Paddington Reservoir - Paddington - Sydney Water Suppply - New South Wales

 

Paddington Reservoir - Oxford Street - Paddington - New South Wales.

The Paddington Reservoir, also known as the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, is a heritage-listed site located in Paddington, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia. Here's some information about the Paddington Reservoir:

1. History: The Paddington Reservoir was originally constructed in the 1860s as an underground water reservoir to supply water to the growing population of Sydney. It was part of the Sydney's water supply infrastructure, designed by engineer Edward Bell.

2. Architectural Design: The reservoir was designed in a Romanesque Revival architectural style, which was popular during the Victorian era. The structure features a blend of brickwork and iron columns, with arches and vaulted ceilings.

3. Function: The reservoir was in operation until 1899 when it was decommissioned. It then went through several stages of use, including storage, workshops, and a service station. In the 20th century, the site fell into disrepair and was eventually abandoned.

4. Transformation into Gardens: In the 1990s, a redevelopment project aimed at transforming the reservoir into a public space was initiated. The site was restored and converted into the Paddington Reservoir Gardens, opening to the public in 2008.

5. Features: The Paddington Reservoir Gardens blend the historic elements of the underground reservoir with modern design. The site incorporates sunken gardens, walkways, seating areas, and reflective pools, creating a serene and contemplative atmosphere.

6. Heritage Significance: The Paddington Reservoir is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register and the Australian National Heritage List. It is recognized for its historical and architectural importance, as well as its contribution to the local community and the city's heritage.

7. Events and Activities: The Paddington Reservoir Gardens are a popular venue for various cultural events, art installations, and community activities. It also serves as a tranquil oasis for locals and visitors seeking respite from the bustling city.

The Paddington Reservoir stands as a testament to the historical water infrastructure of Sydney and has been successfully repurposed as a unique urban park. Its blend of historic and contemporary design elements, along with its peaceful ambiance, makes it a notable attraction in Paddington.

***** %%%%% Juniper Hall - Paddington

10 Things You May Not Have Kown About.... Juniper Hall - Paddington - Sydney

1. Juniper Hall Was Built In 1824 By Emancipated Convict & Father Of 248, Robert Cooper. He Had Promised His Third Wifew Sarah That She Would Have The Finest House In All The Colony.

2 cooper, a Gin Distiller, Named His New Home Juniper Hall, After The Juniper Berry Used In The Spirit's Distillation. 

3. Cooper Leased The Property To An Irish Lawyer & NSW Attorney General John Kinchela In 1831. Kinchela Renamed The House Ormonde House. The "e" Was Dropped Shoprtly After & To This Day The Street To The West Of Juniper Hall Bears The Name Ormond Street. 

4. Cooper Was Declared Bankrupt In 1849 & By 1852 The Property Was Leased To The Society For The Relief Of Destitute Children. Up To 130 Children Called Juniper Hall Home During This Time. 

5. In 1885, The House Was Bought By The NSW Government & Extended With A Large Addition To The Eastern End.  The Extension Was Built In A Similar Style To The Original & Used As The Probation Office For The Metropolitan Shelter For Children & The Children's Court. 

6. The Building Was Eventually Sold To A Shoemaker, Joe Gardiner, & In The Early 1920's He Proposed To Demolish It & Build Flats   (WHO WOULD'VE THOUGHT.....) After a Public Outcry, Gardiner Instead Converted The House To Flats & Built A Row Of SHops On The Oxford Street Frontage. 

7. In 1984, After 60 Years As Residential Flats, The Building Was Bought By The National Trust Of Australia. A Restoration Project Demolished The Row Of SHops.

8. Juniper Hall Is The Oldest Surviving Mansion From The Time Of Governor Lachlan Macquarie (1810 - 1821). It Is Also The Oldest Building East Of The City. The Positionj Of The House On The Top Of A Ridge Line Means It Has Views Across The Harbour To The North & To Botany Bay To The South. 

9. In September 2012, The Home Went Under The Hammer & A 99 Year Lease Was Secured By The Moran Family. The Moran's Bought The Titral For More Than $4 Million & Have Since Restored The Ground Level. 

10. The Moran Family Is Related To The Original Juniper Hall Inhabitant's, The Cooper Family.