Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks

Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks
Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks
	The former ambulance station and now Ken Duncan Gallery, pictured in 2014
Location	73 George Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Coordinates	33°51′31″S151°12′32″E / 33.8585°S 151.2088°E
Built	1842–1843
Architect	Howie Moffot & Co (1927-8 front facade)
Architectural style(s)	Victorian Georgian
Owner	Property NSW
New South Wales Heritage Register
Official name	Shop, Ken Duncan Gallery; Ambulance Station
Type	State heritage (built)
Designated	10 May 2002
Reference no.	1589
Type	Ambulance Station
Category	Health Services
	Location of Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks in Sydney Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks (Australia)

Last updated December 10, 2024

The Old Ambulance Station, The Rocks is a heritage-listed former ambulance station and public house and now the head quarters of The Argyle Network, a technology recruitment business located at 73 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1842 to 1843 and the front facade was designed in 1927-8 by Howie Moffot & Co. It is also known as the Former Central District Ambulance Station and Ken Duncan Gallery. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.^[1]

History

The site was a part of the first hospital site. Lot 2 of Sydney City Section 85 was originally granted to William Carr and George John Rogers by Crown grant in October 1838. In February 1839, Frederic Wright Unwin became one of the owners of the Carr & Williams grant and on 26 February 1842 Unwin conveyed to Matthias Hooper lot 8 of Unwin's subdivision.^[1]

Hooper erected a public house on lot 8 in 1842–1843 which was called the "Kings Head". The three-storey building containing ten rooms was constructed with brick walls and a slated roof. The public house was described as having "every convenience". The building was 25 feet wide by 40 feet deep. Hooper was the publican of the "Kings Head" until he conveyed the property to William Carss in December 1849. Carss employed Edward Hancock to manage the public house during 1850. In March 1853, W. Carss and his wife conveyed the "Kings Head" to William Anthony Wright. Wright leased the hotel to George F Ewen, publican, who managed the inn from 1854 to 1859. During 1855 Wright erected stores to the rear of the lot, along the southern boundary against Mrs. Samson's Cottage. On 21 January 1856 W. A. Wright conveyed the public house to Thomas Goudie a confectioner of Sydney. During 1860-61 James Goudie managed the inn which was still known as the "Kings Head".^[1]

In September 1870, Goudie conveyed the property to Andrew Henry Julius Baass, accountant, who in the same month sold the property to Joseph George Raphael, merchant. Raphael changed the hotel's name to the "Great Pacific Hotel" in 1874 and in c. 1870 the stone perimeter walls were erected to the north and west boundaries of the allotment. In 1885, the Hotel's name was changed again to the "P & O Hotel" by the new licensee Mrs. Mary A. Ferguson who remained until 1891. In December 1900 the property was resumed by the NSW Government. The P&O; Hotel operated until at least 1909. The Salvation Army, Naval and Military Home was established in 1911 and remained the tenants until 1927 when the building was renovated.^[1]

In March 1927 Howie Moffot & Co. submitted plans for alterations to the building and in 1928, after the completion of the facade and internal works, the Circular Quay Depot of the Central District Ambulance Service began operations.^[2]^[1]

In 1950 the Housing Commission was responsible for the leasing of the property, rent was charged at £ 5 per annum.^[1]

In 1971 the upstairs rooms were rewired, painted and refurnished to provide school and demonstration facilities for Introductory Training Classes for recruits for the Central District. At the end of 1973 classes ceased when responsibility for training was transferred to the NSW Ambulance Board. In the mid 1980s there was a proposal to establish an Ambulance Service Museum on the premises and for a time several old Ambulances were on display.^[1]

By late 1990 the premises were found to be infested with white ants and the floor boards, particularly on the first floor were unsound and creating an occupational and safety issue. The premises were vacated on 9 November 1990 and the lease relinquished to the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority.^[3]^[1]

From 2008 to 2018 the Ken Duncan Gallery occupied the premises, after which, it became the head quarters of The Argyle Network, an Australian Technology recruitment business.^[1]

Archaeology notes

Lease to William Balmain,^[4] by 1800.
Lease to William Gaudry,^[5] January 1810.
Granted as Lot 2, Section 85 to William Carr and G. J. Rogers,^[6] solicitors, as trustees for James Shepherd, Richard Wood, Nathaniel Dermot, James Webber and Edmund Pontifex, assignees of estate of John Plummer and William Wilson, formerly Fenchurch Street, London, merchants and bankrupts.
Current building built 1840s.
Converted to Ambulance Station 1920s.
Renovations for shop and residence 1994.^[1]

Description

Ambulance depot, 1928. Older buildings at rear. Sandstone rear wall along back boundary. Sandstone brick wall on side boundary. Various dates to these structures. 1842-1843, 1870; Built By: 1840s^[1]

