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Section 170 Register Report: 4726001: THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY

Heritage Item ID:   4726001
Item Name:   THE UNIVERSITY OF SYDNEY
Street Number:  
Street Name:   The University of Sydney
Suburb / Nearest Town:   Sydney
State:   NSW
Post Code:   2006
Other / Former Names:   N/A
Group Item ID:   0
Group Name:   N/A
Year Construction Started:   1855
Year Construction Completed:   8319
National Theme:   Educating
Regional Theme:  
Designer:   Refer to individual buildings
Builder:   Refer to individual buildings
Local Theme:   Development of Gothic Revival Style in Australia
Custom Field One:   Refer to individual buildings
Custom Field Two:  
Custom Field Three:  
Statement Of Significance:   The first University to be constructed in Australia, previously those wishing to obtain a university education were required to travel abroad. The university is a heritage cultural landscape containing buildings of exceptional individual value set within a designed landscape with large areas enclosed by a historic fence. The place developed into a series of precincts each with a special character. The continuing function of the institution as a University is also of exceptional cultural significance. An important Sydney landmark, containing what is probably the most significant group of Gothic Revival buildings in the country.
Historical Notes:   The Act to incorporate and endow the University was passed in 1850 and the infant institution was temporarily accommodated in the defunct Sydney College building. By 1853 a site for the University and four denominational colleges had been selected at the Grose Farm, south of Parramatta Road. This is the present site. Refer to the individual inventory sheets for details of the historical development of the individual buildings within the University Campus.
Physical Description:   The first buildings were constructed on a ridge looking towards Sydney. In the hollow to the west of the ridge were located the ovals and the individual colleges. A Medical School was established that was associated with the development of the nearby teaching hospital, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital. The hospital is located to the west of the University campus, between two of the colleges. The Medical school was originally intended to be sited between the two institutions however a more prestigious site adjacent to the main quadrangle was selected. Gradually more faculties were added. The original formal approach to the east of the main quadrangle is now a public park: Victoria Park. The university expanded considerably in the twentieth century and now occupies buildings across City Road and the Institute Building. Descriptions of the individual university buildings are given on each inventory sheet. The place includes extensive developed gardens, ovals, avenues and other open spaces with terracing, stairs, fountains and paving and extensive iron and stone fencing with major gateways.
Physical Condition:   Refer to the 1999 University of Sydney Heritage Fabric Survey
Modification Dates:   Refer to individual buildings
Recommended Management:   Refer to the detailed requirements contained within the individual Conservation Plans and Conservation Management Plans noted on each inventory sheet. Refer also to the 1999 University of Sydney Heritage Fabric Survey. Ensure that the impact of any proposal on the heritage significance of the buildings, and their setting, is assessed when planning new works. An overall CMP should be prepared for the whole of The University of Sydney including precincts of landscape. Conservation and development should conserve and enhance the heritage significance of the place as a whole. Its continuing use as a university is crucial to its heritage value.
Further Information:  
Custom Field Four:  
Custom Field Five:  
Custom Field Six:  


Local Government
Area		   DUAP
Region		   Historic
Region
South Sydney City   Sydney South   Sydney

Historical Significance:   As the first university in Australia. The pattern of development indicates both expanding student numbers and an increasing number of faculties and courses. For its association with Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (a teaching hospital).
Aesthetic Significance:   Containing what is probably the most significant group of Gothic Revival buildings in Australia: the Main Building Precinct. Containing a range of faculty buildings dating from c1880 to the present.
Social Significance:   For its continued use as a University. As a Sydney landmark. For its continuing educational role.
Technical Significance:   Indicating changing building technologies, materials and architectural styles. Indicating changes in both teaching methods and research methods.
Rare Assessment:   The first university to be established in Australia.
Representative Assessment:  
Intact Assessment:   Substantially intact.


State
Theme Code		  
Education  


Author   Title   Reference
Year		  
  University of Sydney Heritage Fabric Survey, DPWS Heritage Group & Otto Cserhalmi & Partners P/L 1999    
  Register of the National Estate and National Trust Listing Cards    
     


Heritage
List Name		   Listing
Name		   Reference
Number		   Listing
Date		  
       


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Caption:		   Sydney University and Grounds (undated)
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Caption:		   St Pauls College and the University of Sydney, 1870
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Caption:		   The University from Prince Alfred Hospital, 1918
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Caption:		   Looking East over University of Sydney to Glebe Point Road (undated)
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