Donal Carr papers relating to the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority and The Rocks

MLMSS 11988

fonds

1959-2021

Textual Records, Clippings, Graphic Materials, Photographs

9675561

0.48 metres of textual material (3 boxes) - typescript, manuscript, printed

Donal Carr (1939- ), was Staff Architect for the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority from March 1971 to October 1987.

Reference:
Library correspondence file
As a result of perceived urban decay in The Rocks, the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority was established as a State Government statutory body with a charter to restore, renovate and redevelop The Rocks with complete planning, design and redevelopment control. The Authority commenced operations in January 1970 but was met with opposition and street protests from the local community and the NSW Builders' Labourers Federation led by Jack Mundey. This was due to initial plans unveiled by the Authority that proposed demolishing many heritage properties in the area and replacing these with high-rise office blocks. By 1974 the Authority had revised its plans, cancelling high-rise building developments while retaining and conserving more of the heritage buildings in the area. The Authority continued until the end of January 1999, when its functions were taken over by The Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

References:
Library correspondence file

NSW State Archives. “AGY-440 / Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority (1970-1991) / Sydney Cove Authority (1991-1999)” Museums of History NSW. Accessed 13 September 2023.
https://search.records.nsw.gov.au/primo-explore/fulldisplay

A collection of reports and subject files relating to the planned redevelopment of The Rocks during the period of the donor's employment with the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority as staff architect and afterwards. Records include progress reports, development plans, conservation plans, environmental assessments, newspaper and magazine clippings, and other papers produced or collected by Carr regarding the work of the Authority.

The donor has also compiled additional information about The Rocks after his period of employment with the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. This includes articles written by the donor emphasizing the Authority’s work in preserving the heritage buildings of The Rocks while challenging the narrative of Jack Mundey’s role as well as correspondence with former colleagues.

Box 1: Planning, advice and reports
1. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. Harrington Place Precinct: A report concerning physical and tenancy redevelopment with a special emphasis on the pedestrian circulation system. 18 October 1978
2. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The Rocks, Prime Development Site D5, 6, 11, Preliminary particulars. May 1980
3. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The Rocks, a special place in 1988. A case for Commonwealth Assistance in preparing this Historic Area for the Bicentennial. November 1980
4. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The Rocks, Site D5, 6, 11, Conservation Plan. 1982
5. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The Rocks, Prime Development Opportunity, Clock Tower Site (C2/5 c and d), First Developers’ Brief. January 1985
6. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. Report, Implementation of Approved Scheme, Progress Report. February 1985
7. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. Report, Argyle Stores, east wall conservation. April 1985
8. Jackson Teece Chesterman Willis and Partners Pty Ltd. Proposed commercial development for Site C11, Corner Globe and George Streets, The Rocks. Environmental Assessment prepared for: Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. September 1985
9. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The Rocks, Development of D2 Site. Consideration of the Environmental Impact Statement, Submissions and Director’s Examination under S.112 of the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act, 1979. November 1986
10. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. The Rocks, Tenant Handbook. January 1987
11. Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority. Everything you wanted to know about the Sydney Cove Redevelopment Authority and The Rocks but didn’t know who to ask…, Tenants Edition. Undated.

Box 2: Subject files
1. Invitations to official events
2. Newspaper cuttings
3. Philosophy, talks, beginnings
4. Publicity and publications
5. Sign controls
6. Staff
7. The Rocks Revisited, Personnel - RESTRICTED

Box 3: Subject files
1. The Rocks Revival, SCRA, in precinct order, part 1 of 3
2. The Rocks Revival, SCRA, in precinct order, part 2 of 3
3. The Rocks Revival, SCRA, in precinct order, part 3 of 3
4. Photographic prints and negatives
5. Donal Carr additional papers, research material, articles.

Partly restricted: Applies to MLMSS 11988/Box 2/Folder 7, Expires: 2049-12-31

In copyright:
Please acknowledge:: Mitchell Library, State Library of New South Wales and Courtesy copyright holder