Future of Sydney’s transport unearths a window to its past

The sandstock brick footings believed to be part of the de Mestre residence and counting house - a traditional office where business finances were managed - were uncovered by a special excavation team working with the Sydney Metro West project.

The footings date from the 1820s to 1840s.

They were found near the former De Mestre Place, a laneway off George Street, that is now part of the station’s footprint. Archaeologists also unearthed a well likely tied to De Mestre’s redevelopment of the site in the 1840s.

Descendants of the De Mestre family recently joined Sydney Metro and the site’s Excavation Director, Ronan McEleney, to view some of the artefacts recovered.

Relics of interest also included gun flint and bullet shells due to the site’s proximity to George Street Barrack, Sydney’s first military barrack, that once stood opposite.

Among the smaller items discovered were glass beads, a coin circa 1834, lead shot, slate pencils and glass bottles, bone and metal buttons were also found. 

Artefacts found are currently being catalogued and analysed by specialists who will advise on the best approach for their long-term safekeeping.    

Select items will also be on display during a community open day at the site on 18 May 2025. Tickets are available on the eventbrite website.

While archaeological excavation at the site has concluded, work by heritage experts continues on site to preserve the heritage-listed Skinners Family Hotel, built in 1845, which will be incorporated into the future over station development.

It is not the first time that metro excavation has yielded historical finds. In 2018, Aa180-year-old timber boat was uncovered during excavation works for the Barangaroo metro station.

It is the oldest boat of its kind ever found in NSW and a state-significant heritage discovery. The boat is believed to have been built in the 1830s and is the oldest known example in NSW of an Australian-built small European-style timber boat that once moved around the Sydney colony.

Minister for Transport John Graham said:

“The Hunter Street metro station project is part of Sydney’s future, but these finds are a fascinating window into the city’s past.

“Thousands of people will arrive daily at what will be the busiest station on Metro West, and we hope these relics serve as a reminder of how rich in history the site is.”

Excavation Director Ronan McEleney said

“Special care is being taken to preserve these relics so that future generations can learn more about the Sydney of that era.

“Having the involvement of the de Mestre family and incorporating the Skinners Family Hotel into the metro build are important ways we are ensuring Sydney’s heritage is remembered in this historic transport project.”