minutes of special gawler heritage collection … · that the gawler heritage collection committee...

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MINUTES OF SPECIAL GAWLER HERITAGE COLLECTION COMMITTEE MEETING HELD TUESDAY 5 APRIL 2016, READING ROOM, TOWN HALL, 89 MURRAY STREET, GAWLER, COMMENCING AT 4:32PM

1. Statement of Acknowledgement

The Chairperson read the statement of acknowledgement: We would liketo acknowledge this land that we meet on today is the traditional lands for theKaurna people and that we respect their spiritual relationship with theircountry. We also acknowledge the Kaurna people as the custodians of thegreater Adelaide region and that their cultural and heritage beliefs are still asimportant to the living Kaurna people today.

2. Attendance Record

2.1 Present Chairperson Deputy Chairperson Members

Mrs Judy Gillett-Ferguson Cr Paul Koch Cr Adrian Shackley Mr Paul Barnet Ms Helen Hennessy Mr Brian Thom

Staff in Attendance Erin Findlay

Connie Hall

Manager Library and Community Services Minute Taker

Guest Denise Schumann

2.2 Apologies Mayor Karen Redman

2.3 Motions to Grant Leave of Absence Nil

2.4 Leave of Absence Nil

TOWN OF GAWLER GAWLER HERITAGE COLLECTION COMMITTEE MINUTES

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Confirmed at the meeting held on ………….

The report from Ms Denise Schumann was tabled at the meeting (Attachment 1)

3. Items for discussion at Meeting

Item 3.1

Moved by Mr B ThomSeconded by Mr P BarnetMotion No: GHCC:2015:04:15

That the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee recommend to Council that this Committee express’s its concern at the contents of the Design Development report – Gawler external page 12 and see that this section is the remit of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Item 3.2

Moved by Cr A Shackley Seconded by Mr P Barnet Motion No: GHCC:2015:04:16

That the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee recommend to Council that the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee records that discussion has occurred at the request of the Gawler Club regarding heritage items held by the club and the potential involvement of these items as part of the cultural heritage of the Gawler Connect project. The Gawler Heritage Collection Committee proposes that it be authorised to continue liaising with the Gawler Club.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

Item 3.3

Moved by Cr A Shackley Seconded by Mr P Barnet Motion No: GHCC:2015:04:17

That the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee recommend to Council that the Committee endorse the report Gawler Heritage Collection Committee response to the Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Scheme as amended and recommend the document to Council for consideration.

CARRIED UNANIMOUSLY

6. Correspondence Nil

7. Items for Discussion at Future Meetings

8. Closure Meeting closed at 6:08pm

9. Next Ordinary Meeting Monday 11 April commencing 5:30pm


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of 24 Schumann & Associates | Gawler Connect Project

March 2016

ATTACHMENT 1 1.0 Background The purpose of this report is to provide feedback regarding the Gawler Connect Design Development Detailed Report prepared by MPH Architects (Adelaide) in February 2016 as part of the Gawler Connect Project. This is the next phase of the design development process for the Gawler Connect Project following the tabling of the initial Schematic Concept Design Report developed by MPH in October 2015. MPH has stated that the design brief for the Gawler Connect Project remains ‘live’ during this important phase of consultation and that it is still open to modification and negotiation before the Town of Gawler Council is required to authorise the final design plans. The Committee acknowledges the willingness of MPH to present and discuss these detailed design plans on a number of occasions and has appreciated this opportunity to respond in good faith. It is also acknowledged by members of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee that the Gawler Connect Project is required to meet the necessary milestones, as per the documentation, pertaining to the Gawler Connect Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Grant Fund Agreement. This report is an important opportunity to review the design and to coordinate the Committee’s response in order to finalise the design prior to beginning the construction phase of the project. This is an important part of the Committee’s terms of reference and deliberations. From the time the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee was convened in early August 2015, it identified a number of key areas for discussion regarding the systematic development and management of the Gawler Heritage Collection but had not resolved initially how these would impact on the Gawler Connect Project. The issues identified by the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee in August 2015 arose specifically out of the Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Collection Management Plan (Schumann 2013) which was formally adopted by Town of Gawler Council in September 2013. The Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Collection Management Plan 2013 put forward 21 recommendations for the Town of Gawler Council’s consideration and adoption. A number of these recommendations have been successfully implemented as part of the Gawler Heritage Collection Action Plan 2014, while others are directly relevant to the outcomes of the innovative Gawler Connect Project.


