The heritage-listed seawall at Wollongong’s Flagstaff Hill is one step closer to being restored to its former glory – almost 20 months after it was whacked by wild seas and left a broken mess.
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The NSW government this week called for tenders for heritage repairs and restoration work to be undertaken on the damaged structure.
The wall had stood the test of time – and tides – since it was built in the 1880s, but a king tide in June 2016 was all it took to smash parts of the historic sandstone barrier to pieces.
Since then, rocks of all shapes and sizes have remained scattered across the ground at one of the city’s most iconic locations, albeit behind a temporary fence.
Read more: Ocean’s fury gives old sea wall a whack
According to the government’s tender documents, the work includes removing concrete rubble, as well recovering dislodged stones and re-laying them either in their original spot or in other parts of the wall and adjacent breakwater area.
As part of that process, dislodged stones would be numbered and assessed for suitability.
The documents stated there was a “major breach” at the wall’s eastern end, where the top three to five layers of stone had been destroyed over a length of 25 metres.
The dislodged stones have remained on the ground adjacent to the wall. A separate 30m section lost its top layer.
“The wall is in poor condition in some parts and past repair works have contributed to decay,” the project’s technical specification report said, adding it was further damaged during the June 2016 east coast low.
“Though very deteriorated the wall is in remarkably good condition for a 135-year-old structure in conditions of extreme exposure.”
The intention was not to bring the wall to as new condition but to extend its life by replacing failed sections, the report said.
The project also includes earthworks, the replacement of a concrete path adjacent to the wall, re-laying turf and the installation of an interpretive sign.
A timeframe of 26 weeks was given for the completion of works.
The government said the works were “essential maintenance” and don’t require formal approvals from Wollongong City Council.
However, an exemption under the NSW Heritage Act needed to be finalised before work could start.
Tenders close at 9.30am on March 1.
The Department of Industry – the agency responsible for the seawall – had hoped work would begin last year.
The repairs were to be staged over two years, it said in June.
Andrew Pearson
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
Andrew grew up in the western Riverina town of Hay and has strong ties to the region. He is a former DA journo who has a passion for breaking news and has covered everything from council and politics to crime and court.
