Artarmon, New South Wales



Artarmon is a suburb on the lower North Shore of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales, Australia. Artarmon is located 9 kilometres north-west of the Sydney central business district, in the local government area of the City of Willoughby.

History
In 1794 and 1796, land grants were given to soldiers and emancipists west of Artarmon railway station to encourage farming. The most important farm was owned by William Gore (1765–1845) who was the provost-marshal under Governor William Bligh. Gore received a grant of 150 acre in 1810 and named it Artarmon after his family estate in Ireland. Gore Hill is named after him.

The Chatswood South Methodist Church, located at the corner of Mowbray Road and the Pacific Highway, was designed by Thomas Rowe and built in 1871. A sandstone church in the Gothic style, it features a small belfry flanking the eastern front of the building. Immediately to the west is a small cemetery, with graves going back to 1871. The building was extended in 1883 and 1930; it is now listed on the Register of the National Estate.

Commercial area
Artarmon has a mix of residential, commercial and industrial area. High-rise buildings are located to the west of the railway line and houses to the east. There is also an industrial area south of the Gore Hill Freeway, although the suburb retains a rather leafy feel. A long row of shops is located beside the railway station on Hampden Road and a number of restaurants in Wilkes Avenue on the other side of the station. Artarmon Public Library, is one of the branch libraries in the City of Willoughby. The Chatswood Spiritualist Church holds regular gatherings in the girl guides hall, Thomson Avenue, including services and classes.

Media
The studios of the Special Broadcasting Service (SBS), a public television station, are located in Herbert Street. The Australian Broadcasting Corporation was until recently located on the Pacific Highway, at Gore Hill. The Seven Network and Ten Network broadcast from a 216m high transmission tower, operated by TXA in Hampden Road. The Nine Network has its studios in the adjacent suburb of Willoughby.

The Artarmon Fair is held annually in May.

Transport
Artarmon railway station is on the North Shore Line and the Northern Line of the City Rail network. The Gore Hill Freeway meets the Pacific Highway at Artarmon. Willoughby Council has started a free shuttle bus in between St. Leonards & Artarmon industrial area. However, the free service is limited only during weekdays. During lunch time, this service also goes through Artarmon market, where people get off and get sandwiches, and other meals, among other things.

Schools
Artarmon Public School was named best public school in the 2008 NSW Schools of Excellence awards.

Notable residents
Toby Lister - Current Coxswain Australian Men's 8+ and member of the Australian Rowing Team