MACLEAN SHOWGROUND PAVILION MACLEAN, NSW STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT - PREPARED FOR CLARENCE VALLEY COUNCIL
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Maclean Showground Pavilion
Maclean, NSW
STatement of Heritage Impact
prepared for
Clarence Valley Council
everick heritage
May 2019
Report Reference:
Hill, T, and R. Mazlin 2019 Statement of Heritage Impact: Maclean Showground, Maclean NSW. Everick Heritage
Pty Ltd. Unpublished report prepared for Clarence Valley Council.
EVERICK HERITAGE PTY LTD
Brisbane – Tweed Heads – Coffs Harbour – Alice Springs
ABN: 78 102 206 682
Head Office: Level 9, 110 Mary Street Brisbane
BRISBANE, QLD 4000
T: (07) 3211 4478 E: info@everick.com.au
Document Status:
Amended
Rev No. Version Author(s) Date Authorised
Sections
3 Final T. Hill All 21.05.2019 T. Robins
© Everick Heritage Pty Ltd 2019
This document is and shall remain the property of Everick Heritage Pty Ltd. The document may only be used for the
purposes for which it was commissioned. Everick grants authority to reproduce this document for academic purposes.
Unauthorised reproduction of this document is prohibited.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 1
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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Everick Heritage Pty Ltd have been engaged by DRA Architects on behalf of their client, Clarence Valley Council
(the ‘Proponent’) to prepare a specialist Statement of Heritage Impact (‘SOHI’) for the construction of a new
pavilion at the Maclean Showgrounds, Maclean, NSW (the ‘Proposed Works’). The subject site includes the
location of the pavilion only, and is immediately adjacent to the grandstand (the ‘Project Area’). The Proposed
Works are in response to the certification of the building as unsafe following heavy winds which removed the
building from its piers. The decision to replace the old building with a new building is in response to the assessed
condition of the original building, issues around compliance with safety codes and resolution of accessibility issues.
The Proponent proposes to undertake the following works to:
• Demolition of the existing pavilion and savage of materials such as trusses, windows and flooring for
reuse, subject to condition; and
• Redevelopment of a new pavilion using a single-story building with skillion roof over a concrete slab
construction.
A key component of the design is the reuse of the existing trusses as an architectural feature and setting of the
building at ground level with a small cut into the slope to increase building accessibility.
The pavilion is located immediately adjacent to the ‘Fine Arts’ pavilion and ancillary impacts to this building have
been considered in the SoHI.
The Statement of significance for the Showground and Pavilion is;
The Maclean Showground is historically significant for its role in showcasing the products of the district.
The annual show was a major event in the Maclean year and because of its riverside location attracted
people from villages and towns such as Grafton and Ulmarra. The showground itself is also the site of the
historic Maclean Highland Gathering, an event with has been held for over 100 years. At least two of the
buildings, the main Pavilion and the Fine Arts building, are over 100 years old. Located adjacent to the
Clarence River this is one of the most picturesque showground settings on the North Coast. This site has
archaeological potential and is representative of the type of showgrounds constructed on the north coast
although the inclusion of the purpose built cane pavilion is rare and demonstrates the importance of the
sugar cane industry in this district.
The Maclean Showground main pavilion is assessed as primarily contributing to the heritage values of the Maclean
Showground and is its oldest building. However, the pavilion is not considered to be either an exemplar or unique
building within the showground or the Maclean conservation area. The austere design can be in part attributed to
its function to primarily display agricultural exhibits and the construction of the building using sponsorship and
public funding. The redevelopment of the main pavilion will have the effect of introducing a modern building into
the pavilion and grandstand complex. Several strategies have been employed in the design to ensure that the new
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 2
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pavilion is sympathetic to the remaining pavilions and buildings, particularly the Fine Arts pavilion, the main arena and the views over the Clarence River, including re-use of historically significant heritage materials such as the trusses, weatherboards and potentially flooring and the retention of a single-story profile which will accentuate the character of the adjacent fine arts building. Based on the assessment it is concluded that a Conservation Management Plan is not required for the proposed works. However, a Conservation Policy is considered appropriate to guide future development and operation of the rural enterprise. EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 3 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
CONTENTS
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY ............................................................................................................................................ 2
1. INTRODUCTION .............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.1 The Project .............................................................................................................................................. 7
1.2 Proposed Works ...................................................................................................................................... 7
1.3 Aims and Methodology ........................................................................................................................... 7
2. LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING CONTEXT ....................................................................................................... 13
2.1 State Legislation .................................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 ...................................................................... 13
2.1.2 The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW)........................................................................................................ 13
2.1.3 Heritage Act Database................................................................................................................... 13
2.1.4 Clarence Valley Local Environmental Plan (2011) ......................................................................... 14
3. HISTORICAL CONTEXT................................................................................................................................... 15
3.1 Maclean Thematic History .................................................................................................................... 15
3.2 Historic Heritage Register and Database Search Results ...................................................................... 17
4. SITE INSPECTION .......................................................................................................................................... 19
5. SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT ......................................................................................................................... 22
5.1 Significance Criteria Assessment ........................................................................................................... 22
5.2 Statement of Heritage Significance ....................................................................................................... 24
6. STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT (SOHI)................................................................................................... 25
