MORTLAKB GASWORKS I CONSBRVATION PLANS …nswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/13054_ID... · drawings or detailed contemporary photographs has, in some cases, limited conclusions

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MORTLAKB GASWORKS

CONSBRVATION PLANS

MISCBLLANBOUS STRUCTURES

For The Australian Gas Light Company

Don Gadden and Associates Pty Ltd

March 1989

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1.01.11.21.31.41.51.61.71.81.9

2.02.12.22.32.42.52.62.72.82.92.102.112.122.13

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4.04.14.24.34.44.54.64.7

5.05.15.25.35.45.55.65.7

CONTENTS

INTRODUCTION 4Preamble 4Background 4Author Identification 5Methodology 5Documentary Research 5Fieldwork 6Limitations 6Acknowledgement 6Report Format 6

SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS 8General Policy for Site Development 8External Wall . 10Gatehouse 10Main Office 10Meter Readers' Office 11Benzole Towers 11Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/plumbers' Shop 11Blacksmiths' Shop 11Power House 11Retort House Number 2 (CWG Building) 12Retort House Number 6 12Gas Holder Number 3 12Supplementary Recommendations 12

EXTERNAL WALL 14Identification 14History 15Description 16Statement of Significance 19Constraints 20Conservation Policy 22Recommendations 23

GATE HOUSE 24Identification 24History 25Description 26Statement of Significance 48Constraints 29Conservation Policy 32Recommendations 32

MAIN OFFICE 33Identification 33History 34Description 37Statement of Significance 39Constraints 40Conservation Policy 42Recommendations 43

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II CONTENTS continued

I6.0 METER READERS' OFFICE 446.1 Identification 446.2 History 456.3 Description 49

I 6.4 Statement of Significance 516.5 Constraints 526.6 Conservation Policy 54

I6.7 Recommendations 55

7.0 BENZOL TOWERS 56

I7.1 Identification 567.2 History 577.3 Description 597.4 Statement of Significance 61

I 7.5 Constraints 627.6 Conservation Policy 647.7 Recommendations 65

I 8.0 FITTERS'/MACHINISTS'/CARPENTERS'/PLUMBERS' SHOP 668.1 Identification 66

I8.2 History 678.3 Description 678.4 Statement of Significance 708.5 Constraints 72

I 8.6 Conservation Policy 748.7 Recommendations 75

I 0< 9.0 BLACKSMITHS' SHOP 769.1 Identification 769.2 History 77

I9.3 Description 799.4 Statement of Significance 839.5 Constraints 859.6 Conservation Policy 88

I 9.7 Recommendations 89

10.0 POWER HOUSE 90

I 10.1 Identification 9010.2 History 9110.3 Description 96

I10.4 Statement of Significance 10'510.5 Constraints 10710.6 Conservation Policy 11010.7 Recommendations 111

I 11.0 RETORT HOUSE NUMBER 2 (CWG BUILDING) 11311.1 Identification 113

I 11.2 History 11411.3 Description 11811.4 Statement of Significance 124

I11.5 Constraints 12611.6 Conservation Policy 12911.7 Recommendations 130

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CONTENTS continued

12.0 RETORT HOUSE NUMBER 6 13212.1 Identification 13212.2 History 13312.3 Description 13512.4 Statement of Significance 14012.5 Constraints 14212.6 Conservation Policy 14512.7 Recommendations 146

13.0 GASHOLDER NUMBER 3 14713.1 Identification 14713.2 History 14813.3 Description 15013.4 Statement of Significance 15213.5 Constraints 15313.6 Conservation Policy 15613.7 Recommendations 159

14.0 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS 160

15.0 BIBLIOGRAPHY 162

APPENDICES

A. Overall Statement of Significance for AGL SiteMortlake.

B. Overall Site Plan and Summary of Heritage SignificanceAssessment.

.'C. AGL Mort1ake Individual Structure Histories.

R. Broomham December 1988.

D. AGL Mort1ake Structural Overview GHD Ltd.October 1988.

E. Blacksmiths' S~op - Inventory Sheets and Site Plan forRelics.

F. Assessment of Power House, Mort1ake Gasworks, January,1989, Professor Emery Balint.

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1.

1.1

1.2

INTRODUCTION

Preamble

The Mortlake gasworks site has been occupiedcontinuously by the Australian Gaslight Company forover a century. Coal gas was produced from 1886 to1971 when the plant switched completely to makinggas from naphtha supplied by the petrochemicalindustry. In 1976, natural gas from the Moombafield in South Australia brought about a furtherchange in technology. In the 1950s, over 1,000 menwere needed to operate the gas production plant.This number ,was reduced to 140 in the 1970s, andnow, once new equipment is installed, 7 employeeswill be needed in the reforming area and thecomputerised control centre. Advances intechnology have completely transformed the sitefrom an incredibly busy labour intensive industryto one of a capital intensive high tech nature.

Very little exists from the earliest phases of thecoal and coke handling and storage, powergeneration, horizontal retorting, washing,scrubbing and storage of gas. Changes intechnology have brought about alterations in thefabric of buildings and the demolition of others,culminating in the razing of many structures onceretorting ceased in 1971.

Following the discontinuation of coal carbonisationprocesses, and the pending completion of a changeto natural gas, it is proposed that part of theexisting AGL site at Mortlake will be redeveloped.

Background

In late 1987 Don Godden and Associates Pty Ltd wascommissioned by Jackson Teece Chesterman and WillisPty Ltd to prepare an Interim Conservation Analysisfor the Mortlake Gasworks site. That reportprovided an overall statement of culturalsignificance for the site (refer Appendix A) andidentified a number of structures as havingsufficient significance to warrant conservation.Appendix B of this report reproduces a summary ofthe heritage significance assessment completed forthe Interim Conservation Analysis.

On the basis of the finds of the InterimConservation Analysis, AGL, in a letter datedNovember 4th 1988, commissioned Don Godden &Associates to prepare Draft Conservation Plans foreleven of the structures considered in the previousreport. These structures are the subject of thisreport.

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Author Identification

This report was compiled and written by RichardMackay and Don Godden, of Godden & Associates PtyLtd. The individual structure histories wereresearched and written by Rosemary Broomham,Consultant Historian Archaeolqgist. Buildingdescriptions are derived from notes provided byRobert Irving Consultant Architectural Historian.Professor Emery Balint contributed to theConservation Plan for the Power House Building andprepared the report which is presented as AppendixF. Additional research was undertaken by SiobhanLavelle, Consultant Archaeologist. Historicphotographs (and captions) were provided byRosemary Broomham, from the AGL collection.Contemporary photographs were taken by PeterTzavaras and Siobhan Lavelle. The report has beentyped and assembled by Mrs Carol Wilson.

Methodology

The report follows the methodology outlined in J.S.Kerr The Conservation Plan, The National Trust ofAustralia (NSW), 2nd Edition 1985, and complieswith the principles of the Australia ICOMOS Charterfor the Conservation of Places of CulturalSignificance (the Burra Charter) and itsguidelines.

The terminology used in this report, andparticularly the words place, cultural significance,conservation, maintenance, preservation, restoration, reconstruction, adaptation and compatible usefollows the definitions provided by the BurraCharter.

Documentary Research

Documentary research was primarily carried out byRosemary Broomham, who made use of the extensiverecords already held by AGL archives. Sourcesactually used are recorded in section 15. Of mostassistance were the minutes of the AGL Board ofDirectors, several internal Engineers' reports, theDescription of Mortlake Works 1921 and theAustralian Gas Light Company Diamond Jubilee 1837~. The very valuable series of dated aerialphotographs held by AGL was useful in dating somestructures, or significant alterations, as were thenumerous historic photographs which are held. Veryfew dated plans of the complex were found.Reference was made to plans held in the AGLarchives and in horizontal plan cabinets adjacentto the Mortlake Works Managers Office. Working

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inmade

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Report Format

This report does not repeat a detailed history ofgas in Australia and the Mortlake Site, as theseare well documented elsewhere (Broomham 1986,87).Appendices A and B reproduce sections of theInterim Conservation Analysis which are relevant tothis report, and the inventory sheets for the itemsconsidered here are included as Appendix E.

