More about Ku-ring-gai's built heritage

The National Trust received a grant in 1992 in order to identify the extent and quality of NSW’s inter-war housing and estate housing. The study identified a number of precincts in NSW considered to be worthy of listing, with housing built between 1918 and 1942 being of State heritage significance due to the enormous visual impact it had on the built form of today’s suburbs and towns.

In Ku-ring-gai the main housing growth period was after the North Shore Railway was opened in 1890 and after World War 1. Compared to other areas in the Sydney region, Ku-ring-gai was found to contain one of the most extensive and intact inter-war housing areas in the State.

The National Trust’s report was finalised in 1996 and recommended 28 precincts in Ku-ring-gai for possible listing. All 28 precincts were classified by the National Trust in 1997. Sadly, classification by the Trust carries no statutory implications.

21 of the Ku-ring-gai UCAs are currently listed on the National Estate Register as Indicative Places and the Australian Heritage Commission is assessing these for possible inclusion in their Register. Once again, listing on the National Estate carries no statutory implications for non-Commonwealth Government-owned properties.

Nonetheless, the National Trust listings of the 28 precincts reflects the fact that they are of National, State and Local cultural significance as a fine collection of 20th century domestic architecture with complementary gardens and landscapes.

This was reinforced in 2000, when, recognising the value of the precincts and the high pressure for development, the Australian Council of National Trusts declared all 28 precincts to be “Endangered Places”.