6.1 Nature of Potential Impacts .................................................................................................................. 25
6.1.1 The following aspects of the proposal respect or enhance the heritage significance of the item or
conservation area for the following reasons. ............................................................................................... 25
6.1.2 The following aspects of the proposal will detrimentally impact on heritage significance of the
Heritage item................................................................................................................................................ 25
6.1.3 Have more solutions been considered and if so or why have they been discounted? ................. 26
6.1.4 Requirement for a CHMP. ............................................................................................................. 26
6.2 Summary Statement of Heritage Impact .............................................................................................. 29
7. CONSERVATION POLICY ............................................................................................................................... 30
7.1 Conservation Approach ......................................................................................................................... 30
7.2 Owner’s or steward’s requirements ..................................................................................................... 30
7.3 What are the items/fabric that must be conserved? ............................................................................ 30
7.4 What are the items/fabric that can be altered? ................................................................................... 31
7.5 What are the exemptions from the Heritage Act? ................................................................................ 31
7.6 What to do with archaeological material? ............................................................................................ 31
7.7 What are the gaps in existing knowledge about the item? .................................................................. 31
7.8 Who should receive copies of this document? ..................................................................................... 31
7.9 If the item is to be open to the public, what are the risks to public safety and how can they be
mitigated? ......................................................................................................................................................... 31
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7.10 What are the item’s conservation needs and interpretation requirements? ....................................... 31
7.11 Are there any confidential matters to be included in an appendix? ..................................................... 32
7.12 Review ................................................................................................................................................... 32
8. REFERENCES ................................................................................................................................................. 33
APPENDIX 1: HERITAGE DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS .......................................................................................... 34
8.1.1 Boundary: ...................................................................................................................................... 34
8.1.2 Statement of significance: ............................................................................................................. 34
8.1.3 Description .................................................................................................................................... 34
8.1.4 History ........................................................................................................................................... 35
8.1.5 Historic themes ............................................................................................................................. 36
8.1.6 Assessment of significance ............................................................................................................ 36
8.1.7 Listings ........................................................................................................................................... 37
8.1.8 Study details .................................................................................................................................. 37
8.1.9 References, internet links & images .............................................................................................. 37
FIGURES AND TABLES
Figure 1: Regional Locality Maclean Showground, Maclean, NSW. ............................................................. 9
Figure 2: New pavilion layout (source DRA Architects).............................................................................. 10
Figure 3: New pavilion western and southern elevation (source DRA Architects). ................................... 11
Figure 4: Window and Door schedule showing repurposed trusses (source DRA Architects)................... 12
Figure 5: Maclean Showground as viewed from Pavilion (source Maclean Show Society). ...................... 17
Figure 6: Southern portion of Maclean Conservation Area (source Clarence Valley Council) ................... 18
Figure 7: Main pavilion entrance showing bull-nose verandah and central double door entrance. ......... 20
Figure 8: North facing showing gable roof with enclosed lean-to with low pitch skillion roof.................. 20
Figure 9: South facing facade toward the main grandstand. ..................................................................... 21
Figure 10: Aerial image of rooflines of interconnected pavilions (source Google Earth). ......................... 21
Table 1: Local heritage items (Bellingen LEP 2010). ................................................................................... 17
Table 2: Statements addressing requirements for Conservation Management Plan (‘CMP’). .................. 26
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DEFINITIONS The following definitions apply to the terms used in this report: ARL means Assessed Risk Level. CVC means Clarence Valley Council. Heritage Act means the Heritage Act 1977 (NSW). ICOMOS means the International Council on Monuments and Sites. LEP means the Local Environmental Plan. LGA means Local Government Area. NSW means New South Wales. OEH means the New South Wales Office of Environment and Heritage. Project Area means the Maclean showground located at Cameron Street Maclean being Lot 7301//DP1133705. SHI means State Heritage Inventory SHR means State Heritage Register SOHI means Statement of Heritage Impact. The Consultant means qualified archaeological staff and/or qualified heritage sub-contractors of Everick Heritage Consultants Pty Ltd. EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 6 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
1. INTRODUCTION
1.1 The Project
Everick Heritage Pty Ltd have been engaged by DRA Architects on behalf of their client, Clarence Valley Council
(the ‘Proponent’) to prepare a specialist Statement of Heritage Impact (‘SOHI’) for the construction of a new
pavilion at the Maclean Showgrounds, Maclean, NSW (the ‘Proposed Works’). The subject site includes the
location of the pavilion only, and is immediately adjacent to the grandstand (the ‘Project Area’). The Proposed
Works are in response to the certification of the building as unsafe following heavy winds which removed the
building from its piers. The decision to replace the old building with a new building is in response to the assessed
condition of the original building, issues around compliance with safety codes and resolution of accessibility issues.
