Sydney Observatory - 1003 Upper Fort St, Millers Point, Sydney, NSW

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About the project
Key Details
  • About The Project

    Sydney Observatory is one of the most significant sites in the nation’s scientific history. It was first constructed in 1858. Little has changed on Observatory Hill since Sydney Observatory first opened its doors 158 years ago, back in 1858. For most of its history, the western part of this sandstone building functioned as a research observatory, while the eastern rooms served as the residence of the government astronomer and his immediate family. Recently, Heritage 21 has been consulting on paint removal and re painting systems to deal with the existence of toxic lead paint and calcimine on the internal and external walls.

  • What was done

    Over a period at least 6 months, Heritage 21 inspected the Observatory Building and the Settlers Cottage. These two buildings form part of the Observatory Campus. It was noticed that there is extensive ingress of moisture into the walls of both buildings which in turn has caused the paint to delaminate. Heritage 21 wrote up a specification for remedial action to remove the paint and repaint with an appropriate painting system.

  • Time frame

    6 Months

Services provided
  • Client Liaison
  • Technical specification
  • Minutes of meeting
  • Heritage Reports
  • Lodgement of applications to OEH (Department of Planning & Industry)
Why was the work undertaken?

It was Heritage 21 that pointed out MAAS (Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences) that there were problems with the paint on the walls in terms of toxicity and delamination. On this basis, Heritage 21 drew up specifications for the paint removal and the reapplication of a new painting system capable of dealing with the ambient conditions on site.

Who was the work completed for?

Museum of Applied Arts and Sciences

Outcome

As we write, the work is in progress. However, the main issue is the problems have been identified and a remedial system has been set in place.

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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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