Preserving historic buildings through the Minister’s Stonework Program
Through the Minister’s Stonework Program (MSP), NSW Public Works assists agencies to sustainably repair and enhance the state’s stone heritage assets. The NSW Government owns over 800 heritage sandstone buildings and structures. As well as being culturally significant, they are operational government assets including schools, hospitals and court houses, which also contribute to the civic life, pride and identity of many communities.
Administered and managed by NSW Public Works, the MSP ($29 million in 2021-22) offers government funding, expert advice and delivery of works. “We take a proactive, state-wide strategic approach to activate these key community assets for public benefit. Many also contribute to the cultural (tourism) settings of communities, public places and sites,” said NSW Public Works Senior Heritage Architect Kate Napier.
Conservation works restore the beauty and stability of a former national (public) school
- Location: Australian Museum, Sydney
- Project value: $2.5 million
The Former National School located at the Australian Museum, was designed by Henry Robertson and constructed in 1850 as a single storey building. Following several ‘make-safes’ to remove loose stones from high areas and with a Colorbond roof at the end of its life, the Minister’s Stonework Program, in partnership funding with the Australian Museum, carried out external conservation works. The 12 months of works, completed in March 2022, followed two and half years of historical research, condition assessment and completing the heritage impact statement.
"The aim of the works was to provide durable conservation solutions, which included replacement and patching of deteriorated stone, removal of paint from stone sills, replacement of the Colorbond roof with galvanised steel sheeting and reinstatement of the original colour scheme," said Project Leader Martine Craswell of NSW Public Works' Heritage Asset Advisory team.
The conservation approach was to replace ‘like for like’ with a focus on retaining as much of the original fabric as possible. "Good team communication was essential to help overcome working constraints and ensure quality outcomes during COVID lockdowns," said Ms Craswell.
"The building is no longer a public safety risk and once again enhances the streetscape and contributes to civic pride," said project leader Martine Craswell.
Iconic Bathurst Courthouse preserved for future generations
- Location: Bathurst
- Project value: $6.43 million
The Bathurst Courthouse, established in 1880, was designed by Colonial Architect James Barnet. With Doric columns, an imposing portico, colonnade and copper-sheeted dome, the courthouse’s exceptional heritage significance is recognised on the NSW State Heritage Register.
Identification and proactive planning of work started in 2014. Construction commenced in January 2021 and took 18 months. “Major restoration works included high level and complex stone replacement below the iconic dome, roof sheeting replacement, reconstruction of missing lead gargoyles, and stabilisation of 27 chimneys, all coordinated around court sitting dates,” said Project Leader and NSW Public Works Senior Heritage Architect Graeme Erskine.
The project was part of a new partnership between the Department of Communities and Justice and the Minister's Stonework Program, which is managed by NSW Public Works in collaboration with Heritage Stoneworks in the Department of Planning, Industry and Environment.
The Bathurst Courthouse facade and roofing conservation works were highly commended in the Conservation - Built Heritage category of the 2022 National Trust Heritage Awards.
“This is an important heritage conservation project which will preserve this beautiful building for future generations,” said Attorney General Mark Speakman.