1.2 Proposed Works
The Proponent proposes to undertake the following works (see also Figure 2, Figure 3 and Figure 4):
• Demolition of the existing pavilion and savage of materials such as trusses, windows and flooring for
reuse, subject to condition; and
• Redevelopment of a new pavilion using a single-story building with skillion roof over a concrete slab
construction.
A key component of the design is the reuse of the existing trusses as an architectural feature and setting of the
building at ground level with a small cut into the slope to increase building accessibility.
The pavilion is located immediately adjacent to the ‘Fine Arts’ pavilion and ancillary impacts to this building have
been considered in the SoHI.
1.3 Aims and Methodology
The methodology used for this SOHI is consistent with the Australia ICOMOS Burra Charter and the NSW
Department of Planning (Heritage Division) publication, Assessing Heritage Significance, Statements of Heritage
Impact (NSW Heritage Office, 2002).
The significance assessment, together with an outline of statutory requirements, informed the impact assessment
and recommendations. In accordance with the brief the assessment methodology included:
• primary and secondary research on the Project Area in order to provide succinct historical summary
of the Project Area, including historical chronological mapping;
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• desktop searches of relevant heritage registers and databases to identify listing within the Project
Area;
• provide detailed mapping the location of the heritage listings and determine the obligations of the
Proponent for the identified listings;
• a site inspection of the subject site to evaluate all registered heritage items and identify any further
unregistered heritage items;
• assess the significance of any identified heritage items (if any) through the application of the NSW
Heritage Council seven (7) heritage criterion and the NSW Heritage Branch Assessing significance for
historical archaeological sites and relics’ (2009);
• prepare a Statement of Heritage Impact for each identified heritage item; and
• report on findings and appropriate mitigation recommendations.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 8
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Figure 1: Regional Locality Maclean Showground, Maclean, NSW. EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 9 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
Figure 2: New pavilion layout (source DRA Architects). EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 10 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
Figure 3: New pavilion western and southern elevation (source DRA Architects). EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 11 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
Figure 4: Window and Door schedule showing repurposed trusses (source DRA Architects) EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 12 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
2. LEGISLATIVE AND PLANNING CONTEXT A number of planning and legislative documents govern how historic heritage is managed in NSW and Australia. The following section provides an overview of the requirements under each as they apply to the Proposal. 2.1 State Legislation 2.1.1 Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 The NSW Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (EP&A Act) and its associated regulations provide the framework for determining planning approvals for developments and activities in NSW. Environmental impacts are interpreted as including impacts to cultural heritage. 2.1.2 The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) provides protection of the environmental heritage of the State which includes places, buildings, works, relics, movable objects or precincts that are of State or local heritage significance. Significance criteria provided by the Heritage Act as discussed in further detail in Section 5.1 below. The focus of the legislation is on identifying places of either local or state heritage significance, and protecting them by registration on heritage registers. Significant historic heritage items are afforded little protection (other than at the discretion of councils) where they are not on a heritage register. Of note are the provisions allowing for interim heritage orders (Part 3), which grants the Minister or the Minister’s delegates, (which importantly may include a local government agent) the power to enter a property and provide emergency protection for places that have not yet been put on a heritage register but that may be of local or State significance. The Heritage Act 1977 (NSW) also makes allowances for the protection of archaeological deposits and relics (Part 6). An archaeological "relic" means any deposit, object or material evidence which relates to the non‐Aboriginal settlement of the area. Importantly, a former requirement for an archaeological relic to be 50 years or older has been repealed. The focus is now on the item’s potential heritage significance, not its age. 2.1.3 Heritage Act Database The Heritage Branch Division of OEH maintains registers of heritage places and items that are of State or local significance to NSW. The NSW State Heritage Register (SHR) is the statutory register under Part 3A of the NSW Heritage Act whereas the State Heritage Inventory (SHI) is an amalgamated register of items listed on LEPs and/or EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 13 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
on a State Government Agency’s Section 170 register and may include items that have been identified as having
state or local level significance.
2.1.4 Clarence Valley Local Environmental Plan (2011)
Local Environmental Plans (LEPs) are made under the Environmental Planning and Assessment Act 1979 (NSW) to
guide planning decisions by local councils, such as development applications. In relation to heritage, the LEPs
general objectives are to conserve the heritage of the respective LGAs through the protection of the significance
of heritage items, conservation areas, archaeological sites and Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places of heritage
significance.