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The recommendations that formed part of The Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Collection Management Plan in 2013 and which have a bearing on the redevelopment of the State Heritage listed Gawler Institute and Gawler Town Hall buildings through Gawler Connect are: “Extract from Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Management Plan 2013: Recommendation 2 It is recommended that work be undertaken to clarify the legal relationship between the Gawler Public Library, the Town of Gawler Corporation, and the entity called the Gawler Heritage Collection. Recommendation 3 It is recommended that work be undertaken to determine and document whether the Gawler Heritage Collection under the Local Government Act requires a committee of Council as part of the governance model. Recommendation 11 It is recommended that current storage facilities be reorganised and temporary measures implemented regarding preventive conservation practices. Recommendation 12 It is recommended that approaches to the storage and display of the Gawler Heritage Collection demonstrate an appropriate understanding of the significance of the collection and the environmental requirements of individual items. Recommendation 13 It is recommended that all items assessed in the collection as highly significant are valued by an insurance assessor and insured within two years of this report. Recommendation 15 It is recommended that an appropriate level of recurrent funding be allocated to the ongoing management and development of the Gawler Heritage Collection. Recommendation 16 It is recommended that the Gawler Heritage Collection’s significant themes, stories and key collection areas are identified, researched, documented and presented in a written plan to guide future interpretation. Recommendation 18 It is recommended that the Gawler Heritage Collection be used to build capacity within the community through cultural exchanges, skills development and cultural programs.


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Recommendation 19 It is recommended that the Town of Gawler as custodian of this significant collection explore how the Gawler Heritage Collection can be used to develop - cultural tourism infrastructure, in place-making projects and in branding and marketing the Gawler region. Recommendation 20 It is recommended that for the Town of Gawler to realise the cultural, economic and social value of the Gawler Heritage Collection that additional resources are required to implement these recommendations and to undertake special project work to support new initiatives arising from the collection. Recommendation 21 It is recommended that the Town of Gawler investigate options and funding for the development of a permanent cultural gallery, heritage research centre and designated onsite archival and storage facility for the Gawler Heritage Collection. The Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Collection Management Plan (Schumann 2013). The adoption of the Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Management Plan in 2013 enabled the Council to think strategically about the Gawler Heritage Collection and how it could be developed as a cultural heritage asset. This is directly related to the Gawler Connect Project. The Council proceeded to not only endorse the collection management report but finally addressed the fundamental issue of the Gawler Heritage Collection’s legal status, governance and future development. In May 2015, in response to the Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Management Plan 2013 and as a direct result of a report into the history of the legal status of the Gawler Heritage Collection, the Town of Gawler adopted the motion that a new committee of Council be established. This Committee would advise and oversee the management of the entity now known as the Gawler Heritage Collection. The Committee of Council would be known as – The Town of Gawler Heritage Collection Committee. This was timely as on 14 May 2015 it was also announced that the Town of Gawler was successful in receiving $5.7 million from the Federal Government for regional infrastructure development.


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This was under the Australian Government’s National Stronger Regions Fund and was for the Gawler Connect Project. In fact, it is a matter of public record that the Gawler Connect Project had its origins in a workshop conducted in 2012 on the Gawler Heritage Collection. Following the announcement in May 2015 that the Town of Gawler had been successful in achieving funding for Gawler Connect tenders were called for architectural submissions regarding the design and development of the project. It was against this backdrop that in October 2015 the Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report by MPH Architects (Adelaide) was submitted to the Town of Gawler Council for discussion. The Gawler Heritage Collection Committee as a key stakeholder was asked to respond to the report. The proposed Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report made reference to a number of new heritage facilities and heritage services within both the Gawler Institute and Town Hall buildings. Intertwined with the proposed redevelopment of the Institute and Town Hall facilities was the issue of the Gawler Heritage Collection and the question of how it could slot into an integrated shared services model of operations for the Town of Gawler. The Gawler Heritage Collection Committee considered that it was important to note that the architects for the Gawler Connect Project - MPH, under the terms of their engagement with the Council, were required to develop a design strategy that had to meet the vision as outlined in the Gawler Connect Project Brief: “It is the Council’s Vision to transform the iconic State Heritage listed Gawler Town Hall and Gawler Institute Buildings through a combination of adaptive reuse and conservation to create an architecturally significant hub for Government, Economic, and Social Enterprise that will act as the renaissance catalyst for the Gawler CBD to take its place as the Cultural and Business Centre for the Greater Region.” Gawler Connect Project, Design Development Detailed Report, The Town of Gawler, MPH Architecture, February 2016. A series of workshops and committee meetings were held in November and December 2015 for the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee.