Assistance on site was provided by Ron Donohue,Manager Gas Supply, Tom Becker, Works Engineer, andMark Macnamara from the Mortlake Office and severalAGL employees including Col Heard, George Bain andBill Rose.

Acknowledgement

In addition to the authors noted above, assistancewith this report has been provided by Mr JohnFisher, from Gutteridge Baskins and Davey Pty Ltd.A copy of Mr Fisher's structural Overview Report isincluded as Appendix D of this report.

This report does not provide detailed plans ordrawings of any of the structures considered. Theconstraints identified in this report do notinclude requirements of the client, as these haveyet to be determined. Following decisions aboutfuture uses of structures which are retained it maybe necessary to consider further any specificissues which arise in relation to changes to thefabric that result from adaptation to new uses.

Limitations

The equivalent of six and a half person daysspent on site, in addition to time spent byconsultants. Each structure was recordeddetail, by traverse, with detailed notes beingof significant alterations.

Documentary research and fieldwork were carried outas indicated above. Unavailability of workingdrawings or detailed contemporary photographs has,in some cases, limited conclusions about theoriginal appearance of some structures, to what canbe deduced from existing fabric. In all otherrespects the research and assessment iscomprehensive.

drawings for several structures were notand may not survive.

Fieldwork

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An overall plan of the site was prepared for theInterim Conservation Analysis. It is presented inAppendix B. The number system for individualstructures used in that report is maintained inthis report, for ease of reference.

Section 2 of the report presents a general policyfor site development and a succinct summary ofrecommendations which are derived from theconservation policies presented for each structure.

Sections 3 to 13 have been arranged as discreteunits, each of which is a Conservation Plan for anindividual item. These sections are necessarilyrepetitive in part, but have been compiled asindividual documents in order to facilitateseparate use as individual structure policies.

This report is supplemen~ary to the previousInterim Conservation Analysis and should beconsidered in conjunction with that document.

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SUMMARY OF RECOMMENDATIONS

General Policy for Site Development

Discussion

The overall Statement of Cultural Significance forthe AGL Mortlake Works established that the site isone of exceptional cultural significance. Thatstatement is reproduced as Appendix A of thisreport. The corollary of this statement is thatsignificant individual structures and items fromthe site should be retained and conserved in anyfuture redevelopment. It is not reasonable, nordesirable, that all items on the site be retained.However, items selected for conservation shoulddemonstrate the principal significance of the siteas derived in that statement of significance.Items to be conserved should include:

- Structures and items which demonstrate thedevelopment of this major gasworks during thelate nineteenth and twentieth century.

- Structures and items which attest to thegrowing demand for gas and which evidence theimpact of widespread gas availability inSydney •

- Structures and items which are associated withmajor industrial relations initiatives.

- Structures and items which use design andconstruction details and materials which aretypical for the site and which relate to eachother.

- Structures and items which demonstrate thecompany policy of employing the latesttechnological advances and state-of-the-artprocesses and equipment.

- Structures and items which have landmarkquality or which display finedesign,craftsmanship or other aesthetic qualities.

- Structures and items which illustrate differentgas production and supply processes.

themajor

8

- Structures and items which illustratesite's important social role as aemployer for more than a century.

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Policy

On the basis of these objectives, and theConservation Plans for selected structures whichfollow, the following policy for the site isproposed:

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*

*

*

*

*

*

The Statement of Cultural Significance for theAGL Mortlake Works (Appendix A) is adopted andendorsed as providing the basis for futureconservation decisions at the site.

The AGL Mortlake site contains a number ofsignificant structures which demonstrate thehistory, operation and technology of the worksand which have their own aesthetic qualities.These should be conserved in accordance withthe Burra Charter of Australia ICOMOS.

Items to be conserved

The following items should be conserved:

- Gatehouse- Main Office- Meter Readers' Office- Blacksmiths' Shop- Power House- Number 2 Retort House

The following items should be retained andconserved, unless it is conclusivelydemonstrated that this is not possible, oncethe future uie of the site is determined:

- Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers' Shop

- Structural Support for Number 3 GasHolder

- External Wall

Items to be removed

Number 6 Retort House and the Benzol Towersmay be removed following comprehensiverecording.

Items identified as significant in the InterimConservation Analysis should be recorded priorto removal or alteration.

Appropriate interpretative devices (eg: signs,brochures, audio visual material), should beintroduced on site, explaining its history andsignificance.

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2.2

* The structures of greatest heritagesignificance, namely Number 2 Retort House, theBlacksmiths' Shop, the Power House and Number 3Gas Holder (if retained) should be promoted asfeatures of the site.

* Certain elements of the AGL Mortlake sitecould be conserved through redevelopment in anumber of ways. From a conservation viewpointa mixed residential/commercial developmentis identified as providing the widestdevelopment opportunity spectrum and greatestnumber of options for recycling of existingsignificant buildings.

* Conservation Plans for Individual Items

The Conservation Plans for individualstructures which follow should be adopted asproviding the basis for the conservation andadaptation of the structures considered.

External Wall

The external wall is an item of culturalsignificance which should be conserved, ifpossible. The entrance gates should be retainedand conserved.

10

The gatehouse is an item of cultural significancewhich should be retained and conserved.

The Main Office is an item of cultural significancewhich should be retained and conserved.

It is appropriate to provide additionalpenetrations and gates, or to remove sections, ifrequired for the future functioning of the site.

Gatehouse

in itsnot be

Ideally the gatehouse should continuetraditional role. However, should thispossible it may be adapted to a new use.

Main Office

It is preferable that the Main Office continue inits existing use, or be adapted as commercialoffices. The existing external appearance of thisstructure should be maintained. Internalmodification may occur provided that originalfeatures such as fireplaces, ceilings and joineryare retained and conserved.

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Meter Readers' Office

The Meter Readers' Office is an item of culturalsignificance which should' be retained andconserved.

The structure may be adapted to a new use.

Benzol Towers

The Benzol Towers are of some cultural significance,but their physical condition prevents effectiveconservation.

The Benzol Towers should be recorded and removed.

Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers'/Shop

The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers'/Shopis an item of cultural significance which should beconsidered for conservation in planning for thefuture development of the site, and conserved ifpossible.

If retained, the building should be adapted to anew use. Commercial or very light industrial. usesare appropriate.

Blacksmiths' Shop

The Blacksmiths' Shop is an item of high culturalsignificance which should be retained andconserved. It should also be promoted as one ofthe attractive features of the site.

The Blacksmiths' Shop may be adapted to a new use,and would readily lend itself to a range of retailor commercial purposes. The exterior appearance ofthe structure should be maintained. A number ofthe relics which remain within the Blacksmiths'Shop should also be retained and conserved.

Power House

The Power House is an item of outstanding culturalsignificance which should be retained andconserved. The recent addition on the northernside should be removed. At least one coal hopper,and the existing switchboard should be retained andconserved.

The Power House should be adapted to a new use. Avariety of community/commercial/retail uses arepossible. Appropriate options will depend upon thenature of surrounding developments.

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12

Gas Bolder Number 3

Retort Bouse Number 2 (CWG Building)

Retort House Number 6 should be recorded andremoved.

Holderoccur

culturalof which

If a decision is made that the Number 3 Gasbe completely removed, that should onlyfollowing comprehensive recording.

