Council’s conservation plans for Thompson Square
HAWKESBURY Council’s objections to the new Windsor Bridge have been raised a notch with their proposed Conservation Management Plan for Thompson Square, Windsor.
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HAWKESBURY Council’s objections to the new Windsor Bridge have been raised a notch with their proposed Conservation Management Plan for Thompson Square, Windsor.
They will also have a heritage impact statement of the controversial Windsor Bridge replacement project.
The plan has been commissioned by the council with partial funding from the Office of Environment & Heritage to summarise the historical and geographical context of the Thompson Square Conservation Area, its history, fabric, research potential, and importance to the community.
Council said it has engaged Heritage Architects Lucas Stapleton Johnson to prepare the plan which is expected to be ready by mid-2018.
The NSW Government is going ahead with building a new Windsor Bridge while the council and local action groups are actively opposing the plans saying it will destroy the heritage of Thompson Square.
Roads and Maritime Services has begun excavation work at Thompson Square and has uncovered brick barrel drains dating back to more than 200 years.
Council said the proposed plan will “accurately define the conservation area and consider if the current boundaries of the conservation area are required to be adjusted or changed to more accurately reflect the historical significance of Thompson Square”.
Meanwhile, Macquarie federal Labor MP Susan Templeman wants the Windsor Bridge project to cease immediately following the discovery of two sections of brick barrel drain.
“This latest discovery reinforces that the NSW Government’s actions are environmental vandalism of the highest order,” Ms Templeman said.
“Giant, mechanical excavators are crushing the remains of Australia’s heritage, and incredibly precious indigenous artefacts.
“Works must be stopped immediately so that archaeologists and local Darug elders can assess the historic site and preserve the historic Thompson Square.”
She said that in addition to the barrel drain, many colonial remains and Aboriginal artefacts predating 1811 have been uncovered.
“The NSW Government is planning to build a bridge that won’t solve the traffic problems but will destroy unique heritage in the process,” Ms Templeman said.
“The end result will be a modern, concrete structure that still causes traffic congestion through the historic heart of Windsor.”
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