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These workshops were to provide direction to Committee members as they grappled with the difficult task of trying to understand the complex design brief and how key heritage facilities would be adapted and reworked within the design model. All of these issues were directly related to the management and strategic development of the Gawler Heritage Collection which has been identified as of national cultural heritage significance. (Town of Gawler Cultural Heritage Management Plan 2013) At a meeting of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee, on the 7 of December 2015, it reviewed the Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report (MPH) and the proposed development of a new heritage gallery facility and gallery store in the Town of Gawler Council Chamber. The report also proposed that a designated public heritage research room be located in a small meeting room in the Gawler Institute Basement. There was also discussion concerning the designated archival storeroom located in the Gawler Institute basement area which would be accessed through what was proposed to be the ‘Youth Gaming Room’ or via a separate entrance located near the main corridor to the rear of the existing lift. The Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report (MPH) also pitched the idea that the refurbishment of the 19th century Institute Reading and Ante Room would operate as an extension of the Gawler Public Library. In response, the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee asserted that with respect to these significant areas the concept of ‘spatial delineation’ was a significant characteristic to be considered as it denoted that these ‘rooms’ are perceived as historically distinct from the library. In reviewing the Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report (MPH) a number of important issues were raised by members of the Gawler Heritage Committee. One of the main issues concerned the critical relationship between the Gawler Heritage Collection and the preservation of key heritage values associated with the history and fabric of the buildings themselves. The crux of the issue was how the proposed contemporary design treatment of the Gawler Institute and Town Hall building advocated by MPH would preserve these heritage values. The Committee in its discussion made the observation that these 19th century buildings provided evidence of a tangible past and a set of specific social ideals that have contributed to Gawler’s cultural identity and needed to be enhanced and preserved.


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In response, the Chief Executive Officer of the Town of Gawler requested a ‘Return Brief’ be prepared which would assist the concept development and fit-out of the designated heritage areas that formed part of the Gawler Connect Project. The development of a return brief was tabled at a follow up meeting of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee on 21 December, 2015. This brief formed part of the process of reviewing the proposed layout, design and function of designated key heritage areas within the Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report (MPH). The return brief accepted that the designated heritage areas within the Gawler Connect Schematic Design Report (MPH) were able to be conserved and adapted and reworked. The key objective in developing the return brief was to ensure that the recommended design strategies for each of the designated heritage areas would:

a) enhance and reveal the character of these designated heritage places

b) maintain a sense of historical identity and continuity in these places

to allow their use, enjoyment and benefit without compromising the

ability of future generations to do the same

c) be a catalyst for shaping and regenerating interest in the cultural

heritage of the Town of Gawler.

Members of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee reiterated that any proposed major intervention that would impact - or alter the built fabric and the social meaning of the Gawler and Town Hall facilities - must not in the final analysis diminish the historical significance and the heritage value of the buildings. Through the return brief the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee requested that the Council’s Project Manager for the Gawler Connect Project consider the following areas in the next stage of design development with respect to the designated heritage areas:

a) Proposed Layouts & Operational Considerations Specify proposed layouts for each facility particularly operational considerations and functionality requirements of each regarding public access and flow through areas within the facility.

b) Lighting Considerations

The ability to control and regulate lighting in gallery areas, display areas and in archival storage areas would be an important requirement. Consideration of natural and artificial light with special measures to exclude daylight and UV rays. Exhibition, gallery or


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display spaces to operate on specific light levels and to be flexible.

c) Mechanical Services Considerations Mechanical services, communication and data points, IT requirements must have regard to site specific positioning according to current standards of emergency services regulatory requirements and consideration of the impact on the heritage values of these spaces. Each site must be able to monitor, adjust and regulate mechanical services as determined by environmental conditions and must consider the location and impact of security and fire protection services within these areas and how they impact on the heritage values of these spaces.

d) Heating and Cooling Requirements Consideration must be given to the level of environmental stability and interior climatic conditions required for the ongoing care of heritage collections and the exhibition of artefacts. Temperature should be in the range of 19-23c (maximum of 4 degrees) and relative humidity 55-60% max degrees. The main objective being to minimise any great fluctuations in temperatures, as it is extremes that impact on the conservation of items. This is an important element in any gallery or heritage museum facility.

