Pyrmont archaeological discovery identified as 19th century

A mysterious archaeological find in Pyrmont has been identified as part of a 19th century wharf building.

The Road and Traffic Authority (RTA) accidentally discovered a sandstone wall under the earth last month.

It sought advice from the Office of Environment and Heritage, who said the wall might be centuries old.

The 1.7 metre section of wall was unearthed near 5 Bank Street in Pyrmont during standard maintenance work to the Anzac Bridge.

A spokesperson from the RTA said: “The RTA is seeking approval from the Office of Environment and Heritage to continue the work in a way which will not impact the significance of the sandstone wall.

“Until approval has been confirmed a plan for future work at the site has not been confirmed.”

Doreen Outzon, a resident of Pyrmont for 86 years, said not enough respect is paid to Pyrmont’s 180 year history.

“99 per cent of people say it doesn’t matter. People seem to be a bit apathetic when it comes to history,” she said.

Ms Outzon, who lives in a convict built house near the site  said there is no way anyone could know of the area’s history because there is no advertising.

“Isn’t it such a shame there are no signs? There is no memory of what used to be there.

“There is so much to be seen . . . You would never believe looking at it now what was there”

Pyrmont was mainly Aboriginal land besides for a haunted mill until the 1840s when it became scattered with steel and ore industries and shipyards.

The building is likely to be related to that history but the RTA could not confirm this.