Identifying a heritage conservation area is the culmination of historical research which includes the assessment of an area’s heritage significance and the collective nature of buildings and components which contribute to the quality of the area and streetscape. These may include the historical subdivision pattern, consistency in building form, siting and scale, materials or common age of building stock which reflect a particular period or periods in the history and growth of the area.

There are twelve conservation areas in Willoughby City, of these four are in the West Ward. These are:

• Blue Gum
• Findlay & Wyvern
• North Chatswood
• South Chatswood

Blue Gum Heritage & Conservation Area

Period and statement of significance: 1906 – 1920: The area is representative of residential properties of the late Federation and Interwar periods. Many streetscapes within the area have a uniformity of housing style including form materials and detailing that gives the area a harmonious appearance. The precinct has a strong physical and historical connections with the Blue Gum Forest and the topography.

Findlay & Wyvern Heritage & Conservation Area

Period & Statement of Significance: 1898 – 1940 – the area possesses a streetscape integrity due to the development during one period and the excellent state of preservation of the houses and their garden settings. The area has a uniformity of housing style including form materials and detailing that gives the area an harmonious appearance.

North Chatswood Heritage & Conservation Area

Period & Statement of Significance: 1880 – 1930 – the North Chatswood area is a good example of early North Shore residential properties. The housing stock describes the progressive overlays of development taking place over half a century. The essential scale, form and spacing of the original dwellings is predominant, even where original architectural detailing has been lost, though much of this is still intact in fine residential buildings and as a general townscape impression.

South Chatswood Heritage & Conservation Area

Key period and statement of significance: 1880 – 1930 – the South Chatswood Heritage Conservation Area is a good example of early North Shore residential development. Much of the dwelling stock retains its original detailing and distinctive architectural features. Most retain the original scale and basic form, which, apart from the two storey mansions, is predominantly single storey. The Mowbray Road streetscape is significant as one of Willoughby’s earliest streets and most important routes, and because of this significance it displays a range of substantial and high quality residences from the early phase of development of the area, complemented by later development of the Interwar Period. The Heritage Conservation Area displays a high level of amenity and originality in its development as an early residential suburb up to the Second World War.