In a rapidly changing environment, the Glebe Society robustly supports the preservation and conservation of the suburb’s diverse Victorian and Federation buildings and landmarks. These buildings and Glebe’s 19thC streetscapes provide insights into the early settlement of Glebe and how Glebe has grown and developed since then. They contribute to the unique character and cultural heritage found in Glebe today.

Places of heritage significance are identified and listed by government and non-government organisations (such as the National Trust) to help protect and manage them. They are also protected and managed through heritage conservation areas administered by local government.

Heritage listings

Four main statutory lists identify listings for heritage places:

  • Locally significant heritage places are listed on council Local Environmental Plans.
  • The State Heritage Register lists our state’s most significant heritage places and objects known as items of state heritage significance.
  • Nationally significant places are listed on the National Heritage List.
  • Places of world-wide significance like the Sydney Opera House are inscribed on the World Heritage List.

Go to the online NSW heritage database to see what properties in Glebe or Forest Lodge are listed on a council schedule or in the State Heritage Register.

For information about heritage listings, their benefits and what they may mean for you, go to the FAQs on Heritage listings on the Office of Environment and Heritage website or the Heritage Council brochure, Heritage listing explained. What it means for you .

Local government heritage conservation areas

The role of heritage conservation areas is usually more relevant than a heritage listing, as virtually all of Glebe and Forest Lodge is covered by heritage conservation areas.

The Heritage Development Control Plan (DCP) 2006  on the City of Sydney website explains how heritage conservation areas and heritage streetscapes provide an important opportunity to conserve and interpret the heritage significance of an area or significant townscape, group of buildings and sites. It is important that the heritage significance of the whole area is considered when proposing development.

Building Contributions Maps found under ‘Sydney DCP 2012 maps’ are provided for each area and streetscape within the heritage conservation areas, and classify existing buildings as contributory, neutral or detracting. Different rules apply to each, for example:

  1. Contributory buildings are to be retained.
  2. Alterations and additions should not significantly alter the appearance of principal and significant facades of a contributory building, except to remove detracting elements. Neutral and even detracting buildings can only be altered in order to improve their contribution to the surrounding area.

More reading

The following references have been used among other sources to provide the current information on statutory listings now available from the online NSW heritage database:

  • Bechervaise and Associates Pty Ltd. 1991.Glebe Point Road Main Street Study Stage Two. NSW Department of Environment and Planning.

Objectives for the study related to conserving and enhancing the identified character and heritage items of Glebe Point Road, providing a clear Statement of Cultural Significance of Glebe Point Road; providing guidance for restoration of existing heritage buildings and new development; and providing a list of significant buildings and items for inclusion in a Heritage Schedule; as well as outlining broad principles for streetscape improvement works.