St George Hospital - New Emergency Department

Re: Griffith House, 30 Grey St, Kogarah.

I would like to propose the retention of Griffith House, as part of the proposed redevelopment & relocation of StGeorge Hospital emergency dept to Grey StreetH, Kogarah. Griffith House is scheduled as regional significance in Schedule 3 Heritage Items; Part 1 Heritage Items of the Kogarah Local Environment Plan 1998.

Regards

Kieran McGrath

September 27 2012

Ms Heather Warton
Director of Metropolitan North
Department of Planning and Infrastructure
GPO BOX 39
Sydney 2001





Attention
Ms Megan Fu
Assessing Officer
Department of Planning and Infrastructure

megan.fu@planning .nsw.gov.au

LATE SUBMISSION



Dear Madam ,

I became aware of the planned demolition of Griffith House on Monday , September 24 2012 . My response is therefore very limited, due to the shortness of time.

The statutuory advertising may have taken place by the relevant authorities, but it certainly has not reached the Kogarah community. The adjoining neighbour is the heritage listed Fire Station and the remaining part of the St George Hospital campus .

Many of the residents who live on the opposite side of the street are tenants and by nature are transient .

This Victorial Italiante property has a long history having been built in 1886.

Its significance is in the fact , that it represents the dominance and growth of Sydney, from having been built near the Illawarra Railway Line ( 1885 ) in the Bowns Park Estate.

Its further significance is associated to the fact that it was the residence of Peter Hermann Jr ,who played a leading role in Kogarah civic affairs. He worked towards incorporation of Kogarah as a Municipality, and was a founder of Kogarah Fire Brigade .

Hermann was an Alderman on Kogarah Council and served 4 terms as Mayor 1890-1891, 1895-1896 ,1896-1897 and 1897-1898.

Kogarah Council has recognized the significance of the property and given it regional significance in its Heritage study .

St George Hospital purchased the house in 1961 and the then Board named it Griffith House in honour of Griffith , who was the chief Executive Officer of St George Hospital from 1946- 1981.

A plaque was located in Room 7 of the St George Area Health Services Promotion Unit ( Griffith House ) . This was opened by the Hon Barry Unsworth, Premier of NSW and Member for Rockdale, on 9 November 1987 in memory of Mr T. A. C Griffith , former CEO of the St George Hospital .

Whilst the $34 million upgrade of Accident and Emergency, is to be commended it should not be at the expense of our local heritage . Our heritage , connected to the Hospital , has had a poor record over the past 10-15 years.

Dr Lamrock , former Hon Medical Officer to St George Hospital and Senior Medical Officer, until his death in 1915 lived in " Deuaran ," which was a significant building was on the corner of Belgrave Street and Kensingston Street . This building was demolished in October 1997, to be replaced by a unit block .

Dr Lamrock was also Hon Medical Officer to Moorefield Racecourse ( 1888-1951) and he himself owned at least one race horse. As the future author of the History of Moorefield Racecourse, I am aware of the significant role played by Dr Lamrock in our Kogarah community .

It would appear that buildings, which relate to the contribution of significant individuals connected to the history of St George Hospital , have been targets for demolition.

I am reliably informed that new developments on the Prince of Wales Hospital site have incorporated heritage properties. The Health Department has in its employment many skilled architects. This property should have been incorporated into the new proposal - it is too easy to consider the demolition option. To replace a building of regional significance with car parking beggars belief.

I register my strongest objection to the demolition of this significant property on the St George Hospital campus.


Yours faithfully

Anne Field
*Former Board Member, St George Hospital 1985-1988
*Former Rockdale City Councillor, 1991-1999
Member of Heritage Advisory Committee since 1992 and its Chair 1995-1999 - Rockdale Council
*Former Kogarah Councillor, 1999-2008
Member of Heritage LEP Task Group 1999-2004
Member Urban Planning and Design Working Party 2004-2008 - Kogarah Council
*Inaugural Chair of Southern Sydney Regional Organisation of Councils Heritage Forum in 1996, and Chair until 1998 ;Council delegate 1999-2004

Attention
Ms Megan Fu
Assessing Officer
Departtment of Planning and Infrastructure

LATE SUBMISSION


Ms Heather Warton
Director of Metropolitan North
Department of Planning and Infrastructure
GPO BOX 39
Sydney 2001


LATE SUBMISSION


Dear Madam ,

I only became aware of the planned demolition of Griffith House this week so please accept this late submission. My response is therefore very limited, due to the shortness of time.

