Heritage 21

29/01/2026

A refresher training session was held at the office on Tuesday for the Heritage 21 team, hosted by our Historical Research Officer, Kate. Using her historiographic and teaching background, Kate expertly guided the staff on how best to navigate the Historical Land Records Viewer (HLRV) when conducting research for site and suburb histories. These histories are an important aspect of our reports, as they often dictate the heritage significance and what advice we can offer to clients.

While the HLRV is a helpful tool for tracing the ownership and dealings of a site over time, the system can sometimes be tricky to use, depending on the accuracy, age and maintenance of the records. Kate offered some useful tips for locating the information they need and to overcome these research obstacles, including parish maps, Volume and Folio page numbers (Vol-Fol), Lot/Deposited Plan numbers (DP), Primary Applications and the archives at the State Library of NSW.

The Heritage 21 staff found the training session to be very instructive and practical, as it gave them more confidence with using the HLRV. We look forward to having another training day soon to further expand on these tools and other approaches to research for site and suburb histories.

27/01/2026

Towards the end of 2025, one of our clients received DA approval for a project in Cowper Street, Randwick. We prepared Preliminary Heritage Advice and a Statement of Heritage Impact for R ARCHITECTURE, regarding the demolition of the existing dwelling and construction of a four-storey residential flat building, referred to as Randwick Apartments. Their development will be designed for people who want to stay connected to their neighbourhood, while addressing market demand and local demographics which emphasise a need for more housing. The design prioritises down-sizer friendly living and supporting intergenerational living. Some of the key features include generously sized three-bedroom apartments, north-south orientation for optimal natural light and solar access, and spacious layouts tailored to long-term comfort and flexibility.

After conducting appropriate heritage research, Heritage 21 determined that the site could be used for the new development. The Cowper Street site had little heritage significance. The portion of land that Cowper Street was originally part of was purchased by Henry Johnston of Kempsey in 1910, after being subdivided by Pearce, the Commissioner of Crown Lands in Sydney. The deeds were transferred to Rachel Lasker on the 12th of October 1914. The site first appears in the Sands Directory in 1918, with Isaac Lasker listed as the occupant. The house was likely constructed in 1917. A comparison of the current aerial imagery with that from 1943 reveals that while the original building remains, significant extensions have been made to the rear.

The Cowper Street site is a significantly altered example of a Federation-era dwelling. Extensive modifications to both the exterior and interior have resulted in the loss or substantial transformation of original design features. Some original heritage fabric remains, including timber floorboards, timber-framed windows, terracotta roof tiles and stained-glass elements, but they are not considered representative.

We commend R ARCHITECTURE for their efforts to get the DA consent and look forward to seeing how the design and construction unfold.

22/01/2026

Heritage 21 shares their thoughts on the recent proposal to remove the stained-glass windows from the Queen Victoria Building (QVB) in Sydney's CBD and its resistance from the public. https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7419963061215854592

15/01/2026

Over the years, Heritage 21 has provided multiple clients such as Claron Consulting with heritage advice and documentation for the Former Grace Brothers Homewares Building at Ultimo, Broadway. Our work with the site spans as far back as 2015 for various fit-outs and maintenance works. The site has operated as student accommodation.

Brothers Joseph Neal and Albert Edward Grace first established a drapery store in George Street West in 1885. They gradually expanded their business at Broadway with other departments. In 1896, they constructed a four-storey building at the rear of the site for furniture and ironmongery. Their business continued to flourish. In 1903, a private electricity plant was erected to operate these buildings. A five-storey flagship building was constructed on the corner of George Street West and Bay Street the following year. It wasn't until the Great Depression in the 1930s that the company began to struggle, due to the decline in the economy, the opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and the diversion of city tram routes. The company expanded into the suburbs of Parramatta, Bondi Junction and Chatswood. Grace Bros. leased the Mark Foy's on Elizabeth and Liverpool Streets in 1980. Eventually, Grace Bros. was acquired by Myer in 1983, later rebadged in 2004. The site became student accommodation in 1996.

The five-storey building was built in the Edwardian, Federation Free Classical style, with the architectural character and detailing heavily influenced by the Beaux-Arts. The primary façades have distinctive vertical bays emphasised by the bay windows, detailed moulding, sandstone voussoirs, semi-circular pediments and tessellated entryways. The clock tower and globe are a substantial brick and stone structure with pressed metal griffins concealing the steel anchors, creating the allusion of the griffins supporting the opal glass globe.