Part 5 Section 5.10 of the Clarence Valley LEP 2011 deals with heritage conservation within the area covered by
the LEP. The objectives of this section are as follows:
a) to conserve the environmental heritage of Clarence Valley Shire;
b) to conserve the heritage significance of heritage items and heritage conservation areas, including
associated fabric, settings and views;
c) to conserve archaeological sites, and
d) to conserve Aboriginal objects and Aboriginal places of heritage significance.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 14
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council3. HISTORICAL CONTEXT
3.1 Maclean Thematic History
A thematic history was completed for MacLean (McSwan and Switzer 2006) and provides an outline of the broad
heritage themes for the township and surrounds. The Maclean township is particular important in terms of the
themes of;
• The physical environment;
• Traditional owners;
• European settlement;
• River commerce and trade;
• The sugar industry;
• The dairying industry;
• Fishing;
• Timber;
• Mining; and
• Tourism and recreation.
However, the main theme of relevance to the SoHI is the role of the showground pavilion played in showcasing
aspects of Macleans industry, in particular its agricultural heritage;
The discovery of the ‘Big River’ is typical of most of the North Coast river systems, being first reported by an
escaped convict Richard Craig who reported the riches of the river systems and supported their exploration in part
to receive a pardon (McSwan and Switzer 2006: 10, 25). The heavily timbered valleys immediately attracted the
attention of the timber merchants, particular those chasing the Red Cedar, known as ‘Red Gold’ which was largely
removed from the Clarence between the 1840’s and 1850’s. Cedar camps were typically very basic operations that
moved upwards through the valley depleting resources along the way. However, these operations would forma
basis for the development of support industries such as mills and boat works downstream. The township of
Maclean was originally named ‘Rocky Mouth’ in 1838.
The settlement of MacLean by Scottish settlers provides the next major theme of the lower Clarence, whereby
the initial investment into shops and buildings took place between and dominate trade and commerce until the
1920’s (McSwan and Switzer 2006:32). This trade and commerce was primarily built on the river;
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 15
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilThe Clarence River is to this part of the country pretty much what the Nile is to Egypt. It s a great highway
of commerce, and by its deposits of rich alluvial from time immemorial has given fertility to the land along
its course, making it adequate for the support of a dense population….the river, it’s tributaries, creeks and
channels have provided a navigable transport network from the earliest days of settlement. Indeed the “Big
River” acted as a catalyst for its commercial development. It was the cedar getters who first used the
Clarence for commerce and its first industry was shipbuilding. (Sydney Morning Herald 187 in McSwan and
Switzer 2006:34)
McSwan and Switzer (2006:87) place the showground within the historic theme of Tourism and Recreation and
make the following comment on the Mclean Showground:
Another major attraction within the area is the Annual Agricultural Shoe at the Maclean Showground. In
1892, the Lower Clarence Pastoral and Agricultural Society have the necessary piece of land to promote
the development of a very scenic, natural amphitheatre, showground. By 1896, after years of development
by voluntary labour, the first agricultural show was held. This activity is an annual event, bringing in many
tourists and travelling participants.
The extent to which this assessment is accurate is questionable. While it is acknowledged that the show itself has
significant value for recreation and tourism the initial agricultural and produce shows were critical for the
development of early agricultural markets. As such the role of the local shows in supporting emerging industries
by providing an annual opportunity for sales and networking needs to be acknowledged.
It is noted that the showground pavilion, as a public building, makes significant contribution to the heritage of the
Maclean township. The building was constructed at a time when the first wave of selective logging for export
quality timber transitioned to an industry which targeted readily available hardwoods to provide timber for a
growing population base. This period coincided with the emergence of agriculture as the dominate industry and
the use of local hardwoods in a pavilion to showcase local agriculture contributes to the value of the building.
However, the functional requirement of the building and the funding arrangements were such that the building is
very austere in nature.
A later theme along the north coast is the development of recreation and tourism in the mid-20th century and it is
clear that regional shows contributed to this cultural transition whereby towns became less dependently on local
agriculture. The development of new events and business opportunities in recreation, sports and the arts has
contributed to the growth of the showgrounds generally and this is reflected in the addition of buildings, including
the main grandstand in recent times.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 16
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilFigure 5: Maclean Showground as viewed from Pavilion (source Maclean Show Society).
3.2 Historic Heritage Register and Database Search Results
Searches were made of relevant Commonwealth, State and local heritage resisters on which historical heritage
places are entered on 18 October 2018 (Appendix 1). Results are as follows:
• NSW State Heritage Register: No results were returned.
• NSW State Inventory: No results were returned.
• Commonwealth Heritage List: No results were returned.
• National Trust heritage list: No results were returned.
• Clarence Valley Local Environment Plan: The Clarence Valley LEP 2011 identifies the following
heritage items (Table 1). The Showground forms part of the Maclean Conservation Area (Figure 6).
Table 1: Local heritage items (Bellingen LEP 2010).
Location Description Address Property Significance Item
information Identification
Maclean Showground Cameron Street Lot 7301 Local I193
and Pavilion DP1133705
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 17
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilFigure 6: Southern portion of Maclean Conservation Area (source Clarence Valley Council)
The description of the main pavilion is;
1900 - wooden pavilion 65ft x 30ft with 12ft walls with a row of fanlights on both sides and at each end.
