Brighton and Hastings Terraces

2- 20 Mears Avenue are a row of ten two-storey Victorian terrace houses located within the High Cross Heritage Conservation Area. Constructed c.1885 for businessman William Mears, the row extends across both sides of Ada Lane, with numbers 2-10 historically known as Brighton Terrace and numbers 12-20 as Hastings Terrace.

After purchasing a rectangular block of vacant land adjacent to Avoca Street in 1882, William Mears transferred the land needed for a new road to Randwick Council in 1885 for a nominal sum, allowing Mears Avenue to be formed. Later that year, when it became apparent that the planned dwellings needed rear access for deliveries and tradespeople, Mears and the Council exchanged land, with the Council receiving a strip at the rear of the properties for service lanes and the terraces gaining additional space at the front for small, enclosed entrance courts.

The terraces were completed and offered for lease in late 1885 and early 1886 as Brighton Terrace and Hastings Terrace, which were promoted as modern Gothic-style residences with contemporary conveniences and ocean views. The Mears family moved into No. 2 Brighton Terrace, and William died at the residence in 1889.

The terraces also had a brief education use. Randwick College occupied No. 20 in 1886, while Brighton College was established at No. 10 the following year. Both schools remained for only a short time, with Brighton College later relocating to Allison Road while retaining its name. 

Over time, the terraces also became known as the Mears Avenue Terraces, or shortened to Brighton Terraces. 

Sources:

• SANDS Sydney, Suburban and Country Commercial Directory (SANDS Directory), 1858- 1933, City of Sydney Archives, Available at: https://archives.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/nodes/view/495003
• Small, A. Boutique Design and Project Management. Statement of Heritage Impact: 4 Mears Avenue, Randwick.
• Sturis, L. Rappoport Pty Ltd – Heritage Consultants. Statement of Heritage Impact: 8 Mears Avenue, Randwick.
• Fuchs, S. Built Now & Then Heritage. Statement of Heritage Impact: 18 Mears Avenue, Randwick.
• Additional research by Jan Thomas.