Supplementary Recommendations

Retort House Number 6 is an item of highsignificance, the physical conditionprevents its retention and conservation.

The following additional recommendations arise fromthe study conducted for this report:

* A recording program for structures to beremoved or altered should be commenced at anearly stage.

It is recommended that the steel support structureof Gas Holder Number 3 be identified as an existingsite constraint and that no decision about itsretention or removal be made until seriousconsideration has been given to its adaptation, andproposals for the future of the surrounding areaare further developed.

Retort Bouse Number 6

Total retention of this gas holder is not possible.However, the lattice steel support structure shouldbe conserved, if possible, and the space within itshould be adapted to a new use. The ConservationPlan suggests some indicative use options.

Gas Holder Number 3 is an item of outstandingcultural significance and an important landmarkwhich marks the site as a gasworks.

Retort House Number 2 is the most significant itemat the AGL Mortlake site; an item of outstandingcultural significance which should be retained,conserved and adapted to a new use.

Adaptation of this structure will require thebuilding of a self supporting structure within theexisting shell. A central atrium should beretained which reveals the internal scale of thismassive building. A mixed commercial office/retailuse would be appropriate.

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*

*

*

Existing historic records and particularlyworking drawings for all features on the siteshould be systematically retrieved and lodgedin a central archive. The facilities currentlyavailable on site for historic documentcuration are not adequate and require review.

Future development proposals should makeprovision for the interpretation of the historyand significance of the AGL site to thevisiting pUblic. This interpretation shouldinclude structures which are removed,structures which are retained, and lesstangible aspects of the history, developmentand operation of the site.

In view of the high heritage significance andpUblic profile of the AGL Mortlake Works, it isstrongly recommended that consultation withrelevant statutory authorities and otherorganizations interested in the site occur atthe earliest possible time. These bodiesinclude:

- The Heritage Council of New South Wales- The National Trust of Australia (NSW)- The NSW Department of Planning- The Power House Museum- The Australian Heritage Commission- Concord Municipal Council

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3.0

3.1

EXTERNAL WALL

Identification

A stepped brick wall runs along the westernboundary of the AGL Mortlake site, adjacent toTennyson Road. It was not included in the InterimConservation Analysis •

......._-~=---=:;-----~

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AGL MORTLAKE GASWORKS

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History

Mortlake's original boundary fence was an iron-barkpost and rail construction erected in 1883.

The brick boundary wall was constructed by J JHughes whose tender of 3,405 pounds was accepted byAGL directors on 26 May 1927.

15

Aerial Mortlake Works, n.d. The externalbrick wall is shown clearly on the right.(AGL H Cat l7)

Fig 1.

Entrance gates were approved on 20 September 1923.When the directors decided to erect a soldiers'memorial tablet these were elevated to the statusof memorial gates and further embellished by'bronze spraying'. The tablet was unveiled at anofficial ceremony in 1926.

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3.3 Description

The external wall which runs beside Tennyson Roadalong the eastern edge of the AGL Mortlake site isbuilt in brick with a precast concrete capping.The wall stands 3.5m high, although this varieswith changes in ground level as it runs up thehill. It is built in well fired pressed brickswith light coloured mortar in a series of standardpanels which step down to the Parramatta River.

Each standard panel is formed by two piers (commonto adjacent panels) and a recessed rectangularpanel, 3.5m by 2.8m, with a shaped brick at thebottom and raking course, half a brick wide, at thetop. Many panels step up at an angle. The wall isbuilt in sections, with defined breaks (abutting)which presumably function as expansion joints. Thetable below summarizes the configuration of thewall as it runs from Parramatta River to EmilyStreet. Non standard sections are discussed below.

Fig 2. A standard section of the external brickwall along Tennyson Road, December 1988.

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At the northern end the wall runs to the water'sedge between the gasworks and 140 Tennyson Road,about 150m east of the Mortlake ferry. It rests onan inclined sandstone seawall, patched withconcrete. The first four panels run southeast andthe next two south-southeast before the wall turnssouth along Tennyson Road. The shoreline risesrelatively steeply at this point and the wall stepsup at nearly every panel.

Panels 36 and 37 have been removed and steel pipeframed, sheet metal clad gates have been installed.The new brickwork, in similar bricks, is also inEnglish bond and is visually unobtrusive.

Panels 66-70 have been removed to make way for theentrance to a private site, currently occupied byAAMM Constructions. There is a new section ofwall. The southern part is in three panels, whichecho the main wall pattern. However shaped bricksare not used and the panels continue to the top ofthe wall. The cement coping is replaced by adouble row of headers. To the north of the cyclonemesh and steel pipe gates the eastern wall of askillion structure, in stretcher bond liver brickwith a single window, is incorporated in the wall.

The main entrance to the AGL complex is betweenpanels 88 and 89. On the north side of the gatewaythe wall returns to the east in a series of small(lm by 2m) panels, before returning south in twomore panels and stepping up three times to thegateposts. The niche formed by the wall return isfronted by a low curved brick wall in stretcherbond. This wall has a square precast concretecoping and is of recent date. It forms a gardenbed behind. There is a timber bus seat frontingthe road.

The Front Gateway consists of a central pair ofsquare masonry columns with a small masonryconnecting wall, and wrought iron fence between.The columns have square capitals with pyramidsurmounts, and are fronted by long recessed panelswith a raised central panel. This central pair ofgateposts is flanked by large (4m square) wroughtiron gates and a matching column on each side withadditional wrought iron pedestrian gate beyond.

To the south of the entrance gates the eastern wallof the Main Office building projects to meet thepedestrian gate. This section has a concretecoping. Beyond the southeastern corner of theoffice building, the wall resumes heading east intwo panels forming a matching niche to the one on

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EXTERNAL WALL - TENNYSON ROAD (FROM NORTH)

the north side. This also is fronted by a lowcurved wall in stretcher bond with concrete coping,forming a garden bed.

Beyond the southern side of the entrance gates thestandard panels of wall resume, but the step upreduces to two courses of bricks only. The wall isovergrown with Ficus between panels 108 and 117.Beyond panel 145 the wall turns southeast for twopanels, before terminating near Emily street in astandard pier. Beyond this fencing is in steelpipe, chain mesh and barbed wire.

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Removed and reconstructedX

Notes

Structures adjacentto east, using eastside of wall

Cracked

Runs SWRuns SWRuns SWRuns SWRuns SSWRuns SSWRuns South

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

X

Break inWall

XXXXXXXXXXXXX

X

XXXXXXXX

Step !J:2at South

XXXXXXXX

Removed and gates insertedX

Panel No

123456789

1011121314151617

18-2021-2223-2425-i627-28

2930-3132-3536-3737-3839-4041-4243-4647-4950-5253-5556-5859-6162-64

6566-7071-72

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Summary

Statement of Cultural Significance

* The external wall at the AGL Mortlake works isan unusually long, well crafted structure, of atype unlikely to be built again.

Aesthetic

Returns SW.

Darker bricksPanel 137 cracked

Panel 119 cracked

Smaller step upfrom here on

Panel 107 crackedovergrown withFicus

XX

X

X

X

X

X

XX

XXXXXXXXXX

The linear form of the wall, and piers andpanel treatment, echoes the form of more major

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The external brick wall has a distinctivevisual appearance stepping down the easternside of the site and defining the boundarybetween the heavy industrial features to itseast and light industrial/suburban elements toits west.

*

The wall and entrance gates are visuallydistinctive features which have associationswith the site and its history.

* The wall displays bricklayers' craftsmanship ofhigh quality and concrete detailing which aretypical of the construction of many features atthe AGL Mortlake Works.

*

*

73-75 X X76-78 X79-81 X X82-84 X85-8687-88 Short panels

BREAK FOR ENTRANCE GATES

89-:-9091-9394-9596-98

99-101102-104105-107108-110111-114115-117118-120121-123124-126125-132133-138143-144

145146-147

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3.4

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Constraints

Social

structures on the site.

