Mosman Council recently lodged a Planning Permit Application lodged by with the Harbour Trust for the redevelopment of the amenities at Middle Head Oval.
This plan calls for extensive development, which includes a new amenities building, the erection of a grandstand, a new recreation area with BBQs, concrete seating, tables and chairs, new steps, pathways, increased hardstand areas, and a new drop-off zone created by widening Middle Head Road.
ABOVE: Approximation of the proposed redevelopment Middle Head Oval.
The development occupies an area three times the footprint of the existing pavilion, and there is a 100% increase in hardstand areas, resulting in an overwhelming and urbanised entrance to the historic Middle Head precinct.
ABOVE: Approximate footprint of proposed redevelopment Middle Head Oval.
HPG has now studied the 21 documents provided with the Application, and we are preparing a detailed submission.
In the meantime, please read our major concerns regarding this redevelopment. You will note HPG’s many references to the statutory Comprehensive Plan 2003, as this plan provides the Harbour Trust with guidance in its decision-making.
HPG'S major concerns
HPG supports the upgrade of the change facilities at Middle Head Oval by way of "improvements and additions" to the existing facility as provided for under the statutory Comprehensive Plan 2003.
If, however, as Mosman Council proposes, the existing facility is demolished and replaced with a redevelopment as outlined above then: "the totality of the heritage values of the area are to be considered when deciding which buildings are to be retained or demolished. The relationship of the buildings to each other and to the site, are important considerations. The decision to retain or remove buildings has to be made through careful consideration of a broad range of values both natural and cultural." (Comprehensive Plan 2003 P 120).
HPG has major concerns regarding the impact of this development on the natural and heritage values of the precinct.
ABOVE: Approximation of proposed grandstand and car drop off area.
Impact on the natural values of the precinct
"The main quality of Middle Head is the sense of departure from normal suburbia, firstly by the emergence of the park-like setting along Middle Head and (Chowder Bay Roads) that then changes to mature native forest. These areas of bush set the cluster of buildings at Middle Head apart from the city." (Comprehensive Plan 2003 page 111.)
The configuration and institutional character of the defence facilities at Middle Head, set in parkland, contrasts with the urban/suburban pattern of the city and provides insights into the history of Sydney.
The proposed development site is located at the only vehicular entry point to this precinct. Accordingly, the location and appearance of the existing amenities building is of the highest level of sensitivity in terms of presentation to visitors.
Due to the proposed facility's location, bulk, size, design, and additional structures, the development will have an adverse visual impact and will not contribute to this appreciation. Currently, Middle Head Oval dominates the entrance to the Middle Head Military Precinct. Should the proposed development proceed in its current form the new structures will instead dominate and urbanise the entrance.
Impact on the Heritage Values of the Precinct.
The Statement of Heritage Impact, which supports the Planning Permit Application, is deeply flawed. It states that the subject site is "not listed on the Commonwealth Heritage List." This statement is incorrect. Instead, the Statement of Heritage Impact mistakenly ignores the Commonwealth Listing that includes the Oval and ignores the fundamentally relevant group of Highly Significant Commonwealth Heritage listed properties immediately surrounding the proposal.
These listings are as follows:
Listing ID 105541 includes the oval and curtilage and references the fact of the increasing role of recreation in the defence forces.
Listing ID 105572 Military Road Framework references a road system that was a strategic link between gun batteries, barracks and associated defence works and is a major component in the landscape. This protected road is proposed to be widened to provide a car drop-off area.
The 3 remaining Heritage listings:
Place ID 105587 -Ten Terminal Regiment Headquarters and AusAid Training Centre;
Place ID 105575- former Golf Club House and Officers Quarters; and,
Place ID10581 -HMAS Penguin
are adjacent to and within the visual catchment of this development. The Statement of Heritage Impact incorrectly concludes that the site is not located within the visual catchment of those heritage items.
In addition, the development does nothing to enhance the Aboriginal heritage of the precinct, which includes Bungaree's Farm, which was located at Middle Head and is believed to encompass at least part of Middle Head Oval.
It is inconceivable that the Statement of Heritage does not consider these heritage values.
HPG has received expert advice that supports our conclusion that the flaws in the proposal are so overwhelming that the proposal must be withdrawn or reconsidered. Should Mosman Council proceed with the current proposal, then it should be referred to the Minister as a Declared Action for consideration under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999 (EPBC Act).
A summary of HPG's position regarding the redevelopment proposal
HPG supports:
HPG supports equal opportunity in sport, including universal access to sporting facilities.
HPG supports an upgrade of change facilities at Middle Head Oval.
As the existing building is in "fair and good" condition, HPG supports “improvements and additions” to the facilities as per the Comprehensive Plan.
If this is deemed not practical or economical, HPG supports the construction of a new purpose-built changing facility, on the condition that it is sympathetic, in both design and materials, to the historical elements of the Middle Head precinct.
HPG supports the location of the existing bleacher tiered seating that is unobtrusively nestled at the foot of the oval's grassy berm.
HPG does not support:
HPG does NOT support the construction of a grandstand with expansive concreting, supporting staircases and roof.
HPG does NOT support urbanisation of the park-like setting with additional hardstand areas including additional pathways, concrete seating, barbeques, tables and chairs.
HPG does NOT support widening, kerbing and guttering of the heritage listed Middle Head Road to create a drop-off zone. A drop-off zone can be demarcated in the carpark on the southern side.
HPG contends that the proposed development is urbanised, over-designed and of unnecessary scale and bulk. It is best suited to urban development, not a historical area strongly protected by heritage listings.
We urge Mosman Council to pause, re-think their plans and design a sporting facility more sympathetic to this sensitive location.
HAVE YOU SAY
There are only seven days until the deadline of 29 July 2024 at 5.00 pm to submit your comments. Unfortunately, the Trust has refused HPG's request for an extension of time so the community can understand the implications of this contentious proposal and provide informed feedback. Have your say on this proposal here >