The building is single skinned and now has an entrance verandah on the western end with a bull-nosed
verandah. A large open stand has been built on the riverside of the building and the pavilion has been
extended under a skillion roof on the other side. The main iron roof is a single gable. The two windows on
the front verandah are 12 paned.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 18
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council4. SITE INSPECTION
A site inspection of the Project Area was undertaken by Tim Hill of Everick Heritage Consultants, on 29 October
2018.
The site inspection aimed to make observations on the following;
• The general condition of the heritage item;
• Renovations and additions to ancillary buildings and structures in the immediate vicinity of the
heritage item; and
• Key architectural features with respect to the heritage listing and statement of significance.
The site inspection made the following key observations ((see also Figure 7- Figure 10);
• The building was currently decommissioned due to the collapse of the sub-floor piers and as such
detailed investigation and observation was made difficult.
• The central double doors, steep gable and symmetrical small windows are somewhat typical of the
late Victorian Period. The Bullnose verandah does not appear to be common in the architecture of
the Clarence Valley and the verandah rail appears to be a modern addition however was not able to
be described in detail.
• The 12 fanlights identified in the description have been infilled from the southern elevation
(grandstand) however are still visible on the Cameron Street elevation and at gable ends (west and
east elevations).
• The two verandah windows (west elevation) retain the 12 panel timber windows.
• The lean-to addition under a low pitch skillion roof was visible on the Cameron Street elevation.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 19
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilFigure 7: Main pavilion entrance showing bull-nose verandah and central double door entrance.
Figure 8: North facing showing gable roof with enclosed lean-to with low pitch skillion roof.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 20
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilFigure 9: South facing facade toward the main grandstand.
Figure 10: Aerial image of rooflines of interconnected pavilions (source Google Earth).
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 21
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council5. SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT
5.1 Significance Criteria Assessment
In order to understand impact upon a heritage site it is essential to understand why a site is significant. An
assessment of significance is undertaken to explain why a particular site is important and to enable the appropriate
site management to be determined. Cultural significance may be derived from a place’s fabric, association with a
person or event, or for its research potential and is defined in The Burra Charter: The Australia ICOMOS Charter
for Places of Cultural Significance 2013 (the Burra Charter) as meaning "aesthetic, historic, scientific, social or
spiritual value for past, present or future generations" (Article 1.2).
The Assessing Heritage Significance (NSW Heritage Office, 2001) guidelines establish seven criteria under which a
place can be evaluated in the context of State or local historical themes. The following statements are provided to
assess the potential significance of the Study Area.
It is noted that the residential dwelling has been assessed as being of local significance, the following provide a
summary of this assessment (refer Appendix 1).
Criterion (a): an item is important in the course, or pattern, of NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the local
area).
The Maclean Showground is historically significant for its role in showcasing the products of the district.
The annual show was a major event in the Maclean year and because of its riverside location attracted
people from riverside villages and towns such as Grafton and Ulmarra. The showground itself is also the
site of the historic Maclean Highland Gathering an event with has been organised for over 100 years. At
least two of the buildings the main pavilion and the fine arts building are over 100 years old.
It is noted this assessment does not specifically mention the main pavilion, however it is noted that he pavilion is
a primary contributor to the showground.
Criterion (b): an item has strong or special association with the life or works of a person, or group of persons,
of importance in NSW’s cultural or natural history (or the local area).
The showground is associated with the Maclean Highland Gathering which has held annual gatherings here
since 1894.
It is not clear that the main pavilion is directly associated with the Maclean Highland Gathering.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 22
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilCriterion (c): an item is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative
or technical achievement in NSW (or the local area).
The Maclean Showground has one of the most picturesque showground settings on the North Coast.
It is not clear that the pavilion contributes to the aesthetic characteristic of the showground, as the main aspect
and view is southward from the grandstand. The absence of openings on the southern elevation is a notable design
feature of the building, which appears to primarily function for the display and judge of exhibits. The pavilion,
being a very simple building without ornate features, does not appear to demonstrate any aesthetic or creative
achievement when compared to the commercial buildings of the Maclean central business district.
Criterion (d): an item has strong or special association with a particular community or cultural group in NSW
for social, cultural or spiritual reasons (or the local area).
The showground was not found to be significant under this criterion.
Criterion (e): an item has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of NSW’s
cultural or natural history (or the local area).
The site has archaeological potential.
It is not clear that the pavilion has any archaeological potential, beyond simple footings and some underground
utilities.
Criterion (f): an item possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of NSW’s cultural or natural history
(or the local area).
The CSR cane pavilion erected in 1981 is rare and links the Showground to the significant Australian
company CSR.
It is not clear that the main pavilion is uncommon, rare or possesses any endangered aspects of NSW cultural
history.
Criterion (g): an item is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of NSW’s cultural or natural
places or cultural or natural environments (or the local area).