Historic

<3.4.2)

<3.4.1)

<3.4.2)

(3.4.3)<3.4.4)

Reference tostatement ofCulturalSignificance

Article 3

Reference toBurra Charter

brick wall is ansome cultural

which should beconserved.

Constraints Arising from the Statement ofSignificance

New penetrations should respectthe existing panelled patternof the wall.

The entrance gates should beretained and conserved.

The strong linearity of thewall should be retained.

The externalitem ofsignificanceretained and

The wall shows typical early twentieth centurybrickwork and is of a form and size which isnot likely to be repeated.

The wall and entrance gates are well knownfeatures of the AGL Mortlake Works.

The external brick wall was constructed duringa period of prosperity and expansion and hasbeen a feature of the site for more than half acentury.

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*

*

*

*

* All conservation work shouldinvolve m1n1mum interference tothe existing fabric.

Procedural Constraints arising from the Statementof Cultural Significance

*

*

*

Technological

PhysicalCultural

3.5.2

3.5.1

3.5

3.4.5

3.4.4

3.4.3

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Other Constraints

Constraints arising from the Physical Condition ofthe Place

Article 27

Article 26

Article' 22

Article 29

Article 28

Article 23

Article 24

Article 27

beand

should bedisturbance

shouldcatalogued

fabricbefore

There are no constraints arising from thephysical condition of the wall, which affectits conservation potential.

Fabric of cultural significancealready or subsequently removedshould be kept in a securerepository.

Appropriate direction andsuperv1s10n should be maintainedat all stages of the work.

Copies of all reports and recordsshould be placed in a permanentarchive and made pUbliclyavailable.

A record should be kept of hewevidence and future decisions.

Existingrecordedoccurs.

The decision-making procedure andindividuals responsible forpolicy decisions should beidentified.

Disturbance of fabric may occurin order to provide evidenceneeded for the making ofdecisions on the conservation ofthe place.

* Such itemsprofessionallyprotected.

*

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned "4A - General Industrial". A

*

*

*

*

This report specifically excludes consideration ofany preferred future use for the AGL site andtherefore it is not relevant to consider specificrequirements at this point. The followingadditional constraints are relevant toconsideration of the future use options for thestructure.

*

*

*

3.5.3

3.5.4

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* The external brick wall is an item ofenvironmental heritage which should beconsidered for retention and conservation inaccordance with the Burra Charter of AustraliaICOMOS.

Conservation Policy

Having regard to the significancebrick wall at the AGL Mortlakeconstraints outlined above,conservation policy is proposed:

externalana the

following

currentlyNational

of theWorksthe

Works is notRegister of the

Mortlakein the

The AGLincludedEstate.

The AGL Mortlake works is not currently subjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.

The AGL Mortlake Works is included in theRegister of the National Trust of Australia(NSW) • This listing has no statutory force,but is widely recognised as an authoritativestatement regarding the heritage significanceof a place. The National Trust listing may betaken into account by other institutionsincluding the Local Council, the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, and the AustralianHeritage Commission. The National Trust islikely to take an active interest in plans forthe development of this site.

heritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

*

*

*

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23

Recommendations

It is recommended that the future treatment of thiswall be considered in conjunction with planning forthe future of the AGL Mortlake site. It isdesirable on heritage grounds that the wall beretained. It is likely that it could continue tofulfill a useful function in the future. There isno objection to the partial removal of the wall, aslong as intervention and infill respects theexisting fabric.


3.7

*

*

*

*

*

The existing linearity and regular panelledarrangement of the wall should be maintained.

Subject to practical requirements the existingwall fabric should be retained and preserved.

The existing entrance gates should be retainedand conserved.

New penetrations through the wall may occur.

Where new penetrations, construction ofgateways, or other physical intervention,occurs entire panels should be removed and newwork should respect existing fabric.

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4.0

4.1

GATE BOUSE

Identification

The gatehouse is a single storey brick structurelocated centrally within the entrance roadwaybetween the two sets of entrance gates. It is item1 in the Interim Conservation Analysis.

E~

L--'=_'I Em] •

~


24


4.2 History

There are no specific Board Minute references tothe construction of a gatehouse for Mortlake Works.It is not shown in any of the positively datedaerial photographs for the early 19205. Nor did itexist when S H Cox completed his photographicsurvey of the works probably later in the twenties.Evidence from later aerial photographs suggeststhat it was built either in the late 1920s orduring the 19305.

,ltt

Fig 3. Front entrance with Gatehouse, n.d.(AGL H Cat 422) •

25

1·IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

4.3 Description

The AGL Mortlake complex gatehouse is a small,single storey dry press brick building with gabledslate roof. The roof slates are unusually largeand are capped by a terra cotta ridge. There aretwo square brick chimneys with square terra cottachimney pots.

The western end has a semicircular bay with eightfaceted windows in pairs with rounded woodenmullions between them and metal opening sashes.The curved brickwork below the windows is in headerbond with a plinth just below the sills. On thenorthern side the gatehouse has a single threepanel door at the western end and two steel framedwindows. One window (west) has three lights andtwo casements, the other has 15 lights with acentre hung pivot window. The southern'side issimilar, having the same window openings, but twodoors; one at the western end matching the door onthe northern side and a stud door with glass panelin the eastern end. This door has a pink and whiteterrazzo threshold. The eastern end of thebuilding, which is a more recent addition, is arectangular bay with faceted corners. The windowshere are timber. The eaves have a differenttreatment and the roof is flat~

26


Fig 4. Gatehouse, looking south east.December 1988.

The interior of the gatehouse features plasteredbrick walls. The floor is in two levels. Thewestern section comprising the semicircular bay andone compartment is four courses of brickwork lowerthan the eastern section. The compartment is aservice area with limited kitchen/washingfacilities. The higher eastern section is thegatekeepers' surveillance area. This area has aplaster ceiling divided into panels with timbercover strips.

Outside the gatehouse to north and south are a pairof weighbridges. The southern one only appears tobe in use. The mechanisms and scales are inside.Th are cast iron frames with brass sc es and areinscribed: "Australasian Scale Company Ltd. MakersSydney" •

27

IIIIIIIIIII•

Apparently the eastern bay was added when theorientation of the gatehouse and method ofoperation was reversed. Incoming traffic is nowviewed via mirrors whereas outgoing traffic isviewed directly. Traffic is controlled by a pairof white painted boom gates immediately east of thegatehouse.

The front gates are described in section 3.However, inside the gatehouse are a second pair ofgates. These have a central doric column inmasonry which formerly had a spherical surmount(see Fig 9). The column is now painted white andis flanked by a O.Sm white masonry wall with peakedcoping. The column has two bronze plaquescommemorating the AGL workers who served in theworld wars. The first of these plaques wasunveiled in 1926 (see Fig 9).

To each side is a pair of white painted doricmasonry columns, in each case the inner column islarger, matching the centre column. A wrought ironpedestrian gate, with diagonal braces and verticalpickets hangs between the inner and outer column.There are no gates between the centre column andlarge columns. On the southern side the smallerpedestrian column is bonded to the Main OfficeWall •

28

Summary


* The semicircular and faceted end bays of thegatehouse are visually pleasing elements.

The AGL Mortlake Gatehouse is a wellconstructed brick building prominently sited atthe entrance to the complex.

The Gatehouse building is a typical example ofa brick structure in the late 1920s/early 1930s.

*

*

The Gatehouse use, location, and associationwith the memorial gates give it social valuesto past and present AGL employees.

Aesthetic

*

* The Gatehouse is a well known buildingprominently located at the entrance to the AGLMortlake complex.

