Commercialisation concerns for ecologically-sensitive site.
The historical 10 Terminal at Middle Head precinct would be opened up for the first time to markets, weddings, cafes, concerts and events under a proposed master plan.
Last month, the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust revealed its intention to dramatically change the Mosman site, which has largely been untouched for decades.
The area currently houses soldier’s barracks and buildings, which were used by military and defence bodies during and after the World Wars.
It would be opened up with food stalls as well as a 200-person capacity lookout and event centre, operational ‘day and night’. Community festivals, sporting events and concerts with up to 2,000 people – ‘up to three days’ long, but with people onsite no later than 10pm – would be considered. There would be a loop walking path around the headland, with new tracks to link in with existing routes.
Demolition of some structures are proposed, including the long-standing Middle Head Café (which was an old military guardhouse) and changerooms at Middle Head Oval. The draft plan states these facilities ‘create a barrier to the distinct views’.
The plan envisages construction of a new sporting pavilion on the site of the café, with ‘relocation’ of the café an option. A community campaign to save the café was launched in March, with over 1,300 signatures at the time of writing.
Toilets, lighting, power and sewers would be included at the site and, as Middle Head Road is the only access point to the area, it would need to be widened and include a footpath.
Headland Preservation Group president Jill L’Estrange said that while it supported reuse of 10 Terminal, it opposed the demolition of historical buildings like the guardhouse.
Ms L’Estrange also said residents were concerned about the impact of proposed events for 2,000 people.
“The precinct lends itself to small community events up to 500 people, which are sympathetic to the natural environment, like markets,” Ms L’Estrange said.
“Certainly not a nighttime concert with blaring lights for 2,000 people.”
No costings have yet been provided for the plan. The public consultation will close on 18 April, with a final master plan expected by the year’s end.
