The site is the abandoned post office that would have once been a significant cultural focal point, so to be replaced by a library seems very appropriate interms of giving back to the community. Directly behind the site, running of Daunt Avenue, are a series of uniform and unremarkable suburban plots, that do however posses a certain quaint character as the owners try to individualise their plot. In front along Bunnerong Road are a series of multiple housing developments, interspersed with small shops. The level of traffic was moderate on the day.
2. SOCIAL/CULTURAL POCKETS
Many plots in the surrounding urban network have become dilapidated or even abandoned. This many have something to do with development of the large Matraville shopping center further down Bunnerong Road, which has caused many services along this strip to lose business- similar to the pressure placed on shops on Oxford Street by the Westfield center in Bondi Junction. In the general area surrounding the site are two schools, which makes the brief for a library even more culturally relevant to the area. Along with these were a fire station, outdoor playground and church. One very prominent urban feature along Bunnerong Road was a series of medium density multiple housing developments, suggesting that the area might be undergoing a change of housing type which will increase the population in the area. This could mean that the shops that are losing business may be able to be revitalised in years to come. It was noticeable that members of the local community, particularly children, liked to hangout on the streets around shops that they go to after school. But at that time or the day, Friday round 3:30-5:00, the area was mostly deserted. We noticed a surprising number of pet and vetenary shops, as well as a large seniors population.
3. TOPOGRAPHY
There are some moderately steep slopes around the area, and this change in elevation is noticeable too on the site, with the high point being Daunt Avenue and a gradual decline progressing adjacent to Bunnerong Road.
4. HERITAGE
We visited a number of heritage sites that had been ear-marked on a council map and included an electrical power substation, two old single storey cottages, and the Matraville Hotel. The area also has the historical landmark of a war memorial church.
4. AREAS UNDERGOING DEVELOPMENT + POTENTIAL
The surrounding area gives off a number of conflicting messages that suggests the area is undergoing some 'growing pains'. Their are signs of development. One of the schools was undergoing works, as part of the Federal Government schools scheme, and there are billboards advertising new apartment developments. But there are also contradictory signs such as many 'for lease' posters and empty shop fronts. There are also numerous vacant plots that hint at the area's potential for multiple housing developments.
5. CONNECTIONS
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