4.4.2

4.4.1

4.4

IIIIIIIIII

Constraints

Physical Constraints Arising from Statement ofCultural Significance

* The Gatehouse is associated with the complex'soriginal memorial gates.

thefor

thesite

late

(4.4.2)

(4.4.5)

(4.4.3)

(4.4.5)

(4.4.1)

Reference toStatement ofCulturalSignificance

29

At least one weighbridge shouldbe retained.

Existing building fabric shouldbe preserved and maintained.

The exterior appearance of thebuilding should be preserved.

The memorial gates should beretained and conserved.

The Gatehouse is a building ofsome cultural significance andshould, if possible, beretained and conserved.

The weighbridges demonstrate an importantaspect of the function of the site and are goodexamples of their type.

As a well known feature at the entrance tosite, the Gatehouse has social valuespresent and past employees.

The reversal of the orientation ofgatehouse demonstrates a change insecurity and surveillance techniques.

The Gatehouse is a typical example of a1920s/early 1930s brick building.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

* The Gatehouse provides physical evidence of thencontrolled n access and operation of the AGLcomplex.

Technological

* The roof of the Gatehouse utilizes unusuallylarge slates.

*

*

Social

Historic

4.5

4.5.1

4.4.4

4.4.4

4.4.3

IIIIIIIIII

II,IIIIIIIII-

Procedural Constraints Arising from the statementof Cultural Significance

* All conservation work shouldinvolve minimum interference tothe existing fabric.


The decision-making procedureindividuals responsiblepolicy decisions shouldidentified.

Article 23

Article 26

Article 24

Article 3


andfor

be


fabricbefore


*

*

*

4.5.2

IIIIIIIIII

Constraints arising from the Physical Condition ofthe Place

30

No major structural problems are evident.

The roof slates require some routine repair.

Article 27

Article 29

Article 22

Article 27

Article 28

beand

shouldcatalogued



Appropriate direction andsupervlsion should be maintainedat all stages of the work.

A record should be kept of newevidence and future decisions.

*

*


*

*

*

*

4.5.3

I•IIIIIIIIII

Other Constraints


* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned n4A - General Industrial n • Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

31

currentlyNational


Mortlakein the


The AGL Mortlake works is not currently subject"to any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.


*

*

*

4.5.4

IIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIII•

Recommendations

Conservation Policy

* Views to the Gatehouse structure should bemaintained •

* The Gatehouse is an item of environmentalheritage which should be conserved inaccordance with the Burra Charter of AustraliaICOMOS.

and

to the Statement of Culturalthe Gatehouse and the constraintsthe following Conservation Policy

The association between Gatehousecommemorative gates should be retained.

The Gatehouse should continue in itstraditional use, or should be adapted to a newcompatible use in a way which minimisesinterference to its fabric.

At least one weighbridge should be retained inworking order.

Wherever possible existing fabric should beretained and conserved.

*

*

*

*

Having regardSignificance foroutlined above,is proposed.

The Gatehouse is a building of some heritagesignificance which should be retained. Ideally itshould continue its traditional use. However, ifand when surveillance facilities are no longerrequired, it may be adapted to a new use. Thisadaptation should involve minimal interference tothe existing fabric and should maintain theexternal appearance of the structure. If possible,the southern weighbridge should be maintained inworking order.

4.7

4.6

••IIIIII

IIIIIIIIII

IIII

32

'1IIIIIIIIlE),:1

IIIIIIIII

5.0

5.1

MAIN OFFICE

Identification

The main officebrick building,and south ofidentified asAnalysis.

is a long (East/West) single storeywith tile roof, immediately inside

the main entrance gates. It isitem 2 in the Interim Conservation

L..-..--'~_k'I ER •

~


33


5.2 History

This office was erected to replace the original1885 office, its construction being part of thebuilding programme initiated by the engineer'sreport dated 10 July 1913. Quoting a price of13,475 pounds, H T Seymour was awarded the contractfor construction of offices, stores and workshopsat Mortlake on 23 April 1914. When war wasdeclared in August, the Committee of Worksinitially wished to delay the building provided thecontractors were agreeable. But after aconsultation, and having received advice that theunnamed architect was also in favour of continuing,the directors agreed to go ahead. Mortlake's newoffices were completed and taken over on 27 May1915 together with the workshops and the newengineer's building at Haymarket.

Fig 5. Main Office, c1929, photographer S H Cox.(AGL H Cat 251).

34


Plans from Mortlake dated 1921 and 1924 (the latterreproduced overleaf) suggest that the originaloffice building was five bays long and symmetricalabout the existing gable. A western extension tothis building, creating the present form, appearsto date from 1924.

35

.1• f 'I

I

i

'! 1

:: 1'. J

-. i

1~ I: Ir.1 -'r I

-.J '\! ~ ',\ t

~l~ 6 ~ IH ~ I. II!!~·I I"'~ ,. " ] I~ ~I I.( I

~ I ':'1. !. lj:' l. ,,>'I I '" 1111:-.-- 'I 1 11' J

\~-_. I.. J,~(~: ,I:

:iA

i~;jU

Ito",I"·'''''l

t

.-

~ ~r-··~~;T.=;;::y.3h. J

~\~ .r:-.': f-r,,··I- \. -:I:~ . ~ .r :

. i ~ . ~

" : I r. L~"",l".,fJ·i~+.J--f-i~'_ r-'

: ( .' , i· ..

, ~ t~ ,~~ i~ , -, i .('l.!L. ' ~.

II 7" r :'" k'~':;; rZ' I;. ..

l"~- Jl:,' ! ~" j ~

; 'Ut-' -y ~

..~ It--'" . -f'" ,~ ~~

~\L1Jn'I .J i

I;··..·· ~·"i·. I~/ I' l j

,lJJ'IZ},Q • rn~ 'c::::;ror.,~:!r

. -~"' ..- j~ . ~

:Iffih:... I~36

""

, .-;~=-w i. ..,. J~c.: ... h_.. .. .~ .• l.'-- .----=-----

Fig 6. Main Office. Working Drawing of Alterations1924. (AGL Mortlake Office)

•

-- ._ 1._ •

. \\

g

~

~::s::::=F=

i(DD~III

~J IlffiTlfI I<:

~I.. I I L~UI~ 1/11a)1I (QJD .

ffi~

.0 I~I tI II<QJI~'" i~~~-.-.

wll! -.JLIIII~(ijcJ=!Q

I ,'- ill 1 .cot.4

.--I ;--- .- --.-:---r ...:-: :.... -_..: . ~ .:'. :' -' - - . !

i .' .! . ..

f

I1

.~c:=:1~~ ~ IIIo ·~LI.~ .J.·~II=!-U

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII ~ I

IIIII1I

IIIII

5.3 Description

The main office building has a domestic quality.The circular vent in the northern gable and the useof decorative pebble-dash infill and terra cottapots on the chimneys place it in the Arts andCrafts style. It is a long, single storeyeast/west running building with brown glazed tileroof of recent date." In character it is similar tothe Meter Readers' Office.

The northern verandah is bracketed with curved ironor steel members supported on stone corbels. Theverandah is roofed in bull-nosed corrugated iron.The edge of the verandah features a decorativetimber valance with curved members spanning from acantilever truss - a very typical Federationdetail. The building gable is asymmetric in thefacade, although the original office had the gablecentrally placed. It features a pediment withdentilated bed course and ventilated slopingmembers with raking brickwork. There is a centrecircular vent. The window and door openings in thenorthern elevation are rounded; narrow openingsare semi-circular and wider openings are sernielliptical.

37

IIIIIIIIII--=- ...... J


'-- ----_ .•

~

Fig 7. Gabled Section of Main Office northernelevation. December 1988.

