Kingston and Arthur Vale Historic Area Site Master Plan, Norfolk Islands

The Site Master Plan (SMP) provides a planning and design framework to consider potential future opportunities for the Kingston and Arthur’s Vale Historic Area (KAVHA) site.

The Kingston site is recognised as a living cultural heritage site of outstanding value listed as one of the eleven sites in the Australian Convict Sites World Heritage property, on both the Commonwealth and National Heritage lists and on the local Norfolk Island Heritage Register.

The site has an outstanding collection of highly significant heritage buildings, ruins and archaeology, representing the four key periods of settlement and development. The values of the site are also embedded in the dramatic setting of rolling green hills and valleys, ubiquitous Norfolk Island Pines and beautiful rugged coastline with secluded swimming bays and a coral reef. Alongside the significant layers of history, Kingston is a “living site” and forms a key part of the cultural life and day to day activities on the Island. The place is highly significant to locals for hosting cultural, social and recreational activities.

The project considers how to support and enhance community and cultural uses while balancing the needs of visitors and tourists. Issues such as arrival, entry and orientation, museum management, interpretation and visitor experiences have been considered in the development of the masterplan.

The SMP will guide potential future development on the site, balancing cultural heritage values and meeting statutory heritage obligations with the current and future needs and expectations of the users to ensure the site has a sustainable future.

This Site Master Plan (SMP) for Kingston;

• Supports the future management of the place through an understanding of the key issues, opportunities, risks and decisions that need to be made
• Provides a framework for decisions to be made in a planned and sequential way. This includes immediate & short-term, medium term and long term plans
• Supports applications for future funding for the site
• Ensures that there is accountability for decisions that will shape the future of the Kingston site

Implementing the Kingston Site Master Plan recommendations will enable the Department and the managers of the site to meet current statutory obligations, manage the risks to the place and commitments while ensuring the place has a sustainable and viable future.