At this meeting a request was made by the Committee for a site trip to be organised for early January 2016. The purpose was to visit a number of State Heritage properties to see how they had been upgraded, redesigned and redeveloped to be wholly functional and accessible buildings of public importance. On the 7 of January 2016 the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee conducted site visits to the following facilities:

a) Old Parliament House, North Terrace Adelaide b) Adelaide Institute Building, North Terrace Adelaide c) State Library of South Australia d) Ayers House, North Terrace Adelaide e) St Peters Town Hall Complex, Payneham Road, St Peters f) Urrbrae House University of Adelaide, Waite Campus, Urrbrae.

Committee Members visited each site taking into account exterior and interior design considerations and how each site had been upgraded and the impact on service delivery and functionality of the various buildings.


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A debrief session was held at Urrbrae House part of the University of Adelaide Waite Campus. Following the field trip a resolution incorporating the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee’s findings and supported by detailed photographs was tabled at the Committee Meeting held on the 18 of January 2016. This resolution of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee was subsequently forwarded to Council for its consideration. In February, 2016, MPH Architects released the Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report and presented to a meeting of the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee on 15 February 2016. The Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report (MPH) with attachments contains 398 pages. Following this meeting the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee decided that a site visit of the Gawler Institute and Town Hall would be conducted so Committee Members could reconcile MPH’s detailed design report with the physical reality of the existing buildings. This site visit by Committee members with Council staff occurred on the 18 of February, 2016, and the insights and responses regarding all of the Committee’s deliberations and site visits form part of this report. The purpose of the current report is to provide feedback and recommendations regarding the Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report (MPH). Given the complexity of the Gawler Connect Project it is appropriate to state that the detailed design report is continually being reassessed in the light of new information regarding modifications to the external and internal layout and other relevant considerations.


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2.0 Comment & Discussion The following commentary aligns with the Design Development Report subheadings and pertain to the areas that have been designated as proposed ‘Heritage Spaces’. This information is presented to further assist Council in its deliberations regarding the Gawler Connect Project. These areas are:

a) The Gawler Institute Ground Floor Reading Room b) The Gawler Institute Ground Floor Ante Room c) The Gawler Institute Basement – Heritage Research Room d) The Gawler Institute Basement – Heritage Archival and Collection

Store e) The Gawler Institute Basement – Lift Facility f) The Gawler Town Hall Ground Floor – Gallery g) The Gawler Town Hall Ground Floor Heritage Store/Strong Room h) The Gawler Town Hall Basement Walkway & Meeting Rooms.

2.1 Design Philosophy The Gawler Heritage Collection Committee has reiterated that it wishes the designated heritage areas and the buildings generally be upgraded in a manner that reflects and is sensitive to the heritage character, values and historical context of each building. The Committee has concluded that there are key elements relating to the interior design that could be used to highlight heritage features in a number of ways. This approach would reveal and enhance these features rather than ‘transforming’ them. One of the major design concerns commented on by the Committee with respect to the Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report was the use of voids as a contemporary design element in the Gawler Connect Project. The Committee expressed a concern that in the main entrance there are two voids linking the ground floor to the lower basement areas of each building and noted their impact not only on the pedestrian access to the building but the idea that this space was a major civic entrance space – a public realm.


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Given the proposed use of the spaces below in the basement for heritage purposes, it questioned the suitability of the voids linking this area vertically and also the associated pedestrian and disability issues with respect to the Disability Discrimination Act (DDA). The question was raised within the Committee about the term ‘best possible access’, as opposed to minimum requirements, with respect to a path being wide enough for a person using a motorised wheelchair or frame or other mobility aid to pass someone else or a group of people in the main entrance of the buildings. The Committee found it hard to reconcile these specific entrance voids and their enclosure, and the necessary restriction of space, with the stated intention of opening up the buildings and making them accessible.

The Committee discussed the interior design palette and finishes as listed in the MPH schedules Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report which is described as contemporary in style. The Committee noted that in the appendices of the report that a schedule of furniture and fittings and supplier details were specified. In response to this generic list of corporate furniture and fittings the Gawler Heritage Collection Committee has identified that there is an exciting opportunity for other suppliers to be involved in the Gawler Connect Project. The Committee felt that similar to specialist commissioned public artworks specialist design fittings, furnishings and cabinetry could be commissioned for the historic Reading Room and Ante Room and even the Heritage Research Room. This competitive process could reflect a bespoke design by a South Australian supplier or a local regional supplier in line with local government procurement processes. The Committee reiterated the importance of the Gawler Connect Project as a regional project and its ability to stimulate the local economy.