In the eastern elevation there is a single semicircular window in the more northern of the twobays with a delicate window hood supported byexposed brackets with decorative ends themselvessupporting a purlin which supports rafters and thenbattens, covered with corrugated iron. Thesouthern elevation features a verandah withextensive eave overhang supported on timberbrackets themselves over corbels in the brickwork.The rafters here exposed feet. At the easternend of the building there is a projection in thebr k to doorhead height with wall hung inglesabove. In its north western corner the main officewall projects to become part of the site's extern

1, 3ro high. The western wall has two panels,ea whi has a rou serni-circu r arwindow, with two ringed br k arch and double hungsa windows. e eave overhang at this e ofbuilding is of minimal width.

38


Summary

Inside the building has plastered brick walls andsome timber frame subsidiary walls. The ceilingsare a mixture with some original and some altered.The original ceilings are high and a number haveperforated metal ceiling roses and high picturerails. The conference room shows an originalfireplace with timber chimneypiece, moulded shelfand carved fret-sawn brickwork in a vaguely ArtNouveau design. Original doors are four panel;three tall panels below and a rectangular toplightusually in glass. Some doorways have a fanlightabove. The architraves are treated simply with adouble ovilo edge and one fillet. The windows aredouble hung with typical sash horns and singlesheets of glass. The top sashes are semi-circulararched joinery matching the arch of the brickworkoutside. The window architraves have simpledesigns which match the other joinery. Thebuilding features interesting plaster ventilatorsin two different Art Nouveau designs.

IIIIIIIIIII

5.4

5.4.1

* The main office building is a fine brickstructure in Federation Arts and Crafts style.

siteAGL

in theNouveau

of finelyArt Nouveau

numberand

39

The main office building, and its constructionearly this century, evidence the continuingand growing importance of gas and the expansionof the AGL Mortlake works.

The main office building has a prominentadjacent to the main entrance to theMortlake complex.

The main office has an impressive northernfacade, with fine Federation detailing, whichremains largely intact.

The building features several detailsFederation Arts and Crafts and Artstyles.

*

*

*

*

*

The building displays acrafted elegant Federationdesign details.

Aesthetic5.4.2

IIIIIIIIII

Historic


(5.4.1)

(5.4.2)

(5.4.1)

(5.4.2)

Referenceto statementof CulturalSignificance

Article 3


Statement of

has minimal

fabricand

building has some socialpast and present employees.

buildingpreserved

design and detailingsuch as fireplaces,

and joinery should beand preserved.

Originalfeaturesceilingsretained

The exterior appearance of thebuilding should be preserved.

The existingshould bemaintained.

The main office is a buildingof some cultural significance,and should be retained andconserved.

The main officesignificance for

The main office building has historicsignificance as the main administrative centreof the AGL Mortlake complex during a large partof. the twentieth century.

*

40

*

*


*

*

*

*

Technological

*

The construction of the building and itsextension soon afterwards evidence the growingimportance of gas during the first decade ofthis century.

Social

The main office buildingtechnological significance.

~ Constraints arising fromCultural Significance

5.5.2

5.5.1

5.4.5

5.4.4

5.4.3

IIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIII

41

Other Constraints

Constraints Arising from the Physical Conditionof the Place

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned "4A - General Industrial". Aheritage study has been prepared for Concord

Article 28

Article 22

Article 29

Article 26

Article 24

Article 27

Article 27

Article 23

beand

andfor

be


shouldcatalogued

fabricbefore


Fabric of cultural significancealready or sUbsequently removedshould be kept in a securerepository.


Copies of all reports and recordsshould be placed in a permanentarchive and made publiclyavailable.


The decision-making procedureindividuals responsiblepolicy decisions shouldidentified.




*

*

*

*

This report specifically excludes consideration ofany preferred future use for the AGL and sitetherefore it is not relevant to consider specificrequirements at this point. The followingadditional constraints are relevant toconsideration of the future use options for thestructure.

*

*

*

*

5.5.3

5.5.4


* The AGL Mortlake Works is included in theRegister of the National Trust of Australia(NSW) • This listing has no statutory force,but is widely recognised as an authoritativestatement regarding the heritage significanceof a place. The National Trust listing may betaken into account by other institutionsincluding the Local Council, the' HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, and the AustralianHeritage Commission. The National Trust islikely to take an active interest in plans forthe development of this site.

Conservation Policy

Having regard to the Statement ofSignificance for the main officeconstraints outlined above, theconservation policy is proposed:

Municipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders' nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

its

currentlyNational

Culturaland thefollowing


42

office should continue in

Mortlakein the

office is an item of envirop~ental

which should be conserved inwith the Burra Charter of Australia

main

The mainheritageaccordanceICOMOS.


The


*

*

*

*

5.6

IIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIII

5.7

traditional use, or should be adapted ~o.a.new

compatible use in a way which m~n~m~ses

interference to its significant fabric.

* Wherever possible original fabric, andparticularly original features such asfireplaces, ceilings and joinery, should beretained and conserved.

* The view of the northern elevation of the mainoffice building should be maintained.

Recommendations

The main office is a building of heritagesignificance, which should be retained. Itssignificance relates primarily to its architecturalform. It is unusual on the AGL Mortlake site,being a building of domestic quality, in the midstof an industrial complex. It is recommended thatthe building continue to fulfill an officefunction. There is no reason why its internalconfiguration could not be modified, provided thatoriginal fittings and features are conserved.

43

IIIIIIIII1 -IIlIIII

J

IIIIIIIII r--'\IQIIIIIIIIIII

6.0

6.1

METER READERS' OFFICE

Identification

This building is also known as the "Steel Mains"office, "Pay Office", and "Telephone Room". It is asingle storey (North/South) brick building withslate roof immediately adjacent to and east of theMain Office. It is item 3 in the InterimConservation Analysis.

L--,~_I "'P~

AGL MORT LAKE GASWORKS

44

III'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

6.2 History

Available evidence suggests that this building wasconstructed in 1924 in its original form with threesections separated by roofed walk through bays.

The directors' minutes for 19 June 1924 recordalterations and reconstruction to Mortlake'sgeneral office, and extension and rearrangement ofthe Timekeepers' Office. Erection of a separatePay Office was noted on 9 October of the same year.

A smaller building, approximately one third thelength of the present structure, and having a lowerroof line, appears in aerial photographs dated1920, 1921 and 1924 on the northern end of thepresent site. While no available photographs focusonly on this building, it can be seen in whatappears to be its present form behind pictures ofthe unveiling of the World War 1 memorial ~n 1926.

The 1972 works plan shows this building as threeseparate chambers, the northernmost section beinglabelled "Telephone Room" and the central sectionnominated "Pay Office". Although this drawing isrecent, it is quite possible that both the outlineand description survive from earlier plans.

45


THE AUSTRALIAN GASLIGHT Co

Fig 8. "The Australia Gas Light Co. Mortlake WorksOct 1921". (AGL H Cat 70). The MeterReaders' Office is visible top right.

46


L

Fig 9. Meter Readers' Office, with chimneys (nowgone), background of Memorial tabletunveiling ceremony 1926. (AGL H Cat 1735).

