Highroyd Preservation, Annandale

National Trust Award Commendation 2009

Highroyd is one of the renovated mansions built by Young to create a style for his new suburb of Annandale (which has its own history).
The original Builder, John Young, has a fascinating background.

Caught up by the real estate boom and bust cycle in the early 1900s, the property was converted into flats and then painstakingly restored by the current owners to its original form and detail over decades, from 1989 until the present day.

Highroyd is historically and architecturally significant and stands as a fundamental contribution to the streetscape between No. 258 and No. 272 Johnston Street, Annandale. This group is known as the “Witches Precinct” (National Trust Listing, Leichhardt Council Listing). John Young owned and constructed all the original buildings of the precinct, including Highroyd. Young was responsible for shaping North Annandale’s skyline and building eight grand buildings in a row, some of which have been demolished.

1653_Highroyd_Elevation-Street Drawings.jpg

The scope of works involved the demolition of the enclosed front facade and the restoration of the original veranda, extensive detailing of the front stonework, new ironwork balustrade, frieze work, the original tessellated tiles, and detailing and erection of the 4 x gargoyles on the spire.

A highly skilled project team was necessary due to the specialised construction and scaffolding required to restore this building to 19th-century detailing while retaining original elements. New reinforced concrete beams were cast in situ to replicate the original edge detail. Care and attention to detail were crucial in retaining the original elements in the finished building. The gargoyles were designed and cast by Hugh Reedman after many hours of consultation and research into size, shape and fixing methods with difficult access.

The restoration of Highroyd supports heritage issues as it highlights the feasibility of restoration. It demonstrates that a heritage-listed and significant building can still be practical in current lifestyles. In addition, the project demonstrates that working with more than one approving authority is possible!

Wagga Iron Foundry - ironwork, balustrade, columns and frieze work.

Goanna Constructions - builder and scaffolding

Lancaster Painters Australia-Main Door restoration