Hunter New England - Jerrys Plains Jerrys Plains Public School Conservation

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Picture of Bruce Pettman
Bruce Pettman Director 0407 948 514

The Jerry's Plains Public School Principal’s Residence and School House were constructed in 1881 from locally quarried sandstone. The buildings are exceptional examples of the style of school architecture designed by Government Architect G.A. Mansfield. Restoration works were required to rectify deterioration caused by poor site drainage and the poor quality of past repairs.   A conservation approach was adopted using ‘like-for-like’ construction techniques and materials.

Stone units were only replaced where they had lost their structural integrity.  Replacement stones matched the original in size, shape, colour, texture, durability and surface finish.  The multidisciplinary team consisted of heritage architects, heritage engineers, stonemasons, roofers, metal workers, joiners and painters.

The works progressed in close consultation with the school community, and on-site stonemasons provided talks and demonstrations to the school children on working the stone with specialist tools.  The school children also established a garden by recycling the disused stone.  The finished works have enhanced the stability, condition, appearance and longevity of the buildings and will ensure these significant cultural assets are conserved for future generations.  The project was jointly funded by the Minister’s Stonework Program and the NSW Department of Education.