Archaeological works will be undertaken at the Heritage Plaza site near the Old Dubbo Gaol from Monday, 22 May.
OzArk Environment and Heritage has been engaged by Dubbo Regional Council (DRC) to complete a historic archaeological assessment accompanied by an archaeological research design for the proposed Heritage Plaza, located on Macquarie Street, outside the State Heritage Listed Old Dubbo Gaol.
Elements of state heritage significance are present in the Heritage Plaza study area.
The main types of elements include walls, foundations, and fences, but other elements associated with the 1863 courthouse, the later trial yard, and 1896 perimeter wall may also be present. Because of this, Heritage NSW is an approval authority for the next stages of works and the archaeological works are the next step in the process to develop and create the Heritage Plaza.
The archaeological works are the next step in the process to develop the area and create the Heritage Plaza.
The Heritage Plaza works will see the establishment of an open space area with trees and seating. There are also plans for an artwork and heritage interpretation, however these designs have not been finalised.
The archaeological assessment will help guide any ground works that may need to be undertaken as the design of the Heritage Plaza progresses.
“The Old Dubbo Gaol Heritage Plaza project is aimed at reinvigorating the CBD of Dubbo, while also attracting more tourists to the region,” Manager Regional Experiences Jamie Angus said.
“The development of the area will really allow the Gaols heritage entrance and front wall to be celebrated as one of the beautiful heritage features that is present along our main street.”
“The renovated heritage sites in the CBD ensure we continue to celebrate Dubbo’s heritage,” Mr Angus said.
Works have been ongoing with the Old State Bank demolished to make room for the plaza.
The plaza will provide exposure for the Gaol’s gatehouse entrance as well as the ornate Post Office colonnade and its iconic clock tower, creating a unique civil space in Dubbo’s historical justice precinct.
A large-scale unique kinetic artwork will adorn the neighbouring building’s façade. The theme for the artwork was ‘community, country, connection: finding common ground’.
Funding for the works has been made available through the NSW Government and Dubbo Regional Council.
