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Widening the Streets

(these pictures can be viewed on the city of sydney history page)

Maps

The resumptions for the widening of Oxford Street were gazetted on 1 June 1909. As of this date, the owners were paid compensation, the Council took ownership of the properties, and knocked them down. The project was carried out in five stages between 1910 and 1914.

There were five hotels in the area slated for demolition, and the Council resolved not to interfere with the number of licensed houses. In the end, each of the hotels retained their valuable corner sites and rebuilt. These sites are identified on the auction posters.

Oxford Street Resumptions, 1909

Plan of Oxford Street showing the proposed resumptions by the City Council, published in the Evening News in 1909. The shaded portion of the plan indicated what property the council intended to take over. The newspaper reported:

Arrangements are now being made to give effect to the proposal by Government proclamation, and it is expected the council will enter into possession of the property by the first of June. It is intended to widen Oxford Street from 66ft to 100ft from the corner of Liverpool and College Streets to Bourke Street. A strip is to be taken off the enclosure in front of the Darlinghurst Courthouse, and extend the width of the thoroughfare to Dowling Street. The old Sacred Heart Church is to be pulled down. … The cost of the resumptions will run into £400,000.

Auction Poster: Liverpool to Yurong subdivision

One of several auction posters showing the City Council’s subdivision of land following the widening of Oxford Street. This particular plan shows the subdivision between Liverpool Street and Yurong Street. 50 year leases were up for auction on 21 November 1910. Shaded lots were not included in the auction sale.

Auction Poster: Yurong Street to Oxford Square

One of several auction posters showing the City Council’s subdivision of land following the widening of Oxford Street. This particular plan shows the subdivision between Yurong Street and Oxford Square. 50 year leases were up for auction on 30 January 1911. Shaded lots were not included in the auction sale.

Auction Poster: Burton Street to Crown Street

One of several auction posters showing the City Council’s subdivision of land following the widening of Oxford Street. This particular plan shows the subdivision between Burton Street (also variously referred to as Oxford Square or Riley Street) and Crown Street. 50 year leases were up for auction on 6 July 1911. Shaded lots were not included in the auction sale.

Auction Poster: Palmer Street to Bourke Street

One of several auction posters showing the City Council’s subdivision of land following the widening of Oxford Street. This particular plan shows the subdivision between Palmer Street and Bourke. 30 year leases were up for auction on 27 October 1911. Shaded lots were not included in the auction sale. To the west of Palmer Street was the group of shops council was building and leasing itself.

(image: City of Sydney Archives, CRS 494/S7C 35/6)