Planning to protect our city’s history

A Study recommending the addition of 19 new items to the 42-item long list of heritage items in Wollongong’s City Centre has been considered by Council last night, Monday 31 May 2021.

Council endorsed the draft Heritage Study for exhibition with the next step to send the draft Planning Proposal to the NSW Department of Planning, Industry and Environment for a Gateway Determination. The Determination would allow Council to place a draft planning proposal on public exhibition and comment for at least 42 days.

The development of the heritage study continues our focus on improving planning outcomes for the city centre. The study was a key recommendation from the Wollongong City Centre Urban Design Framework, which was adopted in last September.

Staff have, however, been working on items related to the study as part of a broader Wollongong-wide Heritage Review Project, Stage 1, which was finalised in April.

“Heritage is an important part of our city’s history and culture,’’ Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said.

“It’s essential we continue to find ways to acknowledge and reflect upon our past as we consider our city’s future. It’s also important we continue to review what is considered to be a historical item as perspectives of heritage shift and also as we learn more about our past.

“This study takes a precinct-based approach to items of heritage significance in the city centre and I am sure it’s something that will be of interest to many in our community.’’

The study identified gaps in the Heritage list related to Aboriginal Heritage, 20^th Century architecture, migrant heritage, archaeology and character buildings. The Study recommended listing an additional 19 items within the city centre boundary in the Heritage Schedule of the Wollongong Local Environmental Plan 2009 and heritage map.

These 19 items include the archaeological site of Wollongong Gaol in Cliff Road, Kawarra Chambers at 118-124 Crown Street, Wollongong, and Marlborough Court at Market Square.

“There are some fascinating buildings and sites within this list and I would encourage everyone to have a look at what is proposed to be included,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“The new sites help address some of those identified gaps in the Local Environmental Plan. This includes three new archaeological sites, two sites linked to our city’s migrant heritage and four buildings with eye-catching character facades.’’

The owners of the buildings listed in the study have been contacted, and will be provided the opportunity to provide Council with feedback on the proposal should the NSW State Government provide Gateway Determination.

“This is a step in a longer process and one that Council is focussed on providing our community with the opportunity to be involved in,’’ Cr Bradbery said.

“Should we receive Gateway Determination the next step would be to encourage community feedback through the Our Wollongong pages on Council’s website.’’