The statutuory advertising may have taken place by the relevant authorities, but it certainly has not reached the Kogarah community. The adjoining neighbour is the heritage listed Fire Station and the remaining part of the St George Hospital campus

This Victorial Italiante property has a long history having been built in 1886.

Its significance is in the fact , that it represents the dominance and growth of Sydney, from having been built near the Illawarra Railway Line ( 1885 ) in the Bowns Park Estate.

Its further significance is associated to the fact that it was the residence of Peter Hermann Jr ,who played a leading role in Kogarah civic affairs. He worked towards incorporation of Kogarah as a Municipality, and was a founder of Kogarah Fire Brigade .

Hermann was an Alderman on Kogarah Council and served 4 terms as Mayor 1890-1891, 1895-1896 ,1896-1897 and 1897-1898.

Kogarah Council has recognized the significance of the property and given it regional significance in its Heritage study .

St George Hospital purchased the house in 1961 and the then Board named it Griffith House in honour of Griffith , who was the chief Executive Officer of St George Hospital from 1946- 1981.

Whilst the $34 million upgrade of Accident and Emergency, is to be commended it should not be at the expense of our local heritage . .

I am reliably informed that new developments on the Prince of Wales Hospital site have incorporated heritage properties. The Health Department has in its employment many skilled architects. This property should have been incorporated into the new proposal - it is too easy to consider the demolition option. To replace a building of regional significance with car parking beggars belief.

I register my strongest objection to the demolition of this significant property on the St George Hospital campus.

Yours faithfully

Liz Barlow
Carlton 2218

Dear Megan,

I'm a North Ward Councillor on Kogarah Council and I recently became aware of the proposed demolition of Griffith House.

While I'm totally supportive of the new Emergency Department at St.George Hospital, I urge the Department of Planning & Infrastructure to ensure that Griffith House is incorporated into the new development. Griffith House is recognised as having regional significance in Kogarah Council's heritage study and is featured in "`Houses and Heritage', Residences of the Kogarah Municipality by Beverley Earnshaw (Published by Kogarah Historical Society 2007).

I don't believe that the Kogarah community has been adequately consulted about the demolition of Griffith House and I urge your Department to commission a heritage study on the building before any demolition is considered.

Regards,

Lachlan McLean
Independent Councillor - North Ward
Kogarah Council

Attention Heather Warlton

We register our strongest objection to the demolition of the significant Home, Griffith House on the St George Hospital campus at 30 Gray Street, Kogarah we believe that it should be maintained for future generations,as is it is part of Kogarah Municipality and the St George Hospitals history.

Why is Griffith House to be demolished for car spaces.?

The Department of Health/ and Department of Planning need to get a decent Heritage Arcitect, and not an Arcitect looking to foster his/her own pockets.

I am outraged that this significant building would be considered for demolition to be replaced for car spaces, this is development by underhanded and deceitful Goverment Depatments,

No community consultation has taken place, the general public has not been informed, news articles have not appeared in the local paper or the local news print (KogarahLife) which is put out by Kogarah Council, for the general resident/ratepayers of Kogarah Municipality.

A small plan was displayed on the disused Kiosk in Belgrave Street, no where in the vacinity of Griffith House, we feel this was done deliberately to bring it to the attention of as few people as possible.

We live less than two minutes from Griffith House and have only just become aware that Griffith House is to be demolished. This is development by stealth.


Local Resident 's
3 Bellevue Street Kogarah

Catherine A Stanmore
Ronald W Stanmore
Alyse M Stanmore
Geoffrey W Stanmore

Dear Ms Fu

I refer to the above planned development, whereby you propose to demolish a significant heritage listed property, for the benefit of eight car parking spaces.

I have been a resident in the St. George area for the majority of my life, and have enjoyed the village/heritage atmosphere and ambiance of the Kogarah
town centre.

I simply cannot believe that you could even contemplate the destruction of this Victorian Italianate building. Sydney is reknown for its wonderful harbour
and unfortunately not much else!

I was Chairperson of the Southern Sydney branch of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) for five years, during which time we managaged to save several
significant buildings in the St George area and I will be damned, if I am going to sit back and let this one disappear.

I have perused the redevelopments plans, attached to the disused Kiosk, at Kogarah Hospital. This is not in the vicinity of Griffith House, and was fortunate
enough to have these plans bought to my attention.

If one were to look at the proposed plans, one could actually incorporate four levels of car parking spaces on the roof of the proposed emergency department.
Whereas looking at the current set of plans, the hospital is only gaining eight car parking spaces by removing a significant heritage item.

I have been advised that there has been no community consultation whatsoever, and wonder why?

