EXECUTIVE SUMMARY

Documentary Research

The study site formed part of the Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) grant at Newcastle. During this period the site appears to have not been used until it was subdivided in the 1850s. In the late 1850s several buildings were constructed. The study site became a key commercial area in Newcastle. Development was concentrated along the Hunter Street side of the study site until the twentieth century. After that time the majority of the site had been developed with successful businesses on the corner of Hunter and Auckland Streets and on the south east corner of the site. Shopping arcades were eventually developed on this part of Hunter Street by the mid- twentieth century.

Physical Evidence

Summary of Test Excavation Results

In March 2014, historical and aboriginal test excavation occurred, and fifteen archaeological test trenches were excavated across the site. A large amount of archaeological features and relics were found throughout the site which related to the 1850’s to present day occupation. There was some evidence for historical archaeological sites of local significance however none for wholesale destruction of archaeological materials.

Summary of Full Excavation Results

Between April 2015 and June 2015 archaeological salvage excavation commenced within the core excavation area and pier locations. It was a combined aboriginal and historical archaeological program where there was a central core zone (A-D) and sixteen pier trenches excavated across the site.

Within the study site Core Areas, A-D were locations in the rear yard space of original Allotment 72-74. Excavation revealed a large amount of evidence for 19th and 20th century yard occupation. Very few structural relics were explored beyond what was exposed on the surface. Pier trenches revealed evidence of the buildings fronting Hunter Street. Excavation also showed that the A1 natural soil horizon was not present in majority of the yard areas. It is possible that the soil was stripped after the 1870s and the construction of the buildings fronting Hunter Street. Excavation showed that the there are multiple phases of occupation which goes back to the Aboriginal occupation of Newcastle predating the European settlement.

Significance

The study site is situated within an area of Newcastle that was part of the first major expansion of the area from the mid-nineteenth century, moving into the twentieth century. The excavation and archaeological work done at the study site revealed that much of the archaeological record is intact and majority of the late 19th century buildings are now structural relics. More than 85% of the site remains unexcavated thus a lot of the archaeological record remains insitu. The archaeological remains that were exposed and recorded are of local archaeological significance.

Recommendations

It is recommended that this report be submitted to the Department of Planning, the Heritage Council of NSW or its delegate as the Final Archaeological Report for the site along with the photographic records. The testing, salvage excavation and monitoring program for the current development has only exposed, impacted on, or removed approximately 13% of the study site area. More than 85% of the site area was not impacted by the development and therefore the majority of the archaeological record remains insitu. Should any further developments or excavation work be required at the study site, a historical archaeological assessment and Aboriginal Due Diligence to assess the proposed impacts to the ground surface will be required prior to any excavation on site.

Artefacts and Records Storage

A copy of the report will be given to the client for safekeeping along with a set of archival photographs. The artefacts have also been given to the client for safekeeping. The artefacts, which have been cleaned, sorted and catalogued, have been moved into storage at Auchmuty Library, Callahan Campus of the University of Newcastle.

Public Information

A copy of this report will be delivered to Newcastle Regional Library as a matter of public information, as well as the NSW State Library.