North Head Sanctuary: Dramatic plan to reimagine Manly’s ‘hidden gem’
One of Sydney’s most treasured historic sites - Manly’s North Head Sanctuary - which is home to WWII barracks, secret plotting tunnels and a rich indigenous and colonial history - is set to be transformed. HAVE YOUR SAY ON THE PLANS.
NSW
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One of Australia’s most prized historic treasures, the North Head Sanctuary in Manly – a “hidden gem” of bushland and WWII military fortifications on a breathtaking headland - will be reimagined as part of plans to breathe new life into the site.
The Sydney Harbour Trust is inviting NSW residents to have their say on the future of the sanctuary in a bid to transform it into a bustling community hub.
An immersive visitor experience in the unique underground plotting tunnels, accommodation or an artist’s residence at the old artillery school or an interactive indigenous educational experience are just some of the ideas being floated by the authority.
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CEO of the Harbour Trust Mary Darwell said there are “endless possibilities” for the site - and residents will be able to have their say online for the next month before consultation again resumes in 2021.
“We really want a big conversation with the Sydney community about what they value about this site and what they hope for its future. It’s a wonderful bush sanctuary that has this incredibly deep military history and deep custodian history.
“There’s many possibilities. At some of our other sites we have artist’s precincts and markets and at Cockatoo Island we have events.”
The spectacular headland has been described as “the chief bulwark greeting Sydney” and is one of the most significant sites in Australia because it was the backdrop to some of the earliest interactions between the Gayamagal people and Europeans in the 1700s.
After the First Fleet arrived in Port Jackson from Botany Bay, North Head was used as a quarantine station for colonies to prevent the spread of disease. Later, a graveyard was erected for the victims of a deadly smallpox epidemic.
During World War II, North Head became one of the most heavily fortified sites in Australian history, with large guns capable of firing on enemy ships with the help of anti-aircraft artillery and searchlights - as well as secret tunnels.
Today, it is a nature refuge and popular walking track dotted with remnants of coastal guns and fortifications from WWII.
Under the plans, the never-before-seen School of Artillery - which comprises the Army Barracks and North Fort complex - will be for the first time opened to the public. The school contains a collection of art deco buildings fitted with a parade ground, ballroom, sheds and rooms where gunners stayed during WWII.
Any changes to the site must strike the right balance between public and private use, Ms Darwell said.
“We’re very clear that our remit is to provide public access and amenity and to restore the site’s heritage values. The right activation and community uses will bring life to the place.. Commercial uses cannot outweigh the public benefit of it,” she said.
Harbour Trust chair Joseph Carozzi said the plans need to incorporate the site’s rich history - in particular, the site’s indigenous history.
“We’re going to work with respected elders to make sure we interpret the significance of the site correctly. We want to deliver a respectful, indigenous interpretation of the site.”
Traditional owner Professor Dennis Foley described the land as “possibly the most important indigenous site on the eastern seaboard” because it connects not only to the “heavens” but “at least five songlines that traverse half of the continent.”
Manly resident and acclaimed Australian author Thomas Keneally walks regularly on the tracks in the area. He says a fresh look at the site will do “wonders” to help restore it to its former glory.
“After just one visit, you’re hooked,” he says. “The Aboriginal history, convict history, military history of the site is fascinating.”
To participate in the conversation text “Hello Harbour Trust‘ to 0480 018 889, complete the survey at www.harbourtrust.gov.au or visit the site and scan the QR codes on the yellow signs.