47

-. -

.,11:,

~I ;1JI Z~ 00:

l\ :

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I III,~c1 ' •'-, ~

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.. '1"/" t ,. '* ., '"'. I ~ '". < ... -;... '.,./. I.: ..... ,. rrrr=:- .I , ~ I

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'., .... 1:' ~II~: P:I ',.. pi ", -' r '), (01(01~1~ 1

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1

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'I' ... I' .; i _.L..... I~':I ,I ~ 'I~'. !', ...~ on , ~ ..j.] 1 •••'" 1 'l ~ - .. 'I .. __ , " •'" ~'1.,. 1 ' " ... 1- ." \. ,,' ;;! 11 'I I 1

:. ~' I '- , I "" I . ; ""~I ; ...... ~,--.,'. ,I, "~; :\1 l' I :; [rI,- f":, '! 1: I . I I --h __... j' i~'~I£. J=- -'.. , . 'I ',; , ~ --'- ".,'.: ~ .. ,.. I . I ~J ' . _ I", _ _. ". I «~I ~ F : • ": d"~, l : ,. 10, ~ • ~ ("'r ','" • ;. i

' / 1 • ", ,. ". _ ',,,. '.. •

' I ~ ~ ;,,~~:.~I ~I !Jr, ~'~I·~t· n .i{ 'I ~_ .l~ .~._~ :': "',I. '.I~'I j ."'" . I . ~1.......1,\,. ~ , ,.. , ',. 5 J " ~ I' I' f p" " I' ,:,,", , '" " '.. '. . , ;, I , •..II! l::.t·:J I. q J, .' --"";=~I""'''''' ':'~ ~~ lit. I".; ,,' .-, 'I ~ I '1'. ,I '. '0,b~ i' :C 't '1', t ", . ~ ~;;,. . , f"I J' ,,' I "

-

- I I I

Fig 10. Meter Readers' Office. Working Drawing for"Alteration and Extension to Timekeepers'Office. 1924. (AGL Mort1ake Office) .

48

IIIIIIIIIIIII"IIIIIIII

6.3 Description

This is a low single storey building in dark brownbrick, with dark mortar which uses a coke briesefrom the gas production process. It has aresidential quality, as opposed to the industrialfeeling of the majority of the buildings on thesite. It is in a late Federation style and isdominated by a large slate roof, with terra cottaridge cap and extremely wide eaves. The eavesextend around all sides of the building and are sowide that they require a separate edge beam. Theroof extends even beyond this beam, which issupported on tr~angular brackets, bolted to thewalls and having their own stone capitals.

The northern elevation of the building features asemi-circular headed doorway with a three ring archand a fanlight above. There is a four panelleddoor. A single window also features a three ringbrick arch. The roof above is hipped and has aterra cotta finial. At the northern end of thebuilding the plinth course is rendered and paintedbrown. The other major detail is the sill courseof the window which, unlike the sills in the restof the building, is in liver bricks.

The eastern side of the building is divided into"seven bays of unequal width, two of which areinfill of walk through bays carried out since thebuilding's original sections were constructed in1924. The second bay from the north is infilled inbrick of relatively recent date in a sympatheticmanner, although examination of the lower plinthand the wider mortar courses reveal this to be anew section. This section even has four courses ofbr"ickwork above the window painted white to matchthe white painted rendered lintels above otherwindows. The fourth bay from the north appears tobe an earlier infill, with bricks which almostmatch the original buildings, apart from additionalvariation and mortar which is only revealed asdifferent upon close inspection. The majority ofwindows are three light casement with top hampers.There is a pair of windows in bay 4 (infill bay)and a pair of double hung windows which appear tobe an alteration. The fascia is a simple boardwith a bead at the bottom edge. The westernelevation of the building is in most respectssimilar to the eastern elevation, apart from aseries of doors, two three-panelled double doors, afour panel door and a stud door. Generally glassis used in the upper panels. The infill bays 2 and4 are similar to the eastern side, except that theinterfaces are clearer.

49

thet a

st


Fig 11. Meter Readers' Office looking Southwest.December 1988.

The southern elevation of the building matchesnorthern face most respects, except t

oped concrete threshold replaces concretein the semi-circular doorw

The inter r of the structure features cavity walls

50

51

Historic

Social

Summary

possiblyoffice,changesremains

The Meter Readers' Office is a visuallypleasing slate roofed brick structure whichdisplays typical late Federation features.

The large overhang on the roof structurecreates an appearance which is distinctive.

*

*

*

It displays an unusual wide eave,associated with its function as a payand though the building has undergonethrough its working history, itrelatively intact.

Aesthetic

The Meter Readers' Office demonstrates thedevelopment over time of support facilities at theAGL site.

The Meter Readers' Office building incorporates apay office and other staff facilities which have

* The Meter Readers' Office/steel Main's officeis a well proportioned building showing typicallate Federation detailing, and sympatheticinfill treatment.


with internal plaster. The ceiling is coved and isapparently of more recent construction. It issheeted in wallboards with semi-circular beads.There is a chimney breast in the northern end ofthe southern room. The room which is bay 4 of thebuilding (from the north) shows clearly theevidence of building separation. It is a smallerbay with two lightweight casement windows andclearly' shows external brickwork - downstruck inpiers and recesses with corbelled brickwork at thetop. The interior space of bay 2 shows similarevidence. All of this evidence is consistent withthe series of drawings of the site, of variousdates between 1924 and 1972, which show threeseparate buildings and a dotted outline for thesingle roof. While there is no direct evidence fordating the infills, it is suspected from the typeof bricks and work that the infill of bay 4 wascompleted soon after the construction of thebuilding and the infill of bay 2 was undertaken inthe late 1940s or early 1950s.

6.4.3

6.4.2

6.4.4

6.4.1

6.4

IIII~I

IIIII:1IIIIII,IIII

Constraints

Technological

some social values for past and present employees.

Procedural Constraints arising from the Statementof Cultural Significanc~

(6.4.1)

(6.4.2)

(6.4.3)

(6.4.5) .

Article 23

Article 24

Article 3

Referenceto Statementof CulturalSignificance


thethe

be

fabricand


buildingpreserved

fabricbefore

Evidence of the structuralalteration of the building overtime should be retained.

The exterior appearance ofbuilding, and particularlywide eave overhang, shouldpreserved.

The Meter Readers' Office is abuilding of some culturalsignificance which should beretained and conserved.

The existingshould bemaintained.

52


The decision-making procedure and


*


*

*

*

*

*

*

The wide eave overhang of this structurenecessitates the use of a separate edge beam, whichis an unusual structural detail.

Physical Constraints ar~s~ng arising from Statementof Cultural Significance

6.5.2

6.5.1

6.5

6.4.5

IIII'IIIIII'IIIII'IIIIII

53

6.5.4 Other Constraints

6.5.3 Constraints Arising from the Physical Conditionof the Place

Article 29

Article 22

Article 28

Article 27

Article 27

Article 26

beand

shouldcatalogued


individuals responsible forpolicy decisions should beidentified.



Appropriate direction andsupervision should be maintainedat all stages of the work.


* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned "4A - General Industrial". Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

*

*



*

*

*

IIIII1\

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

Conservation Policy

Having regard to the Statement of CulturalSignificance for the Meter Readers' Office and theconstraints outlined above, the followingconservation policy is proposed:

Wherever possible the existing building fabricshould be contained and preserved.

The Meter Readers' Office is an item ofenvironmental heritage which should beconserved in accordance with the Burra Charterof Australia ICOMOS.

currentlyNational


Mortlakein the

54

of the infill of two previous walkbays of the building should be


The AGL Mortlake works is not currently subjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil ot New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.

The AGL Mortlake Works is included in theRegister of the National Trust of Australia(NSW) • This listing has no statutory force,but is widely recognised as an authoritativestatement regarding the heritage significanceof a place. The National Trust listing may betaken into account by other institutionsincluding the Local Council, the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, and the AustralianHeritage Cow~ission. The National Trust islikely to take an active interest in plans forthe development of this site.

Evidencethrough

The Meter Readers' Office building need notcontinue in its existing use, as change in useover time has been a feature of the structure'shistory. It would be appropriate for thestructure to be adapted to a new compatible usein a way which minimises interference to itsexisting fabric.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

6.6


55

Care should be taken to retain existingarchitectural details and evidence of change to thebuilding fabric over time.

