Work is set to begin on the restoration of a critical part of Sydney’s history.

The City of Sydney is about the commence work to restore the heritage listed brick kilns and chimneys that dominate the skyline around the 40-hectare Sydney Park.

The kilns and chimneys are a symbol of the city’s industrial heritage.

Originally s forest of turpentine and ironbark trees prior to European settlement, the site became a brickworks as a result of the rich clay beds which lie underground.

In 1893, Joshisa Gentle established Bedford Bricks by baking bricks for hundreds of Sydney homes and businesses.

The bricks were manufactured using clay, which was extracted from deep pits and crushed and pressed into green bricks that were fired in the large kilns.

The latest program of works aims to stabilise the bricks, which have deteriorated over time.

The works will also renew the landscaping which is in place throughout the area.

Specifically, the works will include:

  • stabilising the brick kilns and reinstating roof structures
  • removing the fencing around the brick kilns
  • better access to the area and the park from the Princes Highway
  • heritage interpretation throughout the site
  • a raised lawn area and plaza for small outdoor gatherings
  • services renewal and upgrades.

(source: City of Sydney)

Temporary fencing will be erected before a bespoke hoarding is put in place.

Access to the park from King Street and the Princes Highway will be temporarily altered while the works are carried out. Once the hoarding is erected, wayfinding will help park users to easily access the park.

Sydney Lore Mayor Clover Moore welcomed the project’s commencement.

“Sydney Park is one of our biggest and best parks and this project will make it more inviting and easier to access all while preserving a key piece of Sydney’s history,” the Lord Mayor said.

“Brickmaking was big business for generations at this spot and the brick kilns and chimneys stand as a monument we are preserving for generations to come.

“We will honour the site’s industrial past while making way for a rejuvenated space for our communities to come together and enjoy.

“Sydney Park is already a destination itself, boasting a skate park, bike track, huge playground, water harvesting wetlands, Sydney City Farm and sports facilities. This enhanced area will make the multi-award winning park an even more inviting public space.”

The main contractor carrying out the works is Belmadar Pty Ltd.

The head architect for the project is Tonkin Zulaikha Greer Pty Ltd, and the structural engineers are SDA Structures Pty Ltd.

Weather and other conditions permitting, the works are expected to take around two years to complete.

 

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