HERITAGE ASSESSMENTS

 

To make a decision about proposed changes to a heritage place it is necessary to understand why this place is important, what makes it valuable to us. Ultimately we make a statement of significance about the place and its component parts. These are the statements that guide future decisions about management. They are developed according to a standard set of evaluation criteria that consider issues including historical associations, aesthetic value, technical or research potential and social significance. We also consider for whom it is significant; a local community, the state or even for the nation.

A heritage assessment is generally made for an above ground item, such as building or a complex of structures. For this reason a heritage assessment can also require an archaeological assessment to provide a comprehensive evaluation of the issues and strategies required for a development site. It is then possible  to identify the parameters in which development can take place while still preserving  the heritage significance of the item or items.

CRM’s experience in this field has ranged from small, privately owned residential sites to large urban redevelopments including Master Plans I, III and IV for the City-West redevelopment project of the Pyrmont and Ultimo peninsula in Sydney. Specific examples of our work include:

Taylor Square, Urban Redesign Project Darlinghurst  (Council of the City of Sydney 2003)

Buildings of the Sacred Heart  Parish Mosman  (Council of the Municipality of Mosman 1992)

“Devon Villa” 27 Wharf Road Birchgrove (Private client 2001)