[1] Agitation for a link between The Rocks and Millers Point began early; the Sydney Gazette in 1803 lamented the lack of a short cut across the rocky peninsula.

The first schemes came from private enterprise, with an ambitious plan to cut a deep channel through the central spine of The Rocks.

Their overseer was a cruel man, Tim Lane, who used to declare to the labourers that 'by the help of God and the strong arm of the flogger, you'll get fifty before breakfast tomorrow!'

Transportation to NSW had ceased in 1840 after much agitation, and many of the residents were unsettled by the sight and sounds of convicts labouring in chains in full view.

It has associations with convict labour and the acceptance of responsibility of urban growth and public works by the Sydney Council.

Argyle Cut has historical significance as an early east-west route across The Rocks, as an imposing example of convict public works, and as evidence, in its ongoing changes, crossings and widening, of improvements in the provision of access and infrastructure, including the work of the Sydney Harbour Trust and that for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its approaches.

[1] It has been ranked along with Busby's Bore and the building of Circular Quay as one of the most impressive engineering feats in early Sydney.

[1] The Argyle Cut has significance from the links it derives with and support function associated with the development of a society in which it has sat for more than 150 years.

The large spine of rock which cut the area into two was a barrier to the ease of transportation between two important and growing maritime and mercantile precincts.

Argyle Cut has historical significance as an early east-west route across The Rocks, as an imposing example of convict public works, and as evidence, in its ongoing changes, crossings and widenings, of improvements in the provision of access and infrastructure, including the work of the Sydney Harbour Trust and that for the construction of the Sydney Harbour Bridge and its approaches.

It has associations with convict labour and the acceptance of responsibility of urban growth and public works by the Sydney Council[1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The Argyle Cut has significance from the links it derives with and support function associated with the development of a society in which it has sat for more than 150 years.

[1] The place has potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

[1] The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The large spine of rock which cut the area into two was a barrier to the ease of transportation between two important and growing maritime and mercantile precincts.