Parramatta Fire Station - Church Street, Parramatta, NSW

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About the project
Key Details
  • About The Project

    In 2007, the Parramatta Fire Station (originally constructed in 1938) underwent significant changes because of a residential tower being constructed directly on top of it. The residential tower literally rises out of the two-story building with major columns founded within the footprint of the heritage building. The construction of the tower required a massive transfer beam above the heritage building to take the weight of the 30- odd floors above. Heritage 21’s involvement in the project spanned the entire spectrum from the initial planning stages, concepts and involvement in the approval [pathway though to actual construction (checking on protective measures for the heritage item and onto final certification including public artwork. Heritage 21 undertook photographic archival recording and an interpretation strategy which is currently displayed in the foyer of the residential tower building. During construction, Heritage 21 undertook periodic inspections to ensure that all remaining heritage fabric was properly and effectively protected.

  • What was done

    A high-rise residential tower was constructed immediately behind and partially over the original 1938 Fire Station Building on Church Street in Parramatta. Heritage 21 worked closely with the client (Estate Constructions of Australia) and the design team including Think Planning. Throughout all stages of the project, Heritage 21 was involved in a detailed level ranging from meetings with Parramatta Council, the DA lodgement, the tender process, and the physical construction on site. In particular, Heritage 21 was directly involved with the interpretation panel in the foyer of the building and the public art project on the panel outside the building.

  • Time frame

    3 years

Services provided
  • Management of the public art and interpretation
  • Statement of Heritage Impact
  • On-site Heritage Architect
  • Engagement with the design team
  • Temporary Protection Plan
  • Concept development
  • DA documentation (heritage reports)
  • Approval pathway – negotiation with Council
  • Heritage Interpretation strategy
Why was the work undertaken?

The 1938 Fire Station was in a dilapidated state prior to its conservation under Heritage 21 guidance. By council granting permission for the residential high rise building behind the Fire Station, an opportunity was provided for the conservation of the Heritage listed building. This public / private exchange allowed for the reactivation of the derelict building along with supplementary interpretation and public engagement with it.

Who was the work completed for?

Estate Constructions of Australia

Outcome

The outcome of this project was to reactivate the derelict and moribund fire station which had been in a poor state of disrepair when the Fire station was decommissioned. The ground floor of the building was turned into retail tenancies and the upper floor of the Fire Station was converted into flats. In this manner a new lease of life was acquired for the building with ample interpretation to provide a good understanding of its historical antecedent to residents and visitors.

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What our clients
& partners say:

“'I have had some involvement with Heritage 21 in working through the design and documentation currently taking place at the Exchange Hotel in Balmain, and have appreciated the ability to provide recommendation on potential design outcomes that are able to be supported as consistent with heritage requirements' ”

Liam Corr
Registered Architect

“It has also been a pleasure working with Paul and your team on this project. To be honest, I had not done heritage projects before and it was only through Paul and your team’s guidance that allowed me to complete this project at a high standard. I am now confident in doing heritage projects like this and I look forward to the next project that we can work on together. Again, thank Paul and Divya patience and professional advice throughout the process. ”

Eddie Lam
Builder

“Really appreciate the help in responding the RFIs. I acknowledge all the work that was required and that you put into that report. Maddocks said you made their job easy! ”

Max Symonds
Development Manager - Metro Property Development

“Just as client-side project manager for Honey Insurance, I would to let you know that it has been a very positive experience and appreciate your quick responses and quality of work from you and your organisation thus far. ”

Nick Maric
Project Management

“I just wanted to share the good news that Canterbury-Bankstown Council has decided to withdraw the development control order issued to our client. The report you prepared was pivotal in this decision by the Council. Many thanks to you, Paul and the team for your work on this. ”

Anna Lindeman-Jones
Senior Associate - Addisons

“I'd like to thank Paul and Lauren for their dedication, persistence and well thought through support and substantiation of the design merits of our development proposal; it is no easy feat to have a new building approved in a heritage conservation area, and particularly adjacent to heritage items. ”

Tim McLachlan
Development Manager

“I consider that we have a well prepared case that has been cogently articulated by Paul and Michael. It is a fraught experience for us, however we do appreciate the input from top professionals such as Paul ”

Richard Mann
Registered Architect

“Hi team at Heritage 21 I just wanted to say thanks for all your hard work on Mosman and being so responsive etc. One of our team recommended you and I have been very happy with the service provided. ”

Di Jones
Principal - Linked Project Management

“We would also like to take a quick moment to thank you all for your contribution to the project and we will update you on any developments as necessary”

Jose Serrao
Registered Architect

“Dear Heritage 21 team, I am please to advise that all the work prepared by your team has satisfied council’s contentions. We definitely know who to come to next time for heritage matters. ”

Andres Caceres
Level 33

“Thank you for all your work preparing this Statement of Heritage. I sat down yesterday and had a good read cover to cover, and felt very appreciative of your level of research and detailed consideration of our requirements.”

Veechi
Varuna', Katoomba

“Just wanted to let you know, Council agreed with us in our application to reinstate the front facade! I am so excited. I wanted to thank you for all your help in getting this across the line. ”

Jane Frawley

“It has been a pleasure to work with you and your team as well!”

Georgia
Holding Redlich

“Dear Heritage 21 team - This is an excellent result, thank you for all your work.”

Sevda Cemil
Midson

“Sites with heritage values present great opportunities, however often can be easily derailed if clear, concise and timely advice is not provide at the earliest stages of site planning. I have worked with Heritage 21 over numerous projects across Sydney and have found them to be valuable project partners in the development process. ”

Vince Hardy
Urban Planning Consultant, Cityscapeplanning+projects

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