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MIDDLE HEAD HEALTHCARE PTY LTD – PROPOSAL FOR AGED CARE FACILITY JULY 1, 2014

RESPONSE TO THE DEPARTMENT OF THE ENVIRONMENT

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1. Please provide a description of the current proposal as well as alternative design options that were considered in the

development of this proposal, including, but not limited to:

a) A description of the impacts on the proposal and any alternatives on the relevant Commonwealth Heritage values to the site:

Assessment of impacts to Commonwealth Heritage values of the Former Defence Site – Georges Heights and Middle Head

CRITERION ASSESSMENT AGAINST CRITERIA ASSESSMENT AGAINST VALUES MITIGATION MEASURES

(a) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s importance

in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s

natural or cultural history;

The proposed adaptation of the

former Ten Terminal (School of

Military Engineering) to provide a

residential care facility will cause no

adverse impacts on the natural and

cultural landscapes of the place. The

effects on the actual Ten Terminal

buildings and spaces will have minor

impacts on the overall ability of the

former Defence site to record and

interpret the different phases of

military use and occupation in

response to Australia’s changing

defence needs over time.

The proposal will not affect the

natural and evolving cultural and

landscape qualities of Middle Head

and Georges Heights and will

maintain potential for the function

as a natural vantage point north of

Middle head Road. The proposed

alterations and additions to Ten

Terminal will have minimal effect on

the ability to comprehend the

military and naval use over 150

years through the retained elements

of the former Middle Head barracks

complex and will have no effect on

other elements cited: the Drill hall

in 8th Brigade HQ, former ASOPA

precinct; or Golf Club House.

Whilst ongoing use of the site

for defence purposes is not

possible, the retention of key

building elements visible to the

public as well as the austere

aesthetic approach of the

original design being respected

in the treatment of the new

additions will assist in the

retention of evidence of the

site’s long history of use by

defence.



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(b) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s possession

of uncommon, rare or endangered

aspects of Australia’s natural or cultural

history;

Ten Terminal precinct does not

possess uncommon, rare or

endangered aspects of Australia’s

natural or cultural history,

particularly in comparison to other

elements of the place such as;

remnant natural vegetation on the

headlands, the Gunners barracks

and the former Submarine Miners’

Depot at Chowder Bay that come

into the category of “demonstrating

functions or designs of exceptional

interest,” These values of the

Former Defence Site – Georges

Heights and Middle Head are not

significantly impacted by the

impacts of the proposed action.

Ten Terminal precinct is not

identified as an item within the area

that is assessed as rare. The

proposed works will have no impact

on the examples of rarity cited: the

remnant natural vegetation ...

considered one of the finest harbour

foreshore parks in the world; the

Submarine Miners Barracks and

Workshops of 1890-93 at Chowder

Bay; the former Military Hospital

erected towards the end of the First

World War; the three c.1930 roofed

fuel storage tanks which were the

first example of large scale

camouflage in Australia; and HMAS

Penguin as a purpose built naval

training and hospitalisation complex

Not required.

(c) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s potential to

yield information that will contribute to

an understanding of Australia’s natural

or cultural history;

The significance assessment for the

Former Defence Site – Georges

Heights and Middle Head makes

scant reference to the contribution

of Ten Terminal precinct. Therefore

there will be a partial but not

significant impact on the ability of

the built forms and fabric of Ten

Terminal precinct to contribute to

understanding of the wider

evolution of the place and the range

of military activities and usage.

Retention of key elements

The Ten Terminal precinct makes a

very limited contribution to: a wider

understanding of the historical

context, design, construction and

operation of military barracks,

defence housing, fortifications, gun

batteries and defensive works in

Australia from 1870 to the post war

years of the twentieth century.

The buildings are not “purpose built”

but typical of barracks and

workshops of the mid twentieth

century as can be seen by the

sequence of occupancies for a range

The retention of key building

elements visible to the public

exhibiting the austere aesthetic

approach of the original design,

which will be respected in the

treatment of the new additions

retaining evidence of the site’s

long history of use by defence

combined with high quality

interpretive presentations



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presenting to the public domain,

combined with archival recording

and an effective interpretation

programme will enable the

significance of Ten Terminal precinct

to be understood and

appreciated.

of military and other uses.

There would be minimal loss of the

collective research potential of the

suite of buildings representing

phases of development to show the

evolution of military use and

occupation of the area.

(d) The place has significant heritage


in demonstrating the principal

characteristics of;

(iii) a class of Australia’s natural or

cultural places; or

(iv) a class of Australia’s natural or

cultural environments;

The impacts of the proposed

adaptation and alterations retain the

ability to continue to demonstrate

the principal characteristics of a

military training establishment of

the World War 2 period within the

wider context of the various

Military installations of different

phases of the use and occupation of

the site, many of which have higher

significance ratings than Ten

Terminal precinct.

The proposed action has minimal

bearing on the natural vegetation at

the former Defence site.