It is representative of showgrounds with a main ring, various animal pens, pavilions and ancillary buildings.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 23
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilThe main pavilion is representative o pavilions in northern New South Wales. These buildings are typically funded
through community and business donations and, in rural areas particularly, lack elaborate design or ornate
facades. This is in part due to the very pragmatic nature of early agricultural entrepreneurs who sought to design
buildings with function being a priority over aesthetics.
5.2 Statement of Heritage Significance
The Statement of significance for the Showground and Pavilion is;
The Maclean Showground is historically significant for its role in showcasing the products of the district.
The annual show was a major event in the Maclean year and because of its riverside location attracted
people from villages and towns such as Grafton and Ulmarra. The showground itself is also the site of the
historic Maclean Highland Gathering, an event with has been held for over 100 years. At least two of the
buildings, the main Pavilion and the Fine Arts building, are over 100 years old. Located adjacent to the
Clarence River this is one of the most picturesque showground settings on the North Coast. This site has
archaeological potential and is representative of the type of showgrounds constructed on the north coast
although the inclusion of the purpose-built cane pavilion is rare and demonstrates the importance of the
sugar cane industry in this district.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 24
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council6. STATEMENT OF HERITAGE IMPACT (SOHI)
The Statement of Heritage Impacts Guideline (NSW Heritage Office 2002) has been used to evaluate and explain
how the proposed works may impact heritage values. An assessment of heritage impact should also address how
the heritage value of the site/place can be conserved or maintained, or preferably enhanced by the proposed
works.
6.1 Nature of Potential Impacts
The specific impacts to the heritage values of the pavilion include;
• Demolition of the existing building which has been certified as unsafe; and
• Redevelopment of a new building within a complex of pavilions which have been identified as
contributing to the heritage value of the showgrounds.
6.1.1 The following aspects of the proposal respect or enhance the heritage significance
of the item or conservation area for the following reasons.
The proposed works respect and enhance the heritage significance of the showground in the following ways;
• The new pavilion will be located substantially within the footprint of the original pavilion;
• The new pavilion will be single story and retain a similar roof height as the original pavilion;
• The new pavilion will provide direct access to the grandstand and views of the showground to
provide for the appreciation of the aesthetic values of the showground;
• The layout will include a main pavilion with an attached store;
• The new pavilion will have increase accessibility; and
• Where possible, materials from the original pavilion will be reused including the trusses,
weatherboards and colour bond. Subject to condition other materials such as the windows and
flooring may also be re-used.
6.1.2 The following aspects of the proposal will detrimentally impact on heritage
significance of the Heritage item.
The proposed works will result in the removal of some visual elements of the original main pavilion which do
impact on the primary heritage value of the building. These include;
• Changing the roofline from a gable to skillion;
• Removal of the bullnose style veranda and main entrance doors;
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 25
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council• Introduction of a cut and retaining wall to the immediate north of the building creating a vehicle
access area;
• Introduction of faced brick on the store area which is a new material for the pavilion.
6.1.3 Have more solutions been considered and if so or why have they been discounted?
The main alternate solution for the project is the restoration of the existing main pavilion. This option has been
discounted on the grounds that the original building was designed in the late 19th century primarily for the
judging of agricultural and craft exhibits and does not function as a recreational space, which was a shift in focus
of shows and regional towns in the mid-20th century. The redevelopment will provide increased visual amenity
across the showground to the River and hinterland, which is identified as primarily contributing to the overall
heritage significance of the showground.
A secondary consideration is that the proposed design with a concrete slab will increase the accessibility and
increase the efficiency of the buildings in terms of energy consumption. The modernisation of public buildings is
important in showcase current trends in architecture which will contribute to the cultural heritage of Maclean
into the future. This consideration is based on the assessment that the main pavilion is not exemplar of Victorian
or Federation architectural styles and does not stand alone in making a significant contribution to the character
of the showgrounds and the Maclean Conservation Area.
6.1.4 Requirement for a CHMP.
The following statements are provided to consider the requirement for a Conservation Management Plan (‘CMP’).
Having consideration for the below, it is considered that a Conservation Management Plan is not required (refer
Table 2).
Table 2: Statements addressing requirements for Conservation Management Plan (‘CMP’).
Proposed change to a Options considered CMP
heritage item
required?
Demolition of a Have all options for retention and adaptive re-use been explored? NO
building or structure/
The main option for re-use of the building is to re-pier the building in-
situ. However, this option is not preferred on the grounds that the
current and anticipated function of the building has changed since the
original design to the point where the original building was
compromising the use and potential of the showground. Options for
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 26
Prepared for Clarence Valley Councilreuse of the fabric of the building have been explored and incorporated
in to the building design.
Can all of the significant elements of the heritage item be kept and any
new development be located elsewhere on the site? The most significant
items from the building include the hardwood trusses, weatherboards
and flooring. These timbers were milled at a key period of the Clarence
Valleys development when the forest industry transitioned to
hardwoods and agriculture became the dominant industry. A such
retention of these items will retain historic significant items in the
building.
