sydney-city-centre-review-of-environmental-factors

Identified those adverse impacts that would need safeguarding or managing
under the proposal.
Heritage value and significance were determined by referring to the significance
grades included in Assessing Heritage Significance (Heritage Office, 2001). The
assessment considered impacts on identified heritage values in terms of loss, partial
destruction, impingement, setting, value, amenity and context.
The study area’s archaeological potential was determined though a preliminary
review of relevant documentation. The identified archaeological potential will be
confirmed and refined during the proposal’s detailed design once more is understood
about the final location and depth of the proposed excavations needed to adjust the
utilities and drainage infrastructure (refer section 3.5) and undertake some of
the supporting work activities described in Table 3-3 to Table 3-7.
Impact ratings were used to assess the degree of potential impact. They include:
Minor adverse impact, in instances where there is a potential indirect impact on
a heritage item of local or state significance or an archaeological item of low
potential
Moderate adverse impact, in instances where there is a potential direct impact
on a heritage item of local or state significance, an indirect impact on a heritage
item of national or world heritage significance or a direct impact on an
archaeological item of low or moderate potential
Major adverse impact, in instances where there is a potential direct impact on a
heritage item of national or world significance or an archaeological item of
moderate or major potential.
6.3.2 Existing environment
The non-Aboriginal heritage environment comprises two components, remnant
subsurface archaeology and built heritage. These components are defined by the
city’s post European-settlement and its subsequent development history.
Sydney City was established in 1840. By 1870 its population had exceeded 200,000.
This drove the demand for civic infrastructure and the establishment and expansion
of the city’s railways and ports.
It was also during the latter half of the 19 th century that many of the remaining cultural
institutions were established. Macquarie Street was developed to create a
‘ceremonial thoroughfare’. Hyde Park and the Royal Botanic Gardens were also
founded, with construction on St Mary’s cathedral starting in 1868. The modern-day
street layout was also established along with many public buildings and the first
major mass-transit system; through the development of an expansive tram system.
By the early 20 th century, Sydney’s population had exceeded one million. Whilst hit
badly by the Great Depression, it was during this period that the Sydney Harbour
Bridge was built. This led to the reconfiguration and development of the north-west
fringe of the city centre, broadly resulting in its current configuration and layout.
Sydney City Centre Capacity Improvement 231
Review of Environmental Factors