The proposal will alter to a degree

one of the places that represents:

all of the built fabric and associated

cultural landscapes from the earliest

European defence related use of the

site up to the post-war years of the

twentieth century. However, Ten

terminal precinct is not an item that

has: ability to demonstrate technical

innovation in the early use of

concrete and the principal

characteristics and operation of

military barracks, drill halls, defence

housing, fortifications, gun batteries

and defensive technology and policy

in Australia and the architectural

styles employed by (NSW) Colonial

architects from 1870 and

Commonwealth architects from

1901. The architectural style is

unexceptional and the materials

used are conventional for the period

of construction. Therefore the

precinct makes an extremely limited

The retention of key building

elements visible to the public

exhibiting the austere aesthetic

approach of the original design,

which will be respected in the

treatment of the new additions

retaining evidence of the site’s

long history of use by defence.



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contribution to understanding the

characteristic values of the suite of

military developments in Middle

Head and Georges Heights...

(e) The place has significant heritage


in exhibiting particular aesthetic

characteristics valued by a community

or cultural group;

The Ten Terminal precinct buildings,

being utilitarian in character, do

not demonstrate any particular

aesthetic characteristics and

therefore do not make a

significant contribution to the

overall aesthetic values of the

Middle Head and Georges Heights

former Defence lands. The new

structures to be inserted into the

precinct will be complementary,

respecting the modest style of the

original buildings. Together with the

proposed landscaping, the

adaptation and alteration of Ten

Terminal to provide a residential

care facility will result in unassertive

changes that will not diminish the

aesthetic values of the existing

landscape of the headland.

The proposed alteration and

addition to ten terminal Precinct will

have no effect on the natural and

scenic values as a significant part of

Sydney Harbour's foreshore, and as

a relatively natural vantage point

and landmark in an otherwise highly

urbanised environment.

The proposal creates new

amenity with a reduced

footprint of the area of the

works, the landscaped space

provided between the buildings

providing public amenities and

interpretive venues as well as

connectivity across the

headland.

Improved vantage points for

views to the Harbour and a

public pathway will be provided

through the subtle landform

moulding to create a radiant

shield from the bush land in the

National Park.

The retention of the most

publicly visible single storey

components: the presentation

of Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle

Head Road; and the

presentation of the south wing

of Building 3 will maintain the

relationship of built form to the

enhanced open space of the

headland and retain views

across the site. The second

story addition to the middle



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part of the main building will

increase the size of the existing

buildings. However the

additions have been kept to a

height underneath the existing

ridgeline of building 7. In

addition the retention of the

green tile hipped roof and the

set back of the 2 storey

addition from the northern side

of building 1 and the southern

side of building 3 will limit

visibility of the upper level from

Middle Head Road and the

Harbour.

(f) The place has significant heritage


in demonstrating a high degree of

creative or technical achievement at a

particular period;

There are several items and

precincts at the Former Defence

Site – Georges Heights and Middle

Head that meet this criterion

identified in the Commonwealth

Heritage listing for the site. Ten

Terminal is not one of these, which

is borne out by the significance

assessment undertaken for this

proposal. It was found that because

the former Ten Terminal precinct is

not significant with regard to this

criterion the proposed changes

would not diminish the overall

values of the former Defence lands.

The Commonwealth heritage values

specifically refer to: individual sites

and complexes within the relict

cultural landscape areas are

important for their ability to

demonstrate technical innovation in

the early use of concrete

The proposed development does not

affect any remnant of the area that

demonstrates technical

achievement.

Not required

(g) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s strong or

special association with a particular

The proposed use of the Ten

Terminal precinct and consequent

physical changes is confined to the

The proposed development will not

impair the: contribution to the

Sydney Harbour foreshores and

The retention of public open

space (and enhanced public

amenity) around the Ten



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community or cultural group for social,

cultural or spiritual reasons;

immediate environs. The project will

include some landscape

improvements to publically

accessible spaces, thus enhancing

the value of the area to the

community. The decision to confine

the project to the south side of

Middle Head Road also creates

potential for increasing public

access therefore maintaining and

enhancing the value of the headland

to the community.

contains places, which are highly

valued by the community or the

associations of the headlands: with

recreational use, which began in the

nineteenth century and for their

symbolic associations as part of the

setting of Sydney Harbour and the

Sydney Heads.

Terminal site (which has never

previously been open to the

public) along with the exclusion

of the AA Battery Barracks

from the facility enabling the

SHFT to open up that area for

improved public access will be

positive outcomes for

recreational use by the

community.

(h) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s special

association with the life of works of a

person, or group of persons, of

importance in Australia’s natural or

cultural history;

The associations with notable

persons such as James Barnet, Lt

Colonel J Gordon, General Sir

William Jervois RE and Lt Colonel

Peter Scratchley do not extend to

the Ten Terminal precinct.

The proposed development would

have no effect on the associations

with the historic figures cited: Lt

Colonel J Gordon; ; Colonial

Architect James Barnet; General Sir

William Jervois RE and; Lt Colonel

Peter Scratchley

The interpretation facilities will

provide a much more effective

venue for explaining the roles

of these important historical

identities.

(i) The place has significant heritage


as part of indigenous tradition.

The Plan of Management for the

former Defence lands at Middle

Head and Georges Heights was

informed by the “Archaeological

Survey of Sydney Harbour

Federation Trust Land at Middle

Head, Georges Heights and

Chowder Bay, Mosman”, NSW by

Australian Museum Business

services, June 2013, which did not

locate any indigenous sites on the

land occupied by Ten Terminal

precinct.

As yet, the AHC has not identified,

documented or assessed these

values.