The building at No. 73 George Street North, The Rocks, the former Ambulance Station, is a two-storey masonry walled structure with a cellar and attached roof over a rear yard enclosed by sandstone boundary wall on two sides (now demolished). The building used to cover the entire site between George Street and Kendall Lane at the rear. The single pitched gable roof is of corrugated iron and is screened from George Street by parapets.^[7]^[1]

Style: Georgian Art Nouveau; Storeys: three including basement; Facade: 1928 Modelled Facade; Side Rear Walls: Sandstone brickwork; Roof Cladding: Corrugated Iron; Floor Frame: Timber, Concrete; Ceilings: 1st floor pressed metal.^[1]

Condition

As at 3 May 2001, archaeological condition assessed as partly disturbed. Assessment basis: Floor level with George Street, and terraced up to level of Kendall Lane. Investigation: Monitoring during works 1994. Evidence of deposits.^[1]

Modifications and dates

In March 1927 Howie Moffot & Co. submitted plans for alterations to the building and in 1928, after the completion of the facade and internal works, the Circular Quay Depot of the Central District Ambulance Service began operations.^[1]

Heritage listing

As at 31 March 2011, the site became of State heritage significance for its historical and scientific cultural values. The site and building are also of State heritage significance for their contribution to The Rocks area which is of State Heritage significance in its own right.^[1]

The main building is significant in that it retains a majority of building fabric dating from 1842 and its site was an allotment subdivided by Frederic Unwin. The main building is also significant in remaining possibly the oldest surviving identifiable hotel building in The Rocks area. The sandstone and brick perimeter walls to the rear yard are significant in dating from the middle 19th century and demonstrate the hotel's yard evolution. The main building retains the potential for its return to its near original configuration and street appearance to complement this highly significant surviving 19th century townscape precinct in George Street. The building and site has been associated with many uses throughout its long history, its use as a hotel being of predominate significance, and it illustrated the changing social fabric of the area which once had a concentration of public houses demonstrating the importance of the consumption of alcohol to the economy of the area. The construction of the building clearly demonstrates the form of 19th century building techniques and the improved standards pertaining to a c. 1840 hotel building. The size and scale of the building continues to make an important contribution to the streetscape of George Street and sympathetic relationship to nearby similar buildings. The site has important associations extending back in history to the establishment of the first hospital in the colony in 1788 and also has significant associations with many 19th century historical figures including Surgeon William Balmain, Frederick Garling, Frederic Unwin. The site development illustrates the way an intensive urban use character evolved reflecting the growth of The Rocks Area generally.^[8]

High Significance Fabric: Remaining 19th century fabric of east, west, south and elevations; remaining early 19th century fabric of north elevation; remaining 19th century wall enclosures. Medium Significance Fabric: Remaining late 19th century fabric of north elevation; timber joists and pressed metal ceiling (first floor) Low Significance Fabric: 20th century components of north, west and south elevations; 20th century roof forms; visible 20th century alterations including joinery (ground floor); 20th century partition wall and joinery, timber flooring and fluorescent lights and electric fan (first floor).^[1]

Shop, Ken Duncan Gallery was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002 having satisfied the following criteria.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.

The adaptation of the original Colonial hotel into an Art Nouveau utility building effectively illustrates the redevelopment of the Rocks, and Sydney. It has value as a greatly altered but remaining identifiable example of the early development in Sydney. The changing uses of the building are very significant i.e. hotel, Salvation Army, Naval and Military Home and Ambulance Station, in portraying the changing history of the precinct and Sydney. The infill building allows the historic pattern of early subdivision in 1841 by Frederic W. Unwin of The Rocks are to be clearly understood. The building has associations with significant 19th century historical figures, including surgeon William Balmain, Frederick Garling senior and junior and Frederick Unwin.^[1]

The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The later Art Nouveau facade is well detailed, and illustrates an important surviving adaptation of an early hotel building into a utility building. The form, scale, detailing and material of the facade contributes greatly to this very significant streetscape. This is particularly relevant with the many nearby buildings in The Rocks of the same architectural style, i.e. c. 1920-30's which all contribute to give the area a strong and rich historical character. The fine 1880s rock faced perimeter wall is significant as well detailed rear and side boundary wall.^[1]

The place has a strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in New South Wales for social, cultural or spiritual reasons.

