Heritage Interpretation Plan
Client: Traders In Purple
Location: Crown Street, Wollongong
Date: 2022-2025
Services provided
- Archaeological Salvage.
- Heritage Interpretation Plan.
- Heritage Interpretation Content Development.
Biosis Pty Ltd (Biosis) was hired by Traders in Purple to undertake a Heritage Interpretation Plan (HIP) for the redevelopment of 15-19 Crown Street, Wollongong. The project involved the development of a mixed-use apartment block named Northsea, which resulted in 12 storeys of residential apartments over a commercial space, with a portion dedicated to affordable and social housing. The Heritage Interpretation Plan, and subsequent integration of the historical themes into the design of the building, considered several heritage values: The traditional lands of the Wodi Wodi people of the Dhawaral; the early European settlement of Wollongong and the original family cottage of the Copa’s family; the trade of international goods through the Wollongong port, and the subsequent development of a mid-century social housing block.
While an archaeological salvage excavation and analysis was undertaken in 2022 by Biosis archaeologists, very few non-Aboriginal archaeological remains were identified, with the majority removed previously as part of 20th century construction and demolition works. Some interesting glassware typical of 19th Century domestic households was uncovered and helped inform the interpretative theme ‘The world at your doorstep’ within the broader interpretation plan.
Outcome
The original footprint of the Copa cottage was represented as pavers on the ground floor along with native plants sourced for the landscape gardening, Aboriginal artwork and glass panels imprinted with historic photographs, and some historical signage about the Copa family and social housing history, were all included within the interior design of the space and as decorative features for visitors to enjoy in the lobby.
Interpretive Themes
The interpretive themes identified for Northsea included:
- Aboriginal connection to place – On Wodi Wodi Country
- A place to call home (Copas Family home)
- The world at your doorstep (International glassware uncovered during salvage)
- Crown Street community (1950s Social housing blocks)
Interpretation Devices
The interpretive devices applied in the final Northsea development included:
- Device 1: Signage and displays (lobby).
- Device 2: Public art (lobby).
- Device 3: Landscape design (gardens and paving).