Is demolition essential at this time or can it be postponed in case future
circumstances make its retention and conservation more feasible? The
demolition works are required to replace the building which will site in
the footprint of the original pavilion. The requirement to undertake the
works exists as the structure is currently not level items identified for
re-use may be compromised by exposure to weather and warping.
New Development How is the impact of the new development on the heritage significance No
adjacent to a heritage
of the item or area to be minimised?
items.
Impacts to the adjacent building, being the Fine Arts pavilion, have been
minimised by the following design features;
• Replication of the existing main pavilion footprint and
retention of the existing covered walkway;
• Incorporation of a skillion roof which will increase visual
access to the fine arts building, primarily the gable
roofline; and
• Retaining the roof height below the height of the fine arts
pavilion roof.
Why is the new development required to be adjacent to a heritage item?
The new development will replace the existing pavilion which has been
significantly damaged by winds and decommissioned.
How does the curtilage allowed around the heritage item contribute to
the retention of its heritage significance?
The importance of the curtilage of the main residence is important. The
aerial image of the connection between pavilions and the grandstand
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 27
Prepared for Clarence Valley Councildemonstrates the manner in which the exhibit area developed in the
early 20th century (see Figure 10 above). The additional building will
provide direct access to the grandstand and main arena and will
increase pedestrian access into the fine arts pavilion without
compromising its curtilage.
How does the new development affect views to, and from, the heritage
item? The new pavilion will not detrimentally affect views to or from
the fine arts pavilion. The skillion roof will increase visual access to the
fine arts pavilion, particular the gable roof which is noted in the heritage
listing.
What has been done to minimise negative effects? The main strategy to
minimise the effects of the new building include;
• Restriction of roof height;
• Re-use of weatherboard cladding; and
• Use of a skillion roof to showcase the fine arts pavilion
gable.
Is the development sited on any known, or potentially significant
archaeological deposits? If so, have alternative sites been considered?
Why were they rejected? The are no archaeological deposits known to
occur around the main pavilion or the fine arts pavilion.
Is the new development sympathetic to the heritage item?
In what way (e.g. form, siting, proportions, design)? The following
design features are sympathetic to the fine arts pavilion;
• Use of a single-story hardwood/ weatherboard
construction with iron roof;
• Retention of the main west facing access with storage to
the Cameron Street side of the pavilion;
• Adoption of a contemporary design which clearly
demarcates the new building from the historic buildings.
Will the additions visually dominate the heritage item? How has this
been minimised? The scale and proportion of the new pavilion is such
that it will not visually dominate the fine arts building. It is noted that
the main pavilion is located to the immediate west of the fine arts
pavilion and had the effect of completely obscuring its gable roofline.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 28
Prepared for Clarence Valley CouncilThis new pavilion will have the effect of opening this elevation up when
viewed from the main entrance of the main pavilion and the
juxtaposition of the original gable roof, the contemporary skillion roof
of the new pavilion and the dominating roofline of the new main
grandstand will add to the overall aesthetic of the pavilion complex as
the modern structures will accentuate the roof of the fine arts building.
Will the public, and users of the item, still be able to view and appreciate
its significance? Views of the southern, eastern and western elevations
of the fine arts building will not change. However, the new pavilion will
increase visual access to the western elevation of the fine arts pavilion.
6.2 Summary Statement of Heritage Impact
The Maclean Showground main pavilion is assessed as primarily contributing to the heritage values of the Maclean
Showground and is its oldest building. However, the pavilion is not considered to be either an exemplar or unique
building within the showground or the Maclean conservation area. The austere design can be in part attributed to
its function to primarily display agricultural exhibits and the construction of the building using sponsorship and
public funding. The redevelopment of the main pavilion will have the effect of introducing a modern building into
the pavilion and grandstand complex. Several strategies have been employed in the design to ensure that the new
pavilion is sympathetic to the remaining pavilions and buildings, particularly the Fine Arts pavilion, the main arena
and the views over the Clarence River, including re-use of historically significant heritage materials such as the
trusses, weatherboards and potentially flooring and the retention of a single-story profile which will accentuate
the character of the adjacent fine arts building.
Based on the assessment it is concluded that a Conservation Management Plan is not required for the proposed
works. However, a Conservation Policy is considered appropriate to guide future development and operation of
the rural enterprise.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 29
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council7. CONSERVATION POLICY
7.1 Conservation Approach
The general approach to conservation of the heritage values of the Maclean showground main pavilion include;
• Retention of key elements of the overall design include the single-story elevation and weatherboard
cladding;
• Adaptive re-use of original features including trusses, weatherboards and other materials including
windows and flooring where possible;
• Adoption of a skillion roof profile which will clearly delineate the modern pavilion and provide visual access
to the western elevation of the fine arts pavilion to accentuate the gable which is identified as contributing
to its heritage significance; and
• Creating a functional building which contributes to tourism, recreation and the arts and increases access
between the pavilion complex, the main area and the Clarence River.