Not applicable



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Assessment of impacts to Commonwealth Heritage Values of Ten Terminal Regiment Headquarters and AusAid Training Centre

CRITERION ASSESSMENT AGAINST CRITERIA ASSESSMENT AGAINST VALUES MITIGATION MEASURES

(a) The place has significant heritage


in the course, or pattern, of Australia’s

natural or cultural history;

The assessment by Godden

Mackay Logan, which has been

adopted by the Sydney Harbour

Federation Trust’s

Comprehensive Plan 2003 is

“some” significance, which is

equivalent to the term “moderate’

significance applied in the

assessment for the Heritage

Impact Statement accompanying

the proposal. The proposed

adaptation of the former School of

Military Engineering to provide a

residential care facility will require

substantial physical changes to the

fabric, form and interiors of some

building elements of the precinct.

The proposed development has

been designed to maintain the

external envelope and appearance

of the most publicly visible

components: the presentation of

Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle Head

Road; and the presentation of the

south wing of Building 3 to the

publicly accessible land to the

south and east and to Sydney

Harbour National Park. The ground

floor brick appearance of the east

and west wings of Building 3 and

of Building 6 will be re-interpreted

The proposal will remove the rear

store annex to the

workshops/garage, building 6, and

building 2 (boiler room) and the

former east and west accommodation

wings of building 3. These buildings

do not demonstrate any specialised

functions associated with the military

units housed there at various times,

other than typical military

accommodation of the mid twentieth

century, a boiler room and a

store/workshop.

The proposed development will have

no impact on the values of the former

AusAid Training centre which has

previously been adapted to new uses.

Through the arrangement of the

buildings, a clear sense of the fabric,

form and landscape setting of the

buildings, including courtyard spaces

and connecting links will be retained

Whilst ongoing use of the site for

defence purposes is not possible, the

retention of key building elements

The headquarters building 1

will retain the ability to

interpret its former

administrative uses and the

south wing of building 3 will

retain examples of the mid

twentieth century

accommodation and the

lounge area. These buildings

present to the most publicly

accessible spaces along

Middle Head Road and to the

south side of the precinct.

The general form and

materiality of building 7,

Motor Transport and Garage

as well as the openings

adapted with glazed infills to

interpret its former functions.

Through the arrangement of

the buildings, a clear sense of

the fabric, form and

landscape setting of the

buildings, including courtyard

spaces and connecting links

will be retained



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in the new construction and

retained in Building 7. Retention of

the central space within the new

central wings in the area of

Building 3 also retains a record of

the formal arrangement, although

modified by the wider building

footprints, the scale imparted by

the addition of an upper storey

and the introduction of

landscaping.

The setting of Ten Terminal

precinct will continue to provide

opportunities to understand the

former activities on the site

through presentation of the

retained forms of: Building 1 with

its simple uncluttered forecourt

and relationship to Middle Head

Road; Building 7; and the south

wing of Building 3 with open

outlook to the grassy open space

to the south, bush land of Sydney

Harbour National Park and the

Harbour. Importantly, the space

between the buildings from Middle

Head Road through to the open

area to the south will be made

publicly accessible retaining the

north – south vista.

visible to the public as well as the

austere aesthetic approach of the

original design being respected in the

treatment of the new additions will

assist in the retention of evidence of

the site’s long history of use by

defence including its use during the

Cold War and the Vietnam War

The site of the former AA Battery

arracks 1, 2 and 3 is no longer part

of the site for the proposal.

The primary means of

mitigating any diminution of

the ability to understand the

values of Ten Terminal are:

• A detailed archival record

in the form of drawings

and photography in

accordance with the

guidelines of the NSW

Heritage Branch.

• Interpretive displays of a

high standard as

described in the

interpretation strategy

following this section of

the response.



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It is considered that sufficient

form, fabric and layout of the

former Ten Terminal Engineering

School is retained to enable an

understanding of the former use

and occupancy of the buildings and

site for military training purposes

consistent with the level of

significance adopted by the

Sydney Harbour Federation Trust’s

Comprehensive master Plan and

the findings of the heritage impact

statement for the subject proposal.

(b) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s possession

of uncommon, rare or endangered

aspects of Australia’s natural or cultural

history;

While Ten Terminal may be one of

only three military establishments

of the same period built for similar

Military Engineering training

functions in NSW, it is considered

that such a narrow classification is

too restrictive. It is appropriate to

compare Ten Terminal with other

military establishments of a similar

period, i.e.: the late 1930s and

1940s. In this broader context the

characteristics of the Ten Terminal

buildings cannot be considered

uncommon or rare when

compared, for instance, with the

School of Artillery buildings at

North Head, which exhibit superior

formal building arrangements and

detailing and craftsmanship in

The commonwealth values identify

the AusAid Centre buildings as

important examples of basic army

weatherboard barracks buildings of

the 1930s-1940s wartime period.

No reference is made to Ten

Terminal.

The proposed works at Ten Terminal

will have no impact on the AusAid

precinct

None required.



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brickwork.

It is the specific training activities

conducted at the place that

contribute to any evaluation of

“rarity” more than the physical

attributes of the fabric and spaces

of the buildings. On these grounds,

the level of rarity is relative and

could not be considered

exceptional.

