Historical Archaeological Assessment - SMDA - NSW Government

AECOM
Historical Archaeological Assessment - The Grange - North Eveleigh Affordable
Housing Project, Wilson Street, Darlington, NSW
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It is recommended that the excavation works in the footpath and Wilson Street be monitored, by a suitably
qualified archaeologist who meets the Heritage Council’s Excavation Director Criteria, in order to determine
whether archaeological relics are present in order to enable future management of the area. The recommended
Conditions of Consent issued by the Heritage Council require a Research Design and Archaeological Excavation
Methodology be prepared in advance of the monitoring works. It is recommended these documents be prepared
and submitted to the Heritage Council.
Cistern
It is anticipated that the cistern will be able to remain within the embankment and the area filled to protect the
item. The placement of the retaining walls and services will need to be reviewed to minimise impact on the cistern.
The following recommendations are made regarding the cistern and its burial:
Archival recording of cistern, following non-invasive vegetation clearance;
Stabilisation of the structure to enable retention in situ and burial;
Stabilisation works are to follow Burra Charter (Australia ICOMOS, 1999) principals and utilise the
maintenance standards and materials recommended by the Heritage Branch, Office of Environment and
Heritage, available at http://www.heritage.nsw.gov.au/03_index.htm#M-O
Consider whether cistern needs to be filled prior to burial, if filled, material must be clean sand or similar
with plaque containing the date of the works. A structural assessment may be required to inform this
consideration;
No heavy duty compaction equipment to be used within five metres that may damage the cistern;
Once buried, no plantings of trees or shrubs within five metres of the cistern, no trees or shrubs with
aggressive root systems to be planted within 10 metres of the cistern; and
Site to be added to, and managed through, the Conservation Management Plan, Archaeological Zoning
Plan and/or appropriate other heritage document for the Eveleigh Railway Yards.
It is also proposed that this assessment be considered by the NSW Heritage Council as notification of
identification of a relic, being the cistern and the potential associated archaeological relics, deposits and/or
features, as required by Section 146 of the Heritage Act.
24 July 2012