Case Study

South Sydney Uniting Church, Waterloo

preserving A heritage listed site

The South Sydney Uniting Church, a Victorian Gothic-style sandstone building, underwent significant conservation and repair works.

The project aimed to address the deteriorating sandstone masonry caused by long-term water ingress while preserving the church’s historical and architectural integrity. This church has been a central part of the Waterloo community since its construction in 1858, designed by the notable architect Edmund Blacket.

The repairs were designed to retain the building’s original Victorian Gothic architectural features, such as the rose window and lancet windows on the façade, while improving its structural integrity.

Town Planning and Disabled Access consultancy

We provided Town Planning and Disabled Access consultancy for the heritage listed building, and submitted through the Planning Portal as the Applicant.

Key aspects of the work included:

Sandstone Masonry Restoration
The external sandstone had suffered from severe water damage over the years. The project involved repairing and replacing deteriorated sections of the stone while maintaining the original Gothic architectural features, including the buttresses and rose window.
Internal Structural Repairs
Inside the church, water damage had affected key features such as the timber ceiling and decorative plasterwork. Repairs were carried out to restore these elements while retaining the church’s open, voluminous space and its historic choir mezzanine.
Modernisation of Facilities
The project included upgrading the kitchen and bathroom areas to modern standards, ensuring that the church could continue serving the community while maintaining its heritage status.
Addressing Water Ingress
One of the critical issues was water ingress, which had impacted both the internal and external areas of the church. Drainage solutions and structural repairs were implemented to protect the building from future damage.

Maintaining architectural integrity

The restoration of the South Sydney Uniting Church not only preserved its historical significance but also ensured its ongoing use as a community hub. The conservation work has reinforced the building’s structural integrity while maintaining its place as a heritage landmark in Waterloo.

This project is a prime example of balancing heritage preservation with modern functionality, ensuring that historical buildings continue to serve their communities for years to come.

Let us partner with you

We are committed to helping you achieve the best results. Our passionate town planning and access consultants provide practical solutions that don’t mean ‘going back to the drawing board’. Our expert access consultants have years of industry experience offering achievable access solutions for our clients.

Our town planning, sustainability and access consultancy services will guide you through an otherwise complex, challenging process, with proactive recommendations based on our comprehensive, high-quality assessments and reporting.

We look forward to learning about your plans. Our partnership is the next step in your development path.

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