As a result (and acknowledging

that future use for activities

equivalent to the original and early

military uses are highly unlikely),

it is appropriate to adapt, or

change or, in some cases, replace

buildings to accommodate a

different use as long as sufficient

physical evidence is retained to

enable an understanding of the

historical and associational values

of the place. In this regard it is

important to distinguish and retain

those elements of the Ten

Terminal complex that would best

assist in understanding and

interpretation.



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(c) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s potential to

yield information that will contribute to

an understanding of Australia’s natural

or cultural history;

The measures taken to retain the

more significant and/or publicly

visible elements in the proposed

adaptation of the former Ten

Terminal precinct demonstrate that

the ability of the place to

“contribute to an understanding

of Australia’s ... cultural history”

will be addressed.

Sufficient form and fabric of the

more publicly perceived elements

of Ten Terminal will be retained,

particularly within an appropriately

understated landscape setting to

the north and south sides that is

reflective of the minimalist

landscape approach typically taken

at military establishments.

This criterion is not assigned

Commonwealth heritage values.

None required.

(d) The place has significant heritage


in demonstrating the principal

characteristics of;

(iii) a class of Australia’s natural or

cultural places; or

(iv) a class of Australia’s natural or

cultural environments;

The measures discussed in

assessing the impacts of the

proposed adaptation in terms of

criterion (c) also apply to the

ability to continue to demonstrate

the principal characteristics of a

military training establishment of

the World War 2 period.

The values state; the AusAid Centre

buildings reflect the way that these

structures have been able to be

adapted for a wide variety of uses

over the decades.

No reference is made to Ten Terminal.



None required.



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precinct

(e) The place has significant heritage


in exhibiting particular aesthetic

characteristics valued by a community

or cultural group;

The significance of the

architectural design of the

buildings lies in its unexceptional

and conventional qualities that

typify some military

establishments of the World War 2

period. To the extent that there

are any features of aesthetic

interest these are confined to the

modelling and detailing of the

brickwork of the projecting bay of

the central main entrance to

Building 1, which is retained.

The project retains other building

elements of Ten Terminal precinct

to enable an understanding of the

austere aesthetic design approach.

The values state: AusAid area is a

cohesive, closely sited enclave of

similarly styled and clad buildings,

within an area of garden beds and

lawns creating a restful atmosphere.

Consequently it has notable aesthetic

qualities.

No reference is made to Ten

Terminal.



precinct

None required.

(f) The place has significant heritage


in demonstrating a high degree of

creative or technical achievement at a

particular period;

The significance assessment found

that the former Ten Terminal

precinct is not significant with

regard to this criterion.

Nevertheless, the proposed new

works employ conventional

building construction materials and

methods consistent with the

unexceptional technical qualities of

the existing buildings, which are

considered to be an appropriately



None required.



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low key approach.

(g) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s strong or

special association with a particular

community or cultural group for social,

cultural or spiritual reasons;

The association of the facilities of

Ten Terminal with training of

military engineers ceased in the

late 1940s giving way for relatively

brief periods to the School of

pacific Administration (1947 – 51),

12th Lines of Communication (1946

– c1947), III Light Anti-Aircraft

Battery (1953 – 1957), ! Terminal

Group, later renamed Ten Terminal

Group (1967 – 1998). It can be

seen that the building complex

was considered to be an asset that

could be adapted to the changing

needs of the Australian Army over

time. The associations of persons

with its original functions would

have diminished considerably over

the more than six decades that

have passed.

The proposed adaptation and

alteration of Ten Terminal precinct

for residential care accommodation

has been designed to retain

sufficient physical evidence,

together with archival recording

and an interpretation programme,

to provide an understanding of the

previous use as a military training

establishment and the specific

The values state: the area,

overlooking the harbour, has social

significance for the Sydney

community as well as for former and

current service personnel.

The decision to confine the proposal

to the south side of Middle Head

Road creates potential for these

values to be enhanced by creation of

more landscaped public space and

vantage points to view towards

Middle Harbour.

Aged care facilities are an important

and growing part of society. For an

aged care facility to share outdoor

spaces with the public in this way

provides a unique opportunity to

keep the elderly residents engaged

with the community around them,

and introduce to these members of

the community, the heritage values

of Middle Head and Georges Heights

as well as and the former Ten

Terminal.

The augmentation of public

open space (and enhanced

public amenity) around the

Ten Terminal site (which has

never previously been open to

the public) along with the

exclusion of the AA Battery

Barracks from the facility

enables the SHFT to open up

that area for improved public

access, which will be positive

outcomes for recreational use

by the community.



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nature of the training undertaken

with particular reference to the

importance to Australia’s

development of armed forces in

World War 2.

(h) The place has significant heritage

value because of the place’s special

association with the life of works of a

person, or group of persons, of

importance in Australia’s natural or

cultural history;

The brief association of the then

Colonel John R Kerr during the

occupation of Ten will be

incorporated into the interpretive

programme.

The physical fabric of Ten Terminal

does not provide a means of

understanding the associations of

John Kerr, James Macauley or

Brigadier Alf Conlon.

The interpretation facilities

will provide a much more

effective venue for explaining

the roles of these important

historical people.

(i) The place has significant heritage


as part of indigenous tradition.

The majority of the proposed new

work is confined to the existing

building footprints or paved areas

immediately adjacent to existing

buildings, where a considerable

amount of disturbance to the land

has previously occurred. It is

unlikely that evidence of the

occupation and use of the land by

indigenous people will be

encountered. Landscape works are

proposed partly outside the areas

of significant disturbance generally

to shallow depths.



