Angst over heritage wharf removal

Residents and local groups in Pyrmont are angry that a wharf with heritage value is set to be removed without consultation.

The heritage wharf at 1 Bank St in Pyrmont is set to be demolished by Maritime Services NSW, despite no previous consultation with the community and the Bays Precinct Committee developing a strategic plan for the surrounding area.

The wharf services multiple ocal boating groups, including the ACAA Dragon Boat Racing Team and Pyrmont Heritage Boating Club. The wharf was created about 100 years ago for industry and transport purposes, according to the Maritime Services Bank St Master Plan.

Jean Stuart, President of the Pyrmont Community Group, said that due its heritage value, the wharf should be preserved and turned into a community hub.

“The historic wharf is part of the Bank St site zoned public recreation and should be preserved for the use of the passive boaters, tourists and the community,” she said.

“It should be restored to create access to the water for the community, and the shed made into a small café where tourists and the community could drop in as they stroll along the foreshore walking around the harbour.”

Elizabeth Elenius, President of Pyrmont Action, said the community and stakeholders had not been consulted about the future of the buildings at Bank St or the wharf.

“We would like to sit down with the decision-makers to discuss our plans for the proposed Community Water Sports Centre, which we have been pushing for about eight years now,” she said.

“Pyrmont Action expects the current government to honour the terms of the Bank St Pyrmont Master Plan to expedite the provision of public passive and active recreation facilities on the site owned by Roads and Maritime Services, and a community water sports centre at 1 Bank St.”

The Bank St wharf is part of the Bay Precincts Area, which the State Government has said is committed to maintaining as a working port area.

A spokesperson for the Roads and Maritime Services (RMS) said the poor condition of the wharf meant action needed to be taken.

“The taskforce carried out investigations which found the wharf in front of 1 Bank St is in poor condition and needs to be demolished,” said the spokesperson.

“The wharf is not heritage-listed and there is no program of work to demolish it at this stage. RMS met with stakeholders earlier this month to discuss alternative berthing arrangements for vessels moored at the wharf.

“Removal notices have been issued to all vessels as they are moored without authorisation.”