The use of the former early 1842 public house or hotel with "every convenience" is very significant to this period of the Rocks precincts and Sydney. The Salvation Army, Naval and Military Home use between 1911 and 1927 . The change of use to an Ambulance Station in 1927 is significant.^[1]

The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The form of early construction with a sandstone basement and three-storey brick building. The sandstone retaining walls supporting the brick wall above indicate an important early method of construction. The later 1927 alterations to the building and the transformation of the facade into a modern style of the time.^[1]

Related Research Articles

The Brooklyn Hotel is a heritage-listed bar, restaurant and former hotel located at 229 George Street, in the suburb of The Rocks, in the city of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon and built in 1912. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mercantile Hotel</span> Historic site in New South Wales, Australia

The Mercantile Hotel is a heritage-listed pub located at 25–27 George Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Spain & Cosh Architects and built in 1914. The property is owned by Place Management NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Orient Hotel is a heritage-listed pub located at 87–89 George Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1843 to 1844. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Argyle Stores is a heritage-listed former custom house and bond store that now serves as offices, bar, function rooms and restaurant located at 12–20 Argyle Street in the inner-city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. Henry Cooper designed the east wing, and the designer of all other wings is not known. The Argyle Stores were built from 1826 to 1878, and is also known as Argyle Bond Stores and Cleland Bond Store. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Argyle Terrace – Caminetto's Restaurant is a heritage-listed former residence and now restaurant located at 13–15 Playfair Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by built for Thomas Playfair from 1883 to 1884. It is also known as Former Harry's Bar and Sorrentos. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Reynolds's Cottages is a heritage-listed former retail building and residence and now retail building and cafe at 28–30 Harrington Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. It was built for Thomas Ryan in 1830. It is also known as Gumnut Cafe. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Raphael Mackeller Stores is a heritage-listed former store and now museum located at 4–6 Kendall Lane in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1853 to 1854 for Joseph George Raphael. It is also known as The Rocks Toy Museum, Unwin's Coach House, Coach House, and The Coachhouse. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Samson's Cottage wall remains is a heritage-listed former residence and now retail building located at 8 Kendall Lane, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built for William Samson in 1844. It is also known as Samson's Cottage (wall remains) and Puppet Cottage (Samsons). The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

Samson's Cottage is a historic building in Sydney, Australia. It was built for William Cormack and built from 1883, and over the years, it has housed a Chinese laundry, an art gallery and an antique shop. It is located at 75–75.5 George Street in the inner city suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Unwin's Stores are heritage-listed shops and formerly a residence located at 77–85 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1843 to 1846 for Frederick Wright Unwin. It is also known as Unwins. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

93 George Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed former dwelling and now retail building located at 93 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built in 1891. It is also known as Zia Pina Pizzeria. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Old Police Station, The Rocks is a heritage-listed former police station and now home to Sergeant Lok, a Modern Asian restaurant and bar, that is located at 127–129 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by James Barnet and built in 1882 by W. Cains and Sons. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

95-99 George Street, The Rocks are heritage-listed shops and cafe and former dwellings located at 95-99 George Street in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1868 to 1868. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed retail building and residence located at 182 Cumberland Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed by Walter Liberty Vernon with the assistance of E. L. Drew and built from 1911 to 1912. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Long's Lane Precinct, also Longs Lane Precinct, comprise a series of heritage-listed terrace houses located at 130 Cumberland Street, 132–134 Cumberland Street, 136-138 Cumberland Street, and 140–142 Cumberland Street, in the inner-city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. The terrace houses were built from 1888 to 1914, and they are also known as 130 Cumberland Street,132–134 Cumberland Street, 136–138 Cumberland Street, Watson's Butchery, and 140–142 Cumberland Street. The properties are owned by NashCap, an Australian-based real estate private equity firm. The precinct and the terrace houses were added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

107–109 George Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed restaurant and former retail building, residence and bakery located at 107–109 George Street, in the inner city suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1860. It is also known as Rockpool Restaurant (former); and William Blue Dining. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

147 George Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed former retail building and residence and now duty-free store complex located at 147 George Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1914. It is also known as part of a Duty Free Store complex. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

149–151 George Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed duty-free store complex and former retail building and residence located at 149–151 George Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built from 1913 to 1913. It is also known as part of the Duty Free Store complex. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

105 George Street, The Rocks is a heritage-listed shop and former residence located at 105 George Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was built during 1851 by persons unknown and redeveloped in 1985 by the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority with Co-Wyn Construction. It is also known as Kathmandu (current) and Beach Culture and Dorian Scott (former). Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

The Sydney Sailors' Home is a heritage-listed former sailors' home, theatre and visitor's centre and now gallery and restaurant, located at 106–108 George Street, in the inner city Sydney suburb of The Rocks in the City of Sydney local government area of New South Wales, Australia. It was designed and built in two stages: in 1864 by Weaver & Kemp and in 1926 by Spain and Cosh. It is also known as the former Marionette Theatre and The Rocks Heritage and Information Centre. The property is owned by Property NSW, an agency of the Government of New South Wales. It was added to the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 10 May 2002.