None required.

1. Alternative design options considered:

The project was amended from the original proposal to respond to a variety of matters.

A summary of the previous proposal:



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• Residential Aged Care Facility comprising 93 individual rooms with en-suite.

• Adaptive reuse of the Ten Terminal complex (including addition of second above the middle part of building 3) on the southern side of Middle

Head Road and rebuild of the 3 AA Battery Barracks buildings on the northern side of Middle Head Road, including underground parking area

The main results of the amendments from the previous proposal to the current proposal were:

• a restriction of the development/site to the Ten Terminal Complex only, at the south side of Middle Head Road;

• a reduction in the number of rooms from 93 to 86;

• the exclusion of the AA Battery Barracks from the project creating the opportunity for the Trust to use this land/buildings in other ways;

• the area between the garages (buildings 6 and 7) and the other Ten Terminal buildings to become open public space;

• the retention of a number of trees previously identified for removal both around the 3 AA Battery buildings and on the western side of the Ten

Terminal complex;

• more efficient facility operations;

• a reduction in height of the building by the reduction in the pitch to the new roofs.

Plans comparing the existing buildings, the original proposal and the amended proposal are attached.

From the original proposal there was adjustment of the positioning of the parts of the proposed building that sit generally in the locations of the east and

west wings of the Ten Terminal site (after excluding the Barracks). This enabled the retention of some of the larger trees on the west side of the

complex and a more efficient use of space. As a result, in the new proposal it was no longer possible to retain some of the walls of Building 3 that were

retained in the original proposal. Only the partially retained east wall of the east wing of Building 3 would have been visible from outside the complex.

The other partially retained wall faced into the central courtyard.

Building 6 will also now be demolished and rebuilt new structure with a slightly larger footprint will replace it... Importantly, the most publicly visible

components: the presentation of Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle Head Road; and the presentation of the south wing of Building 3 to the publicly accessible

land to the south and east and to Sydney Harbour National Park will be retained

Whilst the loss of the portions of original fabric of Building 3, previously retained, will have an additional impact on the heritage values, that impact will

be minimal as the retained walls would have not been obvious to the public and will be replaced by new walls utilising similar materials and architectural

features. The loss of building 6 will have a minor impact on heritage values as it has been assessed as only having moderate level of significance and

will be replaced by a new building again utilising similar materials and architectural features.

This minor increase in impact is balanced against the significant positive benefits to be obtained, as a result of the change. The Sydney Harbour

Federation Trust will be able to create opportunities for improved public access and enhancement of the park like setting on the north side of Middle

Head Road. In addition the area between the main Ten Terminal group of buildings and the former transport depot (buildings 6 and 7) will also be

publicly accessible for community use in the current proposal compared to being fenced off as it is at present and in the original proposal. This new

landscaped public amenity will provide barbecue facilities, seating, places to linger and interpretive items to aid in public understanding of the historical

significance of the area and its natural and cultural attributes in pleasant surroundings.



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The result of these modifications to reduce impacts on Commonwealth heritage values is as follows:

• The retention of the most publicly visible components: the presentation of Buildings 1 and 7 to Middle Head Road; and the presentation of the

south wing of Building 3 along with the removal of the AA Battery Barracks from the proposal will minimise the impact of views to the site

(criterion E)

• The second story addition to the middle part of the main building will increase the size of the existing buildings, however the additions have been

kept to a height underneath the existing ridgeline of building 7, again minimising the impact of views to the site (criterion E).

• Confining the residential care campus to Ten Terminal precinct south of Middle Head Road making the former AA Battery Barracks precinct

available for the Trust to provide enhanced public access and retention of existing trees on the north side of Middle Head Road. Confining the

proposal to one side of Middle Head Road will further remove any confusion about the access between the 2 sites. In addition the area between

buildings 6 and 7 and the rest of the Ten Terminal buildings will be public open space. These changes will ensure continued recreational access

to and use of community areas, natural areas and foreshores (criterion G).

Avoidance and mitigation measures, that were considered but not implemented:

• Whilst the loss of the portions of original fabric of Building 3, previously retained, will have an additional impact on the heritage values, that

impact will be minimal as the retained walls would have not been obvious to the public and will be replaced by new walls utilising similar

materials and architectural features. Without having to retain these walls has enabled concentration of the project on the south side of Middle

Head Road freeing the AA Barracks site on the north for more public open space and movement of the building to the east and the retention of

the largest of the trees on the west side of Building 3 by setting the new building away from the critical root zone and canopy.