Regards

HELEN THOMPSON

Dear Ms Fu

I refer to the above planned development, whereby you propose to demolish a significant heritage listed property, for the benefit of eight car parking spaces.

I have been a resident in the St. George area for the majority of my life, and have enjoyed the village/heritage atmosphere and ambiance of the Kogarah
town centre.

I simply cannot believe that you could even contemplate the destruction of this Victorian Italianate building. Sydney is reknown for its wonderful harbour
and unfortunately not much else!

I was Chairperson of the Southern Sydney branch of the National Trust of Australia (NSW) for five years, during which time we managaged to save several
significant buildings in the St George area and I will be damned, if I am going to sit back and let this one disappear.

I have perused the redevelopments plans, attached to the disused Kiosk, at Kogarah Hospital. This is not in the vicinity of Griffith House, and was fortunate
enough to have these plans bought to my attention.

If one were to look at the proposed plans, one could actually incorporate four levels of car parking spaces on the roof of the proposed emergency department.
Whereas looking at the current set of plans, the hospital is only gaining eight car parking spaces by removing a significant heritage item.

I have been advised that there has been no community consultation whatsoever, and wonder why?

Regards

HELEN THOMPSON

I am writing to you as a former Kogarah Councillor and a former chair person of the Kogarah Council Traffic Committee which I served on for 9 years, in regard to the demolition of a Heritage listed house, 30 Gray Street Kogarah, to provide 10 car parking spaces for the St George Hospital.

Unfortunately I remember the house next to No.30 which was also on the heritage list, being demolished when the hospital was last updated.

I find it very sad that many people don't appear to have the feelings for our past and what this house and many others in Kogarah that have already been destroyed have meant to the culture and history of the Kogarah community, one readily comes to mind, a beautiful Victorian two storey house which was on the corner of Belgrave street, which is now a mustard coloured commercial building, no thought was given to it's heritage either by a former Mayor of Kogarah, Samuel Witheridge, whose uncle just happened to purchase it and then demolished it, I was there watching, feeling that a major part of Kogarah's history was gone forever. This beautiful house just happened to be the home of the first Doctor of the Cottage Hospital at Kogarah - Dr Lamrock

I would like the people who make these decisions, who probably have absolutely no connection with the Kogarah Community will make their decision solely based on the removal of just bricks and mortar, who is to say what history this house has, and no thought whatsoever given to the history or the people who have resided there over the last 150 years - and what for - 10 car parking spaces. Is 10 car parking spaces going to solve or ease the parking problem at St George Hospital, the answer is NO.

When I was on Council, Heritage listed homes and buildings were treated with the respect they deserve and more should be done to preserve them, definitely not demolish them, both the old and the new surely can add to the history of the Kogarah Community. 150 years of History being knocked down for 10 car parking spaces.


Fay Samuel

See attached

Dear Megan,

I'm a Kogarah resident and I object to the proposed demolition of Griffith House. I support the new Emergency Department at St.George Hospital, but implore the Department of Planning & Infrastructure to ensure that Griffith House is incorporated into the new development.

Griffith House is recognised as having regional significance in Kogarah Council's heritage study and is featured in "`Houses and Heritage', Residences of the Kogarah Municipality by Beverley Earnshaw (Published by Kogarah Historical Society 2007).

Regards,


Samantha McLean

Dear Megan,

I have been informed about the proposed demolition of Griffith House by St.George Hospital.

As a St.George resident, I strongly object to the demolition as this property has major historical significance for the St.George District. The St.George Hospital and NSW Government must do whatever it takes to save this heritage item.

I am very concerned about the lack of public consultation on this matter.

Regards,


Mark McWhinney

Dear Megan,
I wish to express my strong opposition to the demolision of Griffith House at St. George Hospital campus. I am a local resident who has lived in the St. George area all my
life and I am very attached to Griffith House as I pass by Griffith House on my way to the shops in Kogarah. It is very important that we preserve this building for the future
and the young people and for the whole of the community as it is the last heritage building on the St.

Dear Megan,

It is with much regret that I read that Griffith House is to be demolished.I was born at St George Hospital in 1959, my aunt in 1946 and my children as well as many members of my extended family so know the importance of St George Hospital in the local community.

I travelled to school each day on the bus and remember looking at Griffith house and many others in Grey Street . There is little left of those days except Griffith House which is extremley important to the Kogarah area as it is the home of an early Mayor. It is sad that we let progress destroy our heritage unlike when we travel to Europe and see many buildings from well before Governor Phillip settled in Australia. Kogarah has very few beautiful houses and feel thisone should be presrved.

