Decision details

Moved by Councillor Scott, seconded by the Chair (the Lord Mayor) –

It is resolved that:

(A)       Council note:

(i)         support for the previous Council resolution “Preserving the history of our City’s labour movement at the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshop” dated 8 April 2019;

(ii)        the South Eveleigh Large Erecting Shop (heritage registered as the Large Erecting Shop) is located in the South Eveleigh precinct, on the site of the former Australian Technology Park;

(iii)       since 1899, it has been named the South Eveleigh Locomotive Workshop, distinct from the operation of trains;

(iv)       Transport for NSW has prepared a rezoning proposal for the Workshop, aiming to deliver a mixed-use development with commercial and retail uses;

(v)        the rezoning proposal will prevent the entry of heritage locomotives and rolling stock into the Workshop and thus into the South Eveleigh Precinct. This will end a 123-year association of the Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops with the Sydney rail network;

(vi)       the proposal mainly affects only the interior with some minor external works also proposed and is on exhibition for public comment until 24 November 2022;

(vii)      a number of shortcomings in the consultation process where the Community Liaison Group, railway associations and volunteers have not been consulted;

(viii)    the City’s submission to Transport for NSW highlights a number of important improvements to be made to the planned development as outlined below:

(a)        the City and the Central Sydney Planning Committee (CSPC) should be returned as the consent authority for all development in the South Eveleigh precinct;

(b)        a bridge connection between north and south Eveleigh should be considered;

(c)        the proposal does not adequately respect the heritage significance of the site and its individual components;

(d)        the floor space should be reduced and the voids increased to improve interpretation of the heritage internal fabric of the building;

(e)        ensure the original spatial conception of the building can be read, meaning aligning voids with the original doors and no new opening are provided in the main southern façade;

(f)         commit to delivering a significant quantum of affordable commercial floor space on the site for small business, start-ups and creative industries; and

(g)        identify local infrastructure needs beyond the site boundaries and reflect these in a local infrastructure schedule developed in close consultation with the City;

(ix)       the City’s submission should also note:

(a)        a heritage interpretation which includes a focus on the Workshops’ rich social, union and political history;

(b)        the importance of continuing an operating road into the Workshop to enable heritage locomotives and rolling stock to be accessible as part of the cultural heritage tourism offering of South Eveleigh;

(c)        the importance of heritage site and components, which could form an archive/research centre or museum;

(d)        the design for the proposed reuse of the Workshop and the Public Art Strategy should be the subject of a competitive process; and

(e)        the importance of the NSW Government working with the Community Liaison Group, railway groups, volunteers and community members;

(x)        the REDWatch community group has been a strong force advocating for the bridge connection and for the scale and purpose of the heritage workshop to be respected and preserved; and

(xi)       the City’s submission effectively aligns with such community sentiment, actualising their efforts of advocacy; and

(B)       Council further note that the REDWatch resident action group has been advocating for the protection of, and public access to, the public space around the Large Erecting Shop.

The motion, as varied by consent, was carried unanimously.

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