Image credits:
Grace Bros.’ General Catalogue 1928. (Photograph In Sydney Living Museums. Added by Michael L**h. Sydney, 2022.)

Grace Brothers flagship Broadway store, Broadway and Bay Street Glebe, 1980s. (Photograph in City of Sydney Archives. Sydney, 2024.)

18/12/2025

Heritage 21 recap for 2025!

One aspect of our work that has increased in 2025 has been our involvement with residential developments. We have assisted multiple clients throughout concept phase, DA to OC/CC, ranging from alterations and additions, mixed-use developments, dual occupancies and subdivisions. This increase is a result of new policies as the NSW Government attempts to overcome the current housing crisis, including Transport Oriented Development (TOD), State Significant Development Applications (SSDAs) and Low and Mid-Rise Housing. We have helped clients navigate these changing regulations to the best of our understanding and will continue to do so in 2026. Some of the staff attended the NSW Heritage Forum in August, and the Housing Now! Conference in October, which discussed the shifting relationship between heritage conservation and housing.

In 2025, Heritage 21 became more integrated with archaeology in the space of project coordination, collaborating with archaeological firms to facilitate a rounded approach for our clients.

Heritage 21 was also fortunate to host several of our Lunch ‘N’ Learn sessions throughout the year. We had many opportunities to learn more about other professions connected with heritage conservation and products we can recommend to clients. Another event worth noting included the National Trust Heritage Awards in May. Hornby Lighthouse (a project we have been involved with) was shortlisted for the Built Conservation category. Heritage 21 was also invited by Interpretation Australia to write a project spotlight article on one of our Heritage Interpretation Plan projects.

Heritage 21 has continued to collaborate and maintain positive relationships with long-term clients for commercial projects. These projects have included the maintenance of libraries, train stations and town hall buildings, restaurant or office fit outs and other works involving golf courses and tennis clubs. We have also taken on new, extensive educational projects at multiple regional NSW schools. Thank you to all our clients for engaging with us. We look forward to working with you in 2026.

10/12/2025

Heritage 21 had a lovely time at our End of Year Event two weeks ago. We celebrated our hard work and dedication with a delicious lunch at Lotus Barangaroo. Sharing good food, holiday plans and Secret Santa presents was a fun and relaxing way to close out 2025.

Thank you to all our clients who have collaborated with us this year, both new and established. We look forward to working with you in 2026. Wishing everyone happy holidays and a cheerful and safe new year!

The Heritage 21 office will close on Friday, 19th of December 2025, and reopen on Monday, 5th of January 2026.

18/11/2025

Heritage 21 has worked on several projects for Bronte House since 2021, providing Waverley Council with heritage advice and documentation for the site. Our team has assisted with remedial and testing works, and the lodgement of Section 57 Standard Exemptions, S60 Fast Track Applications and 5.10.3 Applications to carry out conservation works on the different heritage features of this local and state-listed item. Bronte House is also on the National Trust Register (NSW).

Bronte House was built between 1843-1845 after English barrister, Robert Lowe and his wife, Georgiana bought the property from renowned colonial architect, Mortimer Lewis. The Lowes had come out to Australia to improve Robert's health and often hosted the intellectual elite of the colony at Bronte House. Georgiana was an accomplished artist and responsible for the botanical and vegetable gardens. After their return to England in 1849, Bronte House entered a period of rapid change of ownership, the most significant being J.B Holdsworth in 1861, who added a second storey to the Bronte Road wing. From 1882-1948, the Ebsworth family owned and lived at Bronte House for over six decades, until they eventually sold the cottage to Waverley Council. Throughout the 1970s-1980s, the site fell into poor condition despite being used for various community functions, parties and weddings. In 1983, Waverley Council decided to lease the house for a 25-year period to someone willing to undertake the cost of repairs, on condition of opening the house to the public six times a year. Since then, Bronte House has seen restorations to the main rooms, sandstone walls, fencing, antiques and gardens by five different tenants.