• The loss of the previously retained external walls of building 6 will have a minor impact on heritage values as it has been assessed as only

having moderate level of significance and will be replaced by a new building again utilising similar materials and architectural features. Both of these changes will enable more efficient facility operation and are offset by the confinement of the development to the southern side of Middle

Head Road and the opening up of public space between the garages and the other Ten Terminal buildings.

b) A description of measures proposed for each alternative design to retain the fabric/buildings/original layout, in order to preserve

the Commonwealth Heritage values of the sites (avoidance measures):

The overall form of Building 1, including the green tile hipped roof and substantially unaltered north, east and west elevations presenting to Middle Head

Road will be retained. (Values identified against Criteria A, D and E)

The overall form of Building 7, including a green tile hipped roof and brick walls with glazed infills, replacing the roller shutter doors and new windows

presenting to Middle Head Road will be retained. (Values identified against Criteria D and E)

The overall form, external fabric and doors and (with minimal alteration of windows) of the south wing of Building 3 as presenting to the publicly

accessible areas to the south, east and south west and in Sydney Harbour National Park will be retained. (Values identified against Criteria A, D and E)



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The south terrace will be increased in size and raised to floor level in a manner sympathetic to the building. Removal of the existing intrusive pergola is

an improvement. (Values identified against Criterion G)

Retention of the central common room and fireplace in the south wing of Building 3 will retain the spatial qualities of this space, which is extended

northwards, through the new construction of the link section. (Values identified against Criterion A)

Maintaining a central open space, reflecting the open courtyard between the existing east and west wings of Building 3. (Values identified against

Criterion A)

The existing timber windows in the south wing of Building 3 and in Building 1 will be restored. (Values identified against Criterion D)

OPTIONS/ALTERNATIVES EXPLORED BUT NOT ADOPTED

During the design process a number of options/alternatives were explore and either abandoned or changed as result of the collaboration between the

architects and the heritage architect, such as;

• The upper level glazed link from the back of building 1 to Building 7 and the new structures to the south originally had a south facing balcony.

This was deleted in favour of a small full height glazed lounge area to create a simpler more transparent structure;Early plans to change floor

levels in the retained buildings were put aside and ramps have been able to connect for disabled access throughout;

• Single large dormers within the roof form of Building 7 were changed to smaller individual skillion dormers of more conventional dimensions;

• The decision to not retain the east external wall of the east wing and the east courtyard facing wall of the e west wing of Building 3 as remnant

fabric was seen as a minor loss compared with the ability to move the accommodation wings slightly to the east to preserve an existing large

and valuable tree;

• The earlier plan to use salvaged or similar green roof tiles on the new upper storey was set aside in favour of lower pitched roofs possible using

metal sheet material to mediate the scale.

• The main entry to Building 1 facing Middle Head Road has been retained. Moving the main entry to the eastern end of Building 1 was

considered.

• A 2-storey addition over building 1 and over the southern portion of building 3 was considered. The second story addition over the Ten Terminal

buildings has been set back from the northern side of building 1 and the southern side of building 3.

• Placement of accommodation above the area between the garages buildings and the main Ten Terminal building was considered.

c) A description of measures to sympathetically incorporate new additions in terms of building materials, scale and mass to the original

buildings in order to preserve the Commonwealth Heritage values of the sites (mitigation measures):



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The austere aesthetic approach of the original design is respected in the treatment of the new additions. The building envelope will employ a

combination of conventional construction of brickwork and lightweight clad upper wall and low pitched roofs with simple openings. The original green

tiles will be re-laid over new sarking on all retained roof planes of Buildings 1, 7 and Building 3 south wing facing out to the public view with salvaged

tiles used where possible on linking roof planes over single storey elements. The consistency of green tile pitched roof planes against the bush land

backdrop of the rising land to the west is a notable feature of the existing buildings when viewed from the National Parks and Wildlife Service buildings

to the east of the site. This quality will be partially maintained in the new works.

Adoption of the existing main entrance as the main entrance to the complex provides glimpses through to the central open space, which importantly

reflects the original building layout. Glimpses to the national park and the harbour will also be available from the central open space through the

common area within the south wing of Building 3 including the retained lounge area.

d) A discussion of the likely effectiveness of the avoidance and mitigation measures proposed in reducing the impact to Commonwealth

Heritage values, and

The external envelope elements of higher significance presenting to the public domain in Middle Head Road, the area to the north of Middle Head Road

and the open publicly accessible areas to the south, east and south west will retain the hipped tile roof forms, brick walls and fenestration patterns that

demonstrate the former utilitarian “military” character of Ten Terminal.

The new works have been designed to minimise the apparent bulk and scale through the modelling of roof forms and to complement the traditional

construction and materials of the retained significant building elements keeping the height of the new two storey sections lower than the existing ridge

line of Building 7. In this way the overall complex will moderate the effect of the additional storey with the retention of single storey structures making a

transition in scale to the public interface. The architects have deliberately avoided assertive architectural forms and stylistic devices taking a

conservative approach to the modelling of new building elements and selection of materials.

It has been possible to retain a sense of some existing internal spaces and fabric in some locations:

• The existing common room at the centre of the south wing of Building 3 will become a lounge area retaining the existing brick fireplace and

views out to the Sydney Harbour National Park. The spaces at the east wing of Building 1 will be substantially retained as a library and quiet

room.

• It is proposed that the partitioning for the administration spaces in Building 1 will be designed using timber panelling and glass to reflect the

character of the existing timber and glass partitions.

e) An explanation as to why the final proposal was chosen

The design process has been subject to a high degree of consultation between Boffa Robertson, the architects for the project and the heritage architects,

CCG Architects. The collaboration was very productive in terms of finding design solutions that balance the special needs of residential care

accommodation and retention of heritage values of the former Ten Terminal precinct. There have also been several meetings with staff of Sydney



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Harbour Federation Trust as the design has evolved. These meetings have been valuable in providing guidelines for the design and feedback to identify

issues for further consideration and development. There was also a 28 day public consultation period for the original proposal. The current design

responds to issues raised during the public consultation process.