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2.2 Proposed Change to Recommended Room Configuration

With respect to the allocation of specific areas within the upgraded buildings the Committee recommended changing the location of the Heritage Research facility in the basement area of the Gawler Institute building. The following change to the layout of rooms was made on the basis of continuity of space, functionality, effectiveness of work practices and complementary services. The Committee recommended that the proposed floorplan outlined in the Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report (MPH) consider moving the Youth Gaming area from the basement to a more suitable location within the new civic complex.

Youth & Gaming Area LG.05 to become Heritage Research Facility

The Committee recommended that the area in the Gawler Institute Basement currently designated Youth & Gaming in the DD Plan (MPH) LG.05 become the Heritage Research Facility. The Committee noted that this space is more suited to public use and will solve a number of storage issues regarding the Gawler Heritage Collection. The room LG.05 is adjacent to the Heritage Store LG.04 making the case that it is a much more complementary space in terms of clientele and service than its existing use as a Youth & Gaming area.

The dimensions of this space are 10.2 metres X 6.9 and should be able to accommodate archives and records from the Gawler Heritage Collection in purpose designed archival compliant cabinetry and bookcases. The Gawler Local History Collection can also be rehoused and relocated to this area in purpose designed cabinetry. Other cabinetry and office fittings would need to be adapted to the requirements of this facility as a publicly accessible workspace including disability access and use.

The relocated research facility is adjacent to what is intended to be the Heritage Collections Store and is close to the designated Library and Customer staff workspaces utilising an integrated service model. The issue of the varying floor levels within this area has been addressed in the detailed design report by raising the level 600mm thus resolving access to this area.


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The location of this room in the basement is suitable for heritage archives as there is minimal light exposure or temperature fluctuations. The issue of the basement to first floor lift being adapted to opening into this area needs to be considered given its proximity to the Heritage Store and other access issues – this will be noted later in the report.

3.0 Review of Designated Heritage Areas Gawler Institute & Town Hall Buildings Ground Floor Areas Institute Reading Room G.04 – Ground Floor The main concern with the Reading Room is to make sure the interior design palette is sympathetic to the heritage context and that service delivery is appropriate to this significant heritage asset. The interior design palette refers to paint colours which the Committee has broadly indicated to the Council in previous resolutions referring to examples such as within Old Parliament House and at Urrbrae House, University of Adelaide Waite Campus. The Committee also reiterated that design treatments such as carpet, painting and soft furnishings could be used to identify designated heritage areas from other areas in the Institute and Town Hall buildings and be a subtle form of way-finding. They noted this was a key feature of Old Parliament House, Adelaide. The existing joinery of original bookcases on the southern wall the Committee advises should be relocated to the Ante Room G.05 as this was the Gawler Institute library in the 19th century.

This relocation of the Gawler Institute Library then opens up the southern wall in the Reading Room to be used for displaying historic art works from the Gawler Heritage Collection. These 19th century artworks require a purpose designed hanging system for the southern wall. Many of the works are too large and weigh too much for a normal commercial gallery rail system. Specifications regarding an appropriate hanging system will form part of the exhibition design plan for this area.


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On the northern wall of the Reading Room the Committee recommends that all joinery be removed from this wall as it is not original and that this area can become a focus for interpreting the history and stories of the former Gawler Institute and its collection. It is proposed that a bespoke designed museum showcase be a feature on this wall to accommodate the display of significant heritage artefacts and that this meet the Australian National Standards for Museums and Galleries. Specifications will be part of the exhibition design plan for this area. The DD Plan (MPH) schedule has specified lighting for this area but it appears that it should be compliant with gallery or museum display lighting and needs to be reconsidered according to gallery and museum standards given the intention to display historic artworks. The lighting should be a combination of diffuse room lighting and directional spot lighting and a lighting plan should be developed based on proposed display areas and room function.