Commercial spaceOfficesShowroomsLibraryChild Care Centre

The Meter Readers' Office" is a structure ofheritage significance which should be retained. Asthe building has undergone several modificationsand changes of use during its history, there is norequirement, on heritage grounds, that it continueits existing usage. Adaptation to a compatible useis recommended. Indicative uses include:

theand

retained.

The wide eave overhang and dominance ofroof of this building should be retainedmaintained.

*

Recommendation6.7

IIIIIIII'IIIII'II'IIIIII

BENZOL TOWERS

Identification

This pair of structures, also known as "BenzoleTowers" and "Scrubber Towers", stands towards theeastern side of the site, across the road and eastfrom the Meter Readers' Office. The towers aretall grey painted metal cylinders, which areclearly visible from many parts of the site. Theyare identified in the Interim Conservation Analysisas Item 10.


56

- ....'~.o.Qt'-,

7.0

7.1

IIIII'IIII

18IIIII'IIIIII

As a preliminary AGL required assurances that thecompany would not be penalised for the lowering ofgas calorific value that would result if benzol wasextracted. The legislation being adjustedaccordingly construction of the plant was commencedin 1942 but was dogged with delays of all kinds.Plant deliveries were held up by the war, andmanpower regulations made labour almostunprocurable. When labour was available industrialdisputes interrupted the work. The plant was notcompleted until after the war ended. It beganoperation in February 1946 with the relativelysmall output of 1,800,000 gallons a year.

Perhaps the important part of the benzol recoveryplant, the towers, nine feet in diameter by 101feet high, were filled with wooden grids. Theirfunction was to scrub coal gas admitted at thebottom with wash oil, which, descending from thetop. carried with it the benzol which was thenseparated from the oil in the stripping stills.

History

The benzol scrubbing towers are part of the benzolrecovery and refining plant designed to producealternative liquid fuel to contribute to the wareffort. In fact, it is doubtful whether such aplant would have been built at Mortlake for any

. other reason.

7.2


57 .

I j


Fig 12. Benzol Towers, from album prepared forRoyal Commission into the Gas Industry 1948,photographer unknown. (AGL H Cat 1855) •

58


7.3 Description

The Benzol Towers are a twin pair of sealed steelcylinders resting on a concrete footing. Thetowers are 2.75m in diameter and are constructed in19 welded sections. They are 30m high and may beascended via a steel staircase which doglegsbetween the towers with 12 landings. It isconstructed in welded steel with pipe handrails.

An AGL internal file relating to the towers'construction provides information about theiroperation and fabric: The two scrubbers weredeliberately built as a pair to operate inparallel, taking half of the total gas flow. Theyare built of mild steel plates, 3/8 inches thickfor the lower half and 5/16 inches thick above,with rivetted joints throughout. The base plate is9/16 inches thick. The following branches arerivetted and/or welded to each scrubber shell:

gas inletgas outletoil inlet to oil feed tankoil outlettwo manholes on topone manhole opposite the gas inletsix manholes and cores in each tower

The wood grid fittings in each tower are arrangedin five sections, each with 24 tiers of 6 inch by3/8 inch thick boards. The AGL file recordsinteresting discussion regarding the selection ofappropriate local timbers to replace the specifiedexotic species.

59


Fig 13. Benzol Towers, December 1988.

60

Social


Summary

* The Benzol Towers have little or no socialsignificance.

fuelany)

functionalprominent

utilitarian

a

totally

are an historical anachronismbuilt to redress wartime fueldid not commence operationover.

are tall, totallyfeatures located at

The towersindustrialsite.

The Towers epitomiseindustrial design.

The Benzol Towers were a direct result of theSecond World War and are some of the onlyfeatures on the site which owe their existenceto the effects of that War.

61

The Benzol Towersin that, althoughshortages, theyuntil the war was

The Benzol Towers are physical reminders of theshortages and changes which resulted from theSecond World War.

The Benzol Towers display an unusualproduction process observable at few (ifother locations in Australia.

*

* The Benzol Towers evidence a fuel productionprocess introduced specifically as a result ofthe Second World War fuel shortages and aresignificant as physical evidence of changesmade in Australian industry as a result of thewar.

*

Aesthetic

* The Benzol Towers have a stark visualappearance, which is emphasised by theirprominent site within the AGL Mortlake Works.

*

*

*

Historic

*

Technological

7.4.2

7.4

7.4

7.4.3

7.4.4

7.4.5


Constraints

Procedural Constraints Arising from the Statementof Cultural Significance

Physical Constraints arising from the Statement ofCultural Significance

* All conservation work shouldinvolve m1nlmum interference tothe existing fabric.

(7.4.1)

Article 26

Article 27

Article 24

Article 3

Article 23

Referenceto Statementof CuI turalSignificance

Article 28

Article 27

Article 22



fabric. before

The Benzol Towers are items ofheritage significance whichshould be considered forretention and conservation.

62






*

* Existingrecordedoccurs.

*

*

*

* Disturbance of fabric may occurin order to provide evidenceneeded for the making ofdecisions on the conservation ofthe place.

*

*

7.5.2

7.5.1

7.5

Ii I

IIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIII

Other Constraints

Constraints Arising from the physical Conditionof the Place

This section is based upon the structural overviewreport prepared by Mr John Fisher of GutteridgeHaskins and Davey Pty Ltd, which is reproduced asAppendix D.


a

Article 29

beand

shouldcatalogued

Mortlake Works is not currentlyin the Register of the National

63


Severe corrosion occurs throughout the steelaccess ladders and landings.

The structures cannot be converted tocommercial or other practical function.

Anchor bolts are in good condition.

Retention of the towers is likely tonecessitate removal of internal wooden gridswhich are saturated with flammable liquids.

There is minor corrosion at base plate level.

*

*

*


*

*

*


7.5.4

7.5.3

IIIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIII

Having regard to the significance of the BenzolTowers and the constraints outlined above, thefollowing Conservation Policy is proposed.

The main significance of the Benzol Towers is theirhistoric association with the Second World War.They are also important as evidence of the effectsof the war on industry and wartime fuel shortages.The physical condition of the structure effectivelyprevents retention of the towers without massiveremoval and replacement of fabric which woulddestroy much of this significance.

are unavailableof 1:100 and 1:25

64

If working drawingsarchivally, preparation

Location and on site verification of workingdrawings,

The Benzol Towers should be comprehensivelyrecorded prior to removal.

Recording should include:

The Benzol Towers are items of heritagesignificance, but their physical conditionprevents their retention and conservation.


The AGL Mortlake works is not currently subjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, .if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.

*

*

*

*

*

Conservation Policy

I,IIII'IIIIIIIIII,IIIII

-=-I J

Recommendation

The Benzol Towers clearly do not warrant retentionand conservation, apart from the recording outlinedabove. It is recommended that this recording bearranged and undertaken prior to their removal.


7.7

*

measured drawings of all elevations,significant cross sections and features,

Photographic records of every aspect of theTowers. (Photographic negatives should bearchivally developed and stored in Mylarenvelopes) •

All records should be lodged in a pUblicrepository.

65


----··.·-"----5 ·····r1 ._.n m_ __. _ •.__ -- '·"T·'.

B·-....~.....

Identification

FITTERS • IMACHINISTS' ICARPENTERS •IPLUMBERS' SHOP

The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers' Shopis a long (north/south) building built into andadjacent to a sandstone retaining wall along a road

"in the centre of the northern part of the site.The workshops building is easily recognised as ithas two storeys at its southern end and a longsingle storey section to the north. The InterimConservation Analysis identifies this structure asitems 40 and 41.

8.0

8.1

IIIIIIIIIlE)IIIIIIIIII

66

II

1I

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

8.2

8.3

HIstory

The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/plumbers' Shopand store were erected as part of the extensivebuilding programme commenced in 1913 partly to meetan increased demand for gas, and partly to replaceplant from the Darling