Description
The Queensland Kauri Pine is a relatively moderate size specimen for this species (22 metres in height/ 12 metres in canopy spread). The grounds contain an interesting collection of mixed cultural planting, including a group of native rainforest species – Queensland Kauri Pine (Agathis robusta), Plum Pine (Podocarpus elatus), Illawarra Flame Tree (Brachychiton acerifolius), Brush Box (Lophostemon confertus) and other exotics, notably Jacaranda (Jacaranda mimosifolia), Hackberry (Celtis occidentalis) and mixed smaller palms (Howea forsteriana), (Trachycarpus fortunei) and (Syagrus romanzoffiana) of varying age structure.
Significance
The Queensland Kauri Pine is of visual significance as an individual specimen and is consistent with the local historic architectural and landscape character.
Historical notes
This site contains a Presbyterian Church designed by architect Thomas Rowe (1876-81) in the High Gothic style. The church was originally located on the corner of Parramatta Road and Glebe Point Road and relocated to this site in 1927. “The Hermitage”, located at 154 Pyrmont Bridge Road, built by Ferdinand Reuss (1864-1865) originally as his residence, was a part of this Presbyterian Church Group. Both properties are scheduled in the City of Sydney Draft Local Environmental Plan 2011 and the Leichhardt Heritage Study. The “Abbey Restaurant” was an example of adaptive re-use of the church building.
Currently, the site is fenced and derelict following closure of the restaurant. The collection of rainforest specimens are believed to date from the late nineteenth century to early twentieth century and would likely have associations with Charles Moore and Joseph Maiden of the Botanical Gardens.
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