Issues have been raised about the air-conditioning system particularly the location of the return air grill on the southern wall which is where the significant artworks will be displayed. This needs to be reconsidered. The Committee requires further information concerning the operational nature of the proposed air conditioning system and how it can be zoned to specific requirements in designated heritage areas. This should include information explaining how individual sites can be autonomous so that areas such as the Reading Room do not experience major fluctuations in temperature. The Committee has determined that all windows and doors in the Reading Room facing Murray Street must address the issue of UV light, temperature fluctuations, security and noise abatement. The Committee noted that glazing and the ability to control light from outside is critical.

Currently the DD Plan (MPH) states that with reference to the Gawler Institute Building that ‘only broken or low level glass will be replaced with glass that is the compliant with the glazing code’. It is difficult to determine whether this includes the Reading Room windows and fan lights.


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The floor in the Reading Room is currently designated as floor boards in the DD Plan (MPH) the Committee’s recommendations recognises the acoustic issues raised in the Bestec Report and so broadloom carpet is the preferred treatment for the Reading Room floors. Again the Committee referred to the example in Old Parliament House were carpet was used to solve a number of noise issues and used for way fading but even more importantly to subtly indicate the heritage value of various spaces. The location of communications and IT service points will need to be carefully considered regarding the flexible use of this space but having consideration that placement should be discrete and enhance the heritage values of the room.

Exact location of fire sprinklers in the ceiling will need to be reconsidered regarding the use of the walls for artworks. The issue of concealed sprinklers was raised in seeking to keep to a minimum the intrusion of such services on ceiling spaces.

The Acoustic design report by Bestec raised the issue of noise in this area and other areas and noted that there were concerns about the feasibility of sound insulation treatment with respect to the floor in the Reading Room. This requires further clarification. It is noted that the Committee specifies the retention and conservation of the 19th century brass hanging rail in the Reading Room though this is not specified in the schedule of heritage works. Ante Room G.05 – Ground Floor The main recommendation regarding this area is the relocation of the historic bookcases currently held in the Reading Room. Early photographs reveal this as the original Gawler Institute Library and thus the Committee felt it appropriate to restore it to its former use.

The bookcases will have to be retrofitted so that they can accommodate the historically significant Institute collection with regard to housing, conservation, security and display. Additional cases will need to be commissioned and will be be purpose designed in keeping with the original room.


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These bookcases should be compliant with museum standards including museum glass as they will contain the original Gawler Institute Collection. They will need to minimise external environmental factors such as dust and insect entry and will need to be secured. The issue of lighting needs to be reconsidered given the heritage function of this room and the housing of the collection in bookcases and its display. Lighting should be a combination of diffuse room lighting and directional spot lighting and a creative lighting plan should be developed to co-ordinate with proposed bookcase joinery and the

Current furnishing treatments should not reflect the contemporary design palette as indicated in the DDP schedule where this area is considered part of the library complex. The interior design and fitout should enhance the heritage values of the room. The Committee noted there was an opportunity for bespoke furniture reinforcing the heritage context of this room as the original 19th century Gawler Institute Library. Paint colour will be same as the Reading Room. Floor treatment will be the same as the Reading Room with broadloom carpet to assist with noise abatement. The location of communications and IT service points will need to be carefully considered regarding the flexible use of this space but having consideration that placement should be discrete and enhance the heritage values of the room. The issue of the archway leading from the Ante Room to the library was discussed by the Committee regarding width and accessibility. There is no reference to this in the DDP Plan (MPH). While this was the entrance to the Librarian’s residence in the 19th century there was some speculation about the existing form and whether as a main access to the Ante and Reading Rooms and whether it should be re-examined. The Committee did not reach a conclusion but requested further information regarding the existing suitability of this access point.


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The location of airconditioning ducts in the Bestec Plan and the capacity to control this area as a zoned area is critically important given the housing of the Gawler Heritage Collection. This will need to be reviewed given the installation of the bookcases. The issue of CCTV needs to be considered for this area.

Main Heritage Gallery G.05 – Ground Floor Current specifications in the DDP schedule indicates black track lighting code LT/03. This lighting is spot lighting which uses hard edged directional light to accentuate individual items. Lighting in gallery and museums requires, and particularly in historic buildings where the height of walls is a consideration, a combination of diffuse room lighting and directional spot lighting. Museum gallery lighting systems using spot lighting require additional attachments as lenses and filters etc. The system listed on the finishes and codes in the DD Plan (MPH) requires further refining as in most situations museums and galleries lighting do not use wholly diffuse or wholly directional but a combination of both. Directional is a defined beam while diffuse washes a room with light. The lighting system is a critical component if the intention is to host national or touring exhibitions in the Heritage Gallery area. The interior design palette of the room must be neutral with the committee noting that it should link to the Reading Room through the interior design palette to designate it as a significant heritage area. The existing ornate paint finish in the current Council chamber dates from the 1980s and such a paint scheme is inappropriate for its use in a public gallery or museum display area.