Have architects looked at incorporating Griffith House into their plans?
Could it be made into a Hospital Museum and coffee shop for staff and patients?

Willl there be any further community consultation before the final decision?

Hope no hasty decisions are made,

kind regards,

Julie Fitzsimons

George Hospital.
It is a fine example of Victorian era arhitecture which Kogarah as one of the oldest surburbs in Sydney is renouned for and is the
reason why it is so valuable to the community. It is part of the substantial residential development that made possible the establistment
of the Illawarra railway line and has strong connections to Kogarah Council. It is also the home of Peter Hermann, who was instrumental
in the incorporation of the municipality. It is named after a long-term hospital chief executive, Mr. Griffith.
Young people today especially need the benefit of what history we have in this country to give them a sense of who they are and what
life was like in the past, and I am sure that you willl agree with me.
Yours Sincerely,
Bernadette Fitzsimons.
Beverley Park

Good Morning Megan,

I would like to register my concern regarding the heritage building,Griffith House on the St George Hospital campus. We have lost many of the heritage buildings in our area and I believe we have a clear responsibility to the future generations to preserve and conserve our heritage.I ask you to consider the future of this beautiful,historic home.

Thanking You,

Helen Wright

greetings Megan, I write to you to urge you to prevent the demolition
of this fine, historic building. There is no way a compromise cannot
be found, to retain the building while allowing for improvements to
the hospital. Heritage buildings are a record of our culture, give our
streetscapes the type of character that puts roots into the ground,
rather than simply being ephemeral conglomerations of steel and
concrete that have no personality. I cite the case of a friend of mine
who recently returned from his first visit to Cairns for thirty years,
revealing how disappointed he was to discover that the Cairns he'd
known has disappeared, replaced by universal shopping malls and
concrete towers. For instance, the four old 19th century pubs, known
locally as The Barbary Coast, which fronted the character-laden old
dock area, and the quaint yacht club he used to enjoy an ale at - all
had gone, replaced by international hotels on the waterfront, making
Cairns now indistinguishable from any other modern resort town. Is
this the outcome we want for Kogarah, to destroy its character?
Remember how close we came to losing The Rocks in the 1960s, and how
we celebrate that area today - we defeated the philistines that time
and we must do it again, to save Griffith House. Chris Sim, Kogarah.

To Whom it May Conern,

I wish to express my objection to the planned demolition of Griffith House at Kogarah to make way for parking or a driveway for St.George Hospital.
This building is an important piece of heritage for the local community.
I cannot believe that this demolition is essential, and that there is no way that this can be avoided.
I am sure if there was sufficient good will and intention, an architect could find a way around it.
Griffith House is a fine example of its period and is in good order, not neglected or in need of major repair.
Please make every effort to ensure this building is kept.
The sad thing is that Australia does not fully appreciate its built heritage and we lose valuable heritage items every year. Once demolished it is gone for ever.Other countries respect their built heritage and go to great lengths to protect it.
Yours faithfully,
Christine Davis

Dear Megan,

I am writing to express my distress at the proposed demolition of Griffiths House in Gray Street Kogarah to make way for nine vehicle parking spaces.

I am a member of the Professional Historians Association and have published a brief history of the house in my book Houses and Heritage.

This house was originally called Weroona and was built in 1890 by Peter Herrmann, a four times Mayor of Kogarah. Peter Herrmann emigrated from Germany at the age of 12 and during his lifetime became one of Kogarah's most respected community leaders. He was on the committee which worked towards incorporation of Kogarah as a Municipality. He was the founder of the Kogarah Fire Brigade. He was on the Committee of St.George Cottage Hospital and in 1903 occupied the chair. He lobbied the Minister for Lands to have Englishes Paddock made into a public park and now it is Jubilee Oval. He arranged construction of the Sans Souci Swimming Baths. These are just a few of his contributions to Kogarah's development. He lived in Weroona from 1890 until he died in 1918

This is a building of historic significance and part of Kogarah's cultural heritage. To demolish it for a car park would be a tragic waste.

Yours sincerely,

Beverley Earnshaw MA.Dip.FHS

I wish to add to name to the objectors to the demolition of Griffith House as part of the expansion of St George Hospital.

There are many examples of historic buildings being retained and incorporated into new developments rather than being demolished, thus preserving an important heritage for future generations. Why can't this be done in this instance?

Fred Scott

I strongly object to the demolition of Griffith House. All our remaining
Historical Buildings must be preserved.

Regards

Beverley Scott