Multiple regions Port Arthur – Built Fabric Condition Survey

Contact point

Picture of Trish Ball
Trish Ball Director Heritage, Environment and Planning 0455 058 773

Background

NSW Public Works (NSWPW) were engaged by Port Arthur Historic Sites Management Authority (PAHSMA) to undertake a structural and fabric condition inspection of the Penitentiary, Bakehouse, and Watchmen’s Quarters.

In addition to the fabric assessment, NSWPW prepared a Project Management Plan that identified the stages of work required to achieve the project goal of a comprehensive maintenance and conservation program that upholds the heritage values of the site.

Our role

A four-person team of experienced heritage specialists from NSWPW completed the assessment over a two-week period, much of it from a crane. Our team included a senior heritage specialist, heritage officers and a senior structural engineer.

Port Aruthur IMG 1

Key facts

  • Port Arthur is one of eleven penal sites that comprise the Australian Convict Sites UNESCO World Heritage Listing.
  • The remote setting, iconic status, public interest, and high levels of visitation (365 days) pose significant maintenance challenges.
  • NSWPW produced a detailed report outlining the current condition of the fabric with commentary as to the cause of decline.
  • The report provides priority actions for conservation works and recommends a heritage philosophy for conservation

Outcomes

NSWPW produced a detailed report outlining the current condition of the fabric with commentary as to the cause of decline.

The report provides priority actions for conservation works and recommends a heritage philosophy for conservation works.