With respect to this area functioning as a major gallery the Committee would like to explore the feasibility of a ‘flexible display wall’ that can be reconfigured or removed as required to change the spatial layout of the gallery area. Major art galleries and museums have purpose designed fittings so that a ‘temporary wall or partition’ can be secured to the floor as required. The Committee would like this option to be explored as part of the schedule of works for the Heritage Gallery.


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A detailed plan for electrical and communication services will need to be prepared specifically for this space as part of the internal design and its long time use as a gallery and museum space. A Gallery Exhibition Design Plan will incorporate specifications for museum and display cases that meet National Standards for Australian Museums and Galleries (Melbourne 2011). Requirements for audio/visual services will also need to be detailed in the Gallery Exhibition Design Plan. The existing audio visual rack and other equipment will of course need to be removed from this area.

While the area has designated CCTV coverage the main entrance doors will require some form of electronic security and revised locking mechanism. Marmoleum is an appropriate floor treatment though again the Acoustic Report by Bestec raised serious issues of noise levels for this area and options for sound insulation. This needs further clarification. Another acoustic sound issue was the lack of glazing to the northern windows to the Heritage Gallery to limit noise from other sources such as the café and customer service areas.

Fire Protection services indicate sprinkler pipework and fire hose reel pipework to penetrate wall above Heritage Gallery. This siting of pipework above the Heritage Gallery is cause for risk assessment given the Heritage Gallery will be used for display of significant artefacts and works. Consideration should be given to relocating this pipe work from this space above the Heritage Gallery. Also the issue was raised of the possibility for concealed sprinklers in the Heritage Gallery. It was also noted that in the public access corridor leading to the Heritage Gallery that is Corridor G.27 a Services Distribution Board is indicated for the main wall at the entrance. The Committee feels this is a very unsympathetic location and unsightly for such a distribution board considering it is the main access to the Heritage Gallery. This distribution board should be relocated as it impacts on the main access and entrance to the Heritage Gallery and the aesthetics.


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Heritage Gallery Store G.28 - Ground Floor The Heritage Gallery Store is the former strong room on the ground floor of the Gawler Town Hall. It is appropriately placed to service the Heritage Gallery. This room will be used to store intended equipment or fittings associated with exhibitions in the Heritage Gallery – it will act as a holding and storage bay. It is important that the new doorway to this area should be as wide and as high as possible to accommodate exhibition display panels and other large items and to ensure that loading in and loading out is optimised. The current specifications appear to denote that it is a standard door. Special security fittings should be considered for this doorway as it is in a public access area. The Interior slate shelving should be removed and the walls fitted with purpose designed storage racks. Space needs to be allowed for use of mechanical aids such as a picture trolley and a small dolly in order to assist with movement of artworks and artefacts to and from the gallery. The walls and ceiling of the designated storage area should be lined as a measure to minimise concrete, mortar and brick dust, pest infestations and control damp. This facility will need to be clean, waterproof and secure. Higher levels of illuminance are required and no lower than 300 lux for this area as part of safety procedures for visually locating and temporarily moving materials and equipment to and from the gallery. The issue of the design of the door needs to be considered given the movement of items and the need for security.

4.0 Review of Designated Heritage Areas Gawler Institute & Town Hall Buildings Lower Ground Areas

Heritage Research & Local History Room LG.05 – Basement The Committee recommends relocating the Heritage Research Room from LG.06 to the former designated Youth & Gaming Space in this lower ground floor area.


