[1] Canterbury is located within the traditional boundaries of the Eora nation, on land occupied variously by Wangal, Bidgigal and Kameygal people.

The officers noted the low and marshy aspect of the countryside and observed Aborigines fishing on the river"[4][1] The earliest European settlement in the area took place when the Rev.

Johnson applied for leave to return to England for health reasons in 1798 and before his departure in October 1800 sold the farm to Lieutenant William Cox.

A London-based company promoter, Francis Kemble, who had some previous experience in the sugar industry, persuaded William Knox Child, Deputy Lieutenant of the County of Kent and also inspector and director of the London and County Joint stock Bank to provide the capital for the establishment of a sugar works in Australia.

[1] Because of the need for plentiful water and fuel supplies to expedite the manufacturer of sugar, a site on the Cooks River was chosen on part of Robert Campbell's Canterbury estate.

As well, a dam had been erected near the site to prevent salt water reaching the upper portion of the stream - town supply was limited and this was the nearest available location close to Sydney.

[1] In 1983 Hutton sold the property to its present owner, Nick Scali and Co. Pty Ltd.[7][1] Industrial five-storey mill in Georgian style architecture with a three-storey annex to the eastern side.

Although the Old Sugarmill was a ruin for many years and was further damaged by fire in 1996, it has been recently restored and adapted into a new use as an apartment block within a new residential complex.

[9][1] The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.

The Old Sugarmill at Canterbury is of State aesthetic significance as a five-storey sandstone building with symmetrical Georgian styling in a landmark setting beside the Cooks River.

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

It has scientific significance because the site demonstrates great archaeological potential to reveal information about early occupation and industry in New South Wales and in this locality.

Intact equipment and purpose-designed structures from the occupation of J.C. Hutton and Co - demonstrate past techniques relating to food processing and its associated technology.

[10][1] The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.

The Old Sugarmill at Canterbury is of State significance for its rarity, believed to be the oldest surviving industrial building in the Sydney region.