MAIN OUTCOMES

The important outcomes of the collaborative processes that resulted in the final proposal being chosen are as follows:

• Concentration of the facility on the south side of Middle Head Road.

• The area between buildings 6 and 7 and the rest of the Ten Terminal buildings will be public open space.

• The additional upper floor level is set well back behind Building 1 and set well back behind the south wing of Building 3 to minimise visibility over

the retained ridge lines.

• Maintaining the existing central entry in Building 1 as the main formal entrance to the facility.

• The transparency and simplicity of the design of the link between Building 1 and Buildings 7 and new building on the site of Building 6 as well as

provision of a public thoroughfare.

• Maintaining a simple open landscape setting to the front of Building 1.

• Creation of a lightly framed transparent design for the glazed canopy over the main entry at Building 1.

• Detailed design resolution to enable interpretation of bricked up original windows, recessing the brick infill from the face of the original masonry

wall sufficient to create a shadow effect.

• Selection of complementary materials and finishes for new elements

• Following the community consultation process, confining the residential care campus to Ten Terminal precinct south of Middle Head Road making

the former AA Battery Barracks precinct available for the Trust to provide enhanced public access and retention of existing trees on the north

side of Middle Head Road. Confining the proposal to one side of Middle Head Road will further remove any confusion about the access between

the 2 sites.

• Retention of the largest of the trees on the west side of Building 3 by setting the new building away from the critical root zone and canopy.

2. Details of any proposed comprehensive archival recording, including methods of recording, storage and public access

The existing structures and site plan of the former Ten Terminal will be archivally recorded in accordance with the guidelines published by the

NSW Heritage Council. Recording will be undertaken in two ways:

• Measured drawings based on the drawings currently held by the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust updated by check measuring to record the

present state of the buildings in the Ten Terminal precinct and the existing site arrangements. The drawings will comprise floor plans, elevations

of each building element and roof plans.



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• Archival photographic record in digital format undertaken by a photographer with specialized experience in compiling archival records in

accordance with the guidelines established by the NSW Heritage Council. The archival photographic record will include a brief historic

background, description of the equipment and techniques employed, catalogue of all images cross referenced to location plans.

The archival record will be lodged where it can be made publicly available in consultation with the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

3. Details of any proposed heritage interpretation activities through the provision of a heritage interpretation strategy

• A detailed interpretation strategy will be prepared by the project heritage consultants. The strategy will set the guidelines for preparation of

an interpretation plan and design and production of the interpretive facilities which will be prepared by designers and curatorial experts

experienced in the field An outline of the interpretive approach is set out below:Statement of objectives of the interpretation strategy,

primarily to inform people about important aspect of the natural and cultural history of Ten Terminal in the context of its location within the

wider area of the Middle Head landform;

• Identify audience for the interpretive facilities

• Further description of the two nominated locations: the west wall of the entry foyer in Building 1 and the linear space between Buildings 1 &

3 and building 7 and the replacement of Building 6;

• Exploration of interpretive themes, e.g.:

o Entry foyer location – Wartime life; roles and functions of military units that have occupied Ten Terminal; evolution of the building

complex; short biographies of notable occupants associated with Ten Terminal; accounts of interesting events or personalities

associated with Ten Terminal (the soldier’s experiences). The over-arching theme will be to focus on people and activities as well as

the buildings themselves.

o Public open space – Timeline of Middle Head as an experiential venue moving through the space: from its natural formation, through

indigenous occupation to the early colony, to military and defence – initially in the nineteenth century and then in response to twentieth

century conflicts (WW1, WW2, Korean War, Vietnam War), to the role and achievements of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust.

These themes may be illustrated in the open air by objects, creative interpretive devices of artistic merit and limited text.

• Guidelines for interpretive content – to be appropriate for the identified audiences (concise information and presentation to capture and hold

interest);

• Guidelines for interpretive design quality of a high standard to be delivered by persons skilled in delivering content in a stimulating and

creative way.

4. Please provide information about the fire-retardant structure proposed including its location on a map, the design including the

materials and an assessment of the visual impact of the fire-retardant structure on the aesthetic quality of the environment

Design including materials



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The radiant-heat barrier solution will not read as a structure but as a subtle remodelling of the landform at the interface between the bush land edge and

public open space and car park. The shallow regrading of the continuous low mound as perceived form the public open space will continue to read as

lawn surface. The gravel pathway on top will utilise materials that blend into the environment. The low planting on the steeper embankment facing

towards the National Park will provide a suitable transition. At the edge of the existing car park the embankment will replace an unsightly truck was bay

and concrete paved area which will be a considerable contribution towards reinstating a more natural environment.

Assessment of visual impact on the aesthetic quality of the environment

Ground levels in the area to the south of building 3 and buildings 6 and 7 currently slope away down to vegetation beyond the boundary (weed infested

native bushland) of around 5 metres height. The remodeling will effectively flatten part of the existing sloping lawn area and the lookouts will provide

some views from an area which currently has none.

The remodeling to the east of the complex will run along the edge of the carpark. From a small section of the car park the view may be impeded,

however, the view from the pathway itself will be enhanced from views that are currently available. Public amenity and accessibility around the car park

will also be significantly improved as there is currently no path in some parts forcing pedestrians to walk through the carpark itself.

