A preliminary archaeological dig will be conducted outside Central Station to determine if foundations or remnants of historical sites that have links to Sydney’s convict past still exist.
Three test trenches will be excavated at the park between Central’s historic sandstone buildings on the western edge of the station and Pitt Street.
The dig will allow archaeologists to determine if any foundations or artefacts are present, and to plan any further assessment works prior to any major construction activity taking place.
If the dig throws up historic remnants, it could scupper the government’s plan to build a station as part of the proposed Sydney Metro development.
“The area around the western forecourt of what is now Central Station was in the early 1800s at the extremity of development of Sydney, and lay close to a toll bar that marked the start of a dirt road to Parramatta,” Rodd Staples, acting chief executive of Sydney Metro, said.
The park in this western forecourt area is believed to form part of the location of a number of significant Macquarie Period structures.
The Benevolent Asylum (circa 1820 — 1901), The Government Cottage (circa 1820 — 1902) and Christ Church Parsonage (circa 1855 -1903) were demolished down to ground level in the early 1900s to allow the construction of Central Station.
“It is not known if the foundations were also demolished at this time, or remain intact,” Staples said.
“The test excavations will determine if any remnants are left, and if so, a preservation plan will be developed.
“Following the test works, the area will be reinstated to its previous condition.
Work at Central Station follows the release by Sydney Metro of nine heritage principles to guide heritage management during planning and construction.