7.2 Owner’s or steward’s requirements
The requirements of the owners and stewards of the Showground pavilion;
• Adaptive re-use of original wooden materials where possible;
• Conservation of the fine arts buildings during construction; and
• Should they be identified during demolition, assessment of impacts to potential archaeological
sites and or relics.
7.3 What are the items/fabric that must be conserved?
The heritage items which must be conserved primarily include;
• The hard wood trusses;
• The weatherboard cladding; and
• Visual access to the Fine Arts pavilion.
The following should be considered subject to an assessment of condition;
• Reuse of the floorboards as an ornate item such as internal wall cladding;
• Reuse of windows; and
• Reuse of any other internal timber work.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 30
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council7.4 What are the items/fabric that can be altered?
All other elements of the existing main pavilion can be altered during demolition.
7.5 What are the exemptions from the Heritage Act?
There are no exemptions from the Heritage Act required.
7.6 What to do with archaeological material?
There are no known archaeological relics within the footprint of the main pavilion. However, should intact
archaeological materials, such as brick or concrete footings or terracotta drains relating to buildings older that
the main building be identified the advice of a qualified archaeologist or Clarence Valley Council should be
sought.
7.7 What are the gaps in existing knowledge about the item?
There are no significant knowledge gaps for the main pavilion.
7.8 Who should receive copies of this document?
Copies of this document should be provided to all the Maclean Show Society for their information.
7.9 If the item is to be open to the public, what are the risks to public
safety and how can they be mitigated?
All potential risk to the public will be addressed through the design of the new main pavilion.
7.10 What are the item’s conservation needs and interpretation
requirements?
There are no additional conservation or interpretation needs, however the reuse of the original timber
materials may be utilised as visual elements which make an design statement.
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 31
Prepared for Clarence Valley Council7.11 Are there any confidential matters to be included in an appendix? There are no confidential matters which require consideration or attachment to this plan. 7.12 Review This strategy should be reviewed with any subsequent development applications. EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 32 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
8. REFERENCES Clarence Valley Council Local Environmental Plan 2011 NSW Heritage Office, How to prepare archival records. Parramatta: Heritage Office. 1998. NSW Heritage Office, Assessing Heritage Significance. Parramatta: Heritage Office. 2001. NSW Heritage Office, Statements of Heritage Impact. Parramatta: Heritage Office. 2002. NSW Heritage Office, Photographic recording of heritage items using film or digital capture. Parramatta: 2006. Heritage Office. McSwan (E.H.) and M. A thematic History of Maclean Shire (former) Volume 2 Maclean Shire Community Switzer. 2006 Heritage Study. EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 33 Prepared for Clarence Valley Council
APPENDIX 1: HERITAGE DATABASE SEARCH RESULTS
Name of item: Maclean Cameron Street Showground
Type of item: Complex / Group
Group/Collection: Community Facilities
Category: Showground
Primary address: Plan 88428 Cameron Street, Maclean, NSW 2463
County: Clarence
Local govt. area: Clarence Valley
The curtilage is the property boundary of the Showground and its visual
8.1.1 Boundary: association with the river.
All addresses
Street Address Suburb/town LGA Parish County Type
Plan 88428 Cameron Street Maclean Clarence Valley Clarence Primary Address
8.1.2 Statement of significance:
The Maclean Showground is historically significant for its role in showcasing the
products of the district. The annual show was a major event in the Maclean year and
because of its riverside location attracted people from villages and towns such as
Grafton and Ulmarra. The showground itself is also the site of the historic Maclean
Highland Gathering, an event with has been held for over 100 years. At least two of
the buildings, the main Pavilion and the Fine Arts building, are over 100 years old.
Located adjacent to the Clarence River this is one of the most picturesque
showground settings on the North Coast. This site has archaeological potential and is
representative of the type of showgrounds constructed on the north coast although
the inclusion of the purpose built cane pavilion is rare and demonstrates the
importance of the sugar cane industry in this district.
Date significance updated: 13 Jan 06
Note: The State Heritage Inventory provides information about heritage items listed
by local and State government agencies. The State Heritage Inventory is continually
being updated by local and State agencies as new information becomes available.
Read the OEH copyright and disclaimer.
8.1.3 Description
Construction years: 1891-
Physical description: The Maclean Showground has one of the most picturesque setting on the North
Coast located adjacent to the Clarence River. The main ring is set on the river flats
while the pavilions, fine arts building (see separate sheet), poultry sheds, tea rooms
and cane shed (to name just a few of the buildings) are located on a small rise which
forms an amphitheatre behind the ring. Stepped seating covers the hill side
providing excellent viewing of the ring and river beyond. The main ring floods.
The site consists of numerous sheds, pavilions, animal pens, tea rooms as well as the
ring itself. Buildings of historical significance include the following:
EV.796 Maclean Showground Pavilion, Maclean: Statement of Heritage Impact 34
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