Bronte House is a Victorian, turreted single-storey cottage which was heavily influenced by the simplicity, symmetry and romanticism of the Gothic Revival period. The cottage features deep bay and bow windows, a high double roof, a rendered masonry chimney, pierced wooden tracery, arched timber around the windowpanes, rusticated elements and castellation. There is also a well-maintained front garden, with large magnolia trees and Norfolk pines.

06/11/2025

Heritage 21 director, Paul Rappoport shares some of his thoughts on Merivale's proposed plans for a new Entertainment and Hospitality Precinct in Sydney's CBD with significant adaptive reuse potential.

https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/adapting-heritage-buildings-sydneys-cbd-new-entertainment-mpqgc

21/10/2025

A few weeks ago, Heritage 21 hosted a Lunch 'N' Learn session with Krissie Kalteis from Precious Wall Finishes. Krissie Kalteis is a certified master of historical painting techniques, stucco and Venetian plasterwork, gold gilding and heritage conservation. Her experience spans both Europe and Australia. Her paint finishes combine traditional and eco-friendly influences and are ideal for restoring heritage homes, stone cottages, timber interiors and sacred spaces.

During the Lunch 'N' Learn, Krissie discussed her background and education in art and heritage restoration with our team. She also advocated for natural paint products, including limewashes and mineral-based paints, which have a positive impact on both heritage buildings and the environment, as well as helpful tools for assisting with paint removal and re-painting works. The team is grateful to Krissie for taking the time to share her experience and passion for heritage with us.

09/10/2025

Heritage 21 director, Paul Rappoport shares some heritage-related insights on the new housing development plans following last week's Housing Now! Conference.

Last week, I was fortunate to attend the Housing Now! Conference, held at CommBank Stadium in Parramatta. The Minns Government and Opposition came together to discuss new plans to implement more housing across Sydney and broader NSW.

25/09/2025

Heritage 21 hosted a Lunch 'N' Learn session with Sean Hardingham from Renaissance Stained Glass last week. Renaissance Stained Glass is a specialist in traditional stained glass and leadlight creation and conservation across different architectural periods, including the Victorian, Edwardian, Federation and Inter-war eras. Sean has over 40 years of experience as a stained glass artist and heritage consultant in Australia and the UK.

During the Lunch 'N' Learn, Sean discussed their approaches to the heritage conservation of stained glass, as well as the different materials and composition of stained glass windows, doors and frames. We also looked into the common issues and breakages that require restorative and maintenance works. Heritage 21 found the session to be very fascinating and insightful, as it gave the team an opportunity to appreciate and learn more about this feature of heritage. We are grateful to Sean for taking the time to come and speak with us about his business and share his passion for heritage and stained glass artistry.

17/09/2025

Over the years, Heritage 21 has worked with multiple clients, such as TQM Group, Thrum Architects, Hall & Wilcox, ACE Property Development Group and Rola Property Group on the Creighton Funeral Building in Gosford. We provided heritage advice and documentation through all phases of development, from concept to CC/OC for a proposed Internal Fit-out and Mixed-Use Development. This local item, which is also on the National Trust Register, has great adaptive re-use potential.

The subject site is positioned in a key section of Gosford which developed because of its proximity to the water and wharf. The Creighton family’s connection with Gosford dates to the early years of settlement in c.1844 when Robert Creighton moved to Gosford from Sydney. He established a woodworking business and undertaker services and held the position of Pound Keeper from 1843-1857. His son, also named Robert Creighton, followed in his father’s footsteps professionally and was an excellent carpenter and wheelwright. His grandson, Richard Creighton took over the business and was the third generation of funeral directors in Gosford, who also built and sailed larger boats. His great-grandson, Richard Henry Creighton carried on the business from the early 1930s. The funeral parlour moved to the subject site in 1938, and remained operational until c.2010, after which it was sold.

The main R.H. Creighton building and sandstone garage were constructed in 1938 by architect F. Vanderwyck Snr. The Funeral Parlour is rendered and painted but for a central face brick portico with raked joints. The portico was designed with a nested four-centred arch in the centre, tall side columns and an upper balcony which provide a sense of solidity to the façade in line with the formality and reverence owned to a funeral context. The building exhibits an imposing façade with a main fin located above the central brick portico and Art Deco motifs at parapet level. The portico is flanked by symmetrical wrought-iron balustrades to Juliet balconies reminiscent of the Interwar Spanish Mission Style. The north façade a rock-faced ashlar terrace base.