 5. 23. · Item LP03 Legal and Planning Committee 12/05/14 NO RTH SYD N E Y COUN CI L R E POR T S Report to General Manager Attachments: