George Street Gatehouse

Architect

Government Architect’s Office (NSW)

Project designer

Glenn McIntosh

Location

George Street, Parramatta Park

Client

Parramatta Park Trust

Project cost

$1m

Completion

2014

Awards

Australian Institute of Architects, NSW Awards Heritage (Conservation) – Shortlisted

National Trust of Australia (NSW) – Highly Commended

NSW Public Works – Strengthening the Environment and Community – Winner

The conservation and adaptation of the 1885 George Street Gatehouse revitalises the existing formal entrance to Parramatta Park at the junction of George and O’Connell Streets. The project includes a new pavilion addition, which together with the existing Gatehouse breathes new life into the precinct through their combined function as a cafe.

Indoor seating for the cafe is located in the existing Gatehouse, while the addition provides outdoor seating, as well as the cafe’s kitchen, servery and amenities. Its proportions act as a counterpoint to the Gatehouse, while its palette of materials and colours recedes into the surrounding landscape, allowing the Gatehouse to maintain its prominence.