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This room is more suitable than the adjacent space, as the increased area can accommodate most of the archival and reference collection that makes up the Gawler Heritage Collection. Ancillary records such as the local history collection can be accommodated within this space. This area is more suited to Public and Professional Research activity and so with the change in use all of the current specifications regarding joinery, cabinetry and furniture will need to be revised given this new function. All cabinetry will need to be compliant with museum and archival standards as they will contain the part of the Gawler Institute Collection. Cabinetry will need to minimise external environmental factors such as dust and insect entry and will need to be secured. Bookcases will incorporate special design features to accommodate public use such as supported book holds. This room is also adjacent the Heritage Collections Store LG.04 which allows for more effective service delivery. CCTV coverage is indicated in the plan. Structural consideration must be given to widening the existing entrances between LG.05 and the adjoining LG.06. (The former Research Room LG.06 will be used by staff as a meeting and quiet area.) This would allow for a more effective transition from one space to the other and improve access and movement between spaces. Structural consideration must be given to widening the existing entrances between LG.05 and the adjoining corridor LG.02 to give better access for mechanical devices such as trolleys or dollies that would be used to move collection items. The width of this area and the corridor which is LG.02 should be as a wide as possible to accommodate wheelchair access from the corridor. The proposed lighting treatment for LG.05 was still appropriate even though there was a change of use. Data and electrical services need to be revised with respect to the provision of research services and public use. The Committee noted that while the floor is being raised 600mm there is an opportunity to highlight the fireplace as a pre-existing heritage element. (The Committee specifically noted this treatment of remnant fabric in Old Parliament House.)


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The Committee also discussed the issue of the doorway leading from LG.05 to LG.04. The Committee requires the raising of the doorway and reinstatement of the brick archway and quoins. This door into the Heritage Store will need to be smoke and fireproof.

Main Heritage Collections Store LG.04 – Basement The issue of the proposed floor level was raised by the Committee but it was noted that this would be part of the new concrete slab for this area. The detailed design plan makes no reference to the proposed works for this area so the committee requests further clarification. The floor level which is to be addressed as part of the concrete slab structure in the basement should be able to handle the load requirements of the compactus units. The Committee also discussed the issue of the doorway leading from LG.04 to LG02. The Committee requires the raising of the doorway and reinstatement or preservation of the brick archway. T The door leading from the Heritage Store LG.04 to Corridor LG.02will need to be smoke and fireproof. The Main Heritage Store will also need to be fully lined with respect to walls and ceilings to meet museum and archival storage standards. The area will need to be waterproof and secure. This area is large enough to house existing metal storage compactus units and other metal storage cupboards. All shelving should be metal for this archival area.

Current descriptions do not state whether there is a designated work station area for staff or interior work benches but this is a requirement. These fittings should be specifically designed and adapted to cater for collection requirements and ongoing management of the heritage collection items in situ. Access to appropriate electrical, IT data services etc will be required. The Committee wanted clarification regarding air conditioning services to this area. As it will need to be zoned to meet requirements and to avoid temperature fluctuations.


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Lighting requirements may need to be revised depending on location of compactus and other shelving units and workstations. Relatively high illuminance is an important safety measure for handling items in storage or collection areas as it facilitates visual perception and location. This area should have no sprinkler systems but should be fitted with a fireproof door with appropriate electronic security features. This area requires restricted supervised access so it should not house any mechanical, electrical, communications, fire protection service switch boards or distribution boards. Corridor LG.02 & Lift Basement The Committee following its examination of the Heritage Research Room and the Heritage Collections Store felt that it was critical for staff and public access that consideration should be given to making the existing service lift from the ground floor to the basement two-way. Currently it only opens to LG.08 restricting efficient and effective access, accessibility and movement to the designated heritage facilities. The Committee recommends that the designated doorway ( currently non existent ) and access from Corridor LG.02 to the public Heritage Research Facility LG.05 be made as high and wide as possible to facility movement and to cater for disabled access through these areas. Walkway LG.01 - Basement The Committee recommends that the area designated LG.01 be utilised for the interpretation and display of the Town of Gawler’s War Memorabilia including memorial honour boards and other heritage items and that it be known as the ‘Walk of Honour ‘. Meeting Rooms LG.20 & 22 – Basement With respect to these designated meeting rooms aligned to Murray Street in the Town Hall basement area the Committee felt that a ‘Treasures Wall’ could be accommodated as part of the interior design.

The Committee resolved that within the historic Gawler Institute and Town Hall buildings there were many opportunities to celebrate Gawler’s unique history and cultural diversity through creative display strategies that the committee saw as its remit and the Committee would address as part of the Gawler Cultural Heritage Management Plan.


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Conclusion The Committee’s deliberations have been made in good faith and each member has affirmed their excitement and support for the Gawler Connect Project and for the vision that forms an important part of the Gawler Connect Project Design Development Detailed Report (MPH 2016).

minutes of special gawler heritage collection … · that the gawler heritage collection committee...

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