References

1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 "Shop, Ken Duncan Gallery". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H01589. Retrieved 14 October 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .
↑ SCRA 1979: KL/08
↑ Sheedy 1991: 16
↑ AR033-034; AR036-037; AR044-045; AR145; AR149
↑ AR033-034; AR036-037; AR044
↑ AR033-034; AR036-037; AR044; AR126
↑ Sheedy 1991: 18
↑ Sheedy 1991: 32

Bibliography

Attraction Homepage (2007). "Shop, Ken Duncan Gallery". Archived from the original on 22 December 2008.
David Sheedy P/L (1991). The Ambulance Station, 73 George Street, The Rocks, Conservation Plan.
Higginbotham, Kass & Walker (1991). The Rocks and Millers Point Archaeological Management Plan.
Lester Tropman & Associates (1989). Conservation Analysis & Statement of Cultural Significance for the Ambulance Station, at 73 George Street & Coach House Precinct to Kendall Lane.
SCRA (1979). Building Data Sheet KL/08.
Sydney Cove Authority (SCA) (1998). SCA Register 1979-1998.
Tourism NSW (2007). "Ken Duncan Gallery The Rocks, Sydney". Archived from the original on 19 July 2011.

Attribution

This Wikipedia article was originally based on Shop, Ken Duncan Gallery , entry number 1589 in the New South Wales State Heritage Register published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under CC-BY 4.0 licence , accessed on 14 October 2018.

This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.

[nswshr-1589-1] 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 "Shop, Ken Duncan Gallery". New South Wales State Heritage Register . Department of Planning & Environment. H01589. Retrieved 14 October 2018. Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under CC BY 4.0 licence .

[nswshr-1589-1589-1-2] SCRA 1979: KL/08

[nswshr-1589-1589-2-3] Sheedy 1991: 16

[nswshr-1589-1589-3-4] AR033-034; AR036-037; AR044-045; AR145; AR149

[nswshr-1589-1589-4-5] AR033-034; AR036-037; AR044

[nswshr-1589-1589-5-6] AR033-034; AR036-037; AR044; AR126

[nswshr-1589-1589-6-7] Sheedy 1991: 18

[nswshr-1589-1589-7-8] Sheedy 1991: 32

[1]

[2]

[3]

[4]

[5]

[6]

[7]

[8]

v t e The Rocks historical attractions
Residential buildings	Argyle Terrace Avery Terrace Baker's Terrace Cadmans Cottage Cumberland Street Nos. 106-128 Nos. 130, 132-134, 136-138, and 140-142 No. 182 Nos. 182.5-188 Gannon House George Street Nos. 29-31 No. 93 Nos. 95-99 No. 101 No. 103 No. 105 Nos. 107-109 No. 121 Nos. 123-125 Nos. 139-141 No. 145 No. 147 Nos. 149-151 [some of the aforementioned were subsequently converted into commercial buildings] Gloucester Street Nos. 32-36 and 38-40 Nos. 46-56 103-111 Nos. 113-115 Nos. 117-117a Harrington Street No. 32 Nos. 42-52 Nos. 55-59 Nos. 61-65 No. 67 No. 71 Jobbins Terrace Lilyvale Long's Lane Precinct Merchant's House Penrhyn House Playfair Street Terraces Playfair's Terrace Reynolds' Cottages Samson's Cottage Samson's Cottage wall remains Sergeant Major's Row Susannah Place (museum) View Terrace facades
Commercial buildings	Accountants House Ambulance Station (former) ASN Co building Argyle Stores ASN Hotel Building Bushells Building Butchery Building Campbell's Stores Cleland Bond Store Coroner's Court (former) English, Scottish and Australian Bank Federation Hall George Street No. 231 Harrington's Buildings Harts Buildings Joe Bananas shop Johnson's building Julian Ashton Art School Lawson House Metcalfe Bond Stores Museum of Contemporary Art Australia (former MSB building) Mining Museum (former) New York Hotel (former) Model factory building, Gloucester Street NSW Housing Board Building, Grosvenor Street Old Bushells Factory Phillip's Foote Restaurant Police Station (former) Raphael Mackeller Stores Royal Naval House Science House Sydney Sailors' Home Union Bond Store (former) Unwin's Stores
Churches	Mariners' Church St Patrick's Church, Church Hill
Pubs and hotels	Australian British Seamen's Brooklyn Fortune of War Glenmore Harbour Rocks Mercantile Observer Orient Russell
Transport infrastructure	Argyle Bridge Argyle Cut Captain Tench Arcade Cumberland Place and Steps Sydney Cove railings
Other significant historical features	Cumberland Street Archaeological Site Dawes Point Battery Rocks Push Sydney Cove West Archaeological Precinct