The landscape remodelling including the radiant-heat barrier solution is sympathetic to the scenic qualities of Middle Head and Georges heights and

provides new public vantage points. The design responds well to the values identified against Criteria A – Processes, C – Characteristic values, E

Aesthetic characteristics and G – Social value.

5. Please include a comparison of the public site access before and after construction and discuss the impacts of the proposal on

public open space, the social characteristics of the site and the cultural values of the site.

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust managed land at Middle Head is a former defence site. This part of Middle Head is a commercial precinct within a

parkland setting. There are currently 23 private business operators leasing offices and buildings from the SHFT at Middle Head representing a wide

variety of industries.

The 10 Terminal building is currently fenced off from the public will become more accessible than ever before. A drawing has been prepared to compare

publicly accessible parts of the site prior to and following the development. The original proposal included the redevelopment of the site currently

occupied by the barracks, however as this is now not part of the amended scheme, an opportunity exists for this part of the precinct to be made publicly

accessible further enhancing public amenity.



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Public access is an important part of the proposal. The scheme maintains public access from Middle Head Road to the lawn areas south of building 3,

creating community spaces including seating and BBQ facilities. This is made possible by incorporating an aerial link between the western building group

and the ‘garages’.

Aged care facilities are an important and growing part of society. For an aged care facility to share its outdoor spaces with the public in this way

provides a unique opportunity to keep the elderly residents engaged with the community around them, whilst in the tranquil surrounds of the parkland.

The need for aged care is large. According to the 2011 census, Mosman alone has 27,453 residents of which >1,500 are aged 80 years old or over. The

generally accepted principal is that the number of people aged 80 years old or over in Australia will double over the next 20 years. Measured against the

Commonwealth Government Benchmark for aged care places there is a current shortfall of approximately 350 aged care beds in Mosman and North

Sydney which is forecast to rise to 417 beds by 2017. Except for this proposal there are currently no additional beds planned for the area.

18.06.14Amended Drawing - Prelim. IssueA

A

DateNo. Amendment

JK

Project

DrawingAREA COMPARISON

1:1000

JUN 2014Date

Scale

Amendment

Drawn

Job No. : Drawing

1139 / DA110

Suite 7, Level 1 Epica, 9 Railway StreetChatswood NSW 2067AUSTRALIATel. (02) 9406 7000Fax. (02) 9406 7099Email : [email protected]

C This document, information and design concepts shown in it are copyright toBoffa Robertson Group. Any inconsistencies between drawn information andcurrent Codes and Standards are to be notified immediately.

COVE AT MIDDLE HEADNEW RESIDENTIAL CARE FACILITY

Middle Head Health Care | Client Middle Head Health CareArchitect Boffa Robertson GroupSite Image Job Number SS13-2600

Drawing Number 0011Issue Date 01.07.2014no

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Level 1, 3-5 Baptist Street Surry Hills NSW 2010 Australia | T +61 2 8332 5600 Site Image (NSW) Pty Ltd ABN 44 801 262 380 as agent for Site Image NSW Partnership

The public open space includes the design of an earth berm (raised bank) that is landscaped with native grasses, groundcovers and low shrubs. There will be a public pathway running along the top of the berm with 3 lookout points provided. Each lookout position allows for vantage points for the public to viewcertain aspects of the harbour previously obstructed.

Along the edge of each of the 3 lookouts there will be a sandstone edge detail that will provide a naturalistic edge designed to compliment the existing headland geology. This edge treatment will also provide informal edge seating for users to rest. The design of these spaces provide suitable widening to allow for a comfortable and safe passing between users.

A native climber (Cissus sp.) will further assist to blend the berms embankment into the existing native landscape and further assist in berm stabilisation.

PRECINCT 4 - Public Open Space

Precinct 4 - Publ ic Open Space Proposals Summary and Site Photos

KEY PLANLANDSCAPE MASTERPLAN

1

2

2

3

4

5



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Ear th Berm Treatment Design SECTIONS

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 1

SCALE 1:200 @ A3

The berm to the east of the complex will run along the edge of the carpark. From a small section of the car park the view will be impeded, however, the view from the pathway itself will be enhanced from what is currently available.

Public amenity and accessibility around the car park will also be significantly improved as there is currently no path in some parts.

KEY PLAN

Enhancement of potential vantage points to both the south and east



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SCALE 1:200 @ A3

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 2Whilst the view from a small section of the carpark will be impeded, this will be more than offset by the significantly improved public amenity and views from the path and lookouts. Further the landscaping including native grasses, low shrubs and native climber will be sympathetic to the current natural environment.

KEY PLAN

Possible edge and berm planting treatments



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SCALE 1:200 @ A3

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 3

KEY PLAN

Sydney Lookout Designs



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SCALE 1:200 @ A3

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 4Ground levels in the area to the south of building 3 and buildings 6 and 7 currently slope away down to vegetation (weed infested native bushland).

The berm will effectively flatten parts of the southern grounds to the berm and lookouts that will provide some views from an area which currently has none.

KEY PLAN

Georges Heights Lookout - Sydney



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SCALE 1:200 @ A3

PUBLIC OPEN SPACE - EARTH BERM PATHWAYS SECTION 5Earth Berm is to be constructed from imported clean fill from metropolitan excavations otherwise destined for landfill with native grasses, groundcovers and low shrubs

KEY PLAN

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