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182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks
182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks 3.jpg
182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, New South Wales
Location 182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks, City of Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
Built 1911–1912
Architect
  • Walter Liberty Vernon
  • E. L. Drew (Assistant architect)
Owner Property NSW
Official name: Shop and Residence
Type State heritage (built)
Designated 10 May 2002
Reference no. 1581
Type Shop
Category Retail and Wholesale
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182 Cumberland Street, The Rocks is a special old building in The Rocks, a historic part of Sydney, Australia. It was built a long time ago, between 1911 and 1912. This building is important because it shows us what shops and homes looked like back then. It was designed by a famous architect named Walter Liberty Vernon. Today, it's still used as a shop and a home, and it's protected as a heritage site by the Government of New South Wales.

The Story of 182 Cumberland Street

How It All Started

Long, long ago, even before the current building, there was another building on this spot. Maps from 1832 show a small, rectangular stone building with a shingled roof. Records from 1852 called it a house. By 1853, it was a shop with a "bake house at the back."

The land was first given to Aaron Byrne and Joseph Moss in 1834. Later, in 1852, a grocer named Samuel Watson bought the property.

Building the Current Shop and Home

In 1902, the NSW Government took over the land. The old stone shop and house were taken down sometime after this. The current building was designed in 1911 and finished in 1912.

The main architect was Walter Liberty Vernon, who was the Government Architect. His assistant, E. L. Drew, also helped with the design.

Changes Over Time

The building stayed mostly the same for many years. In 1966, some changes were planned. The original corner entrance was removed and replaced with a large glass window. Some walls inside were also changed.

Before 1995, the building became empty and was boarded up. But from 1995 to 1996, special work was done to fix it up. This work helped bring the building back to its original use as a shop and a home.

What Does It Look Like?

This building has two floors and is located at the corner of Cumberland and Essex Streets. It has brick walls and a slate roof hidden behind the walls.

The part of the building on the corner looks grander. It has special sandstone pieces above the shop entrance and windows. These are called lintels and keystones. The lower part of the building, facing Essex Street, has an arched brick doorway.

The building is built in a style called Classic Free Style Edwardian. It has brick walls on the outside and plastered brick walls inside. The roof is covered with slate.

How Good Is Its Condition?

As of 2001, the building was in good condition. It sits on a hill, so part of it is built into the slope.

What Has Been Changed?

  • 1967: The Council of the City of Sydney approved some changes. The original corner entrance was removed and replaced with a plate glass window. Walls around the storeroom and stairs were also changed.
  • 1995-1996: Major restoration work was done. This work helped bring the building back to its original use as a shop and a home.

Why Is This Building Special?

This shop and home, along with its land, are very important to the history and culture of New South Wales. It's also a key part of The Rocks area, which is famous for its history.

The building helps us understand the history of The Rocks. It's one of the few corner shops and homes left in the area. It's a great example of homes designed by the government for workers before World War I.

It also shows the amazing work of the famous architect Walter Liberty Vernon. It's a beautiful example of small-scale Edwardian architecture. It's one of the best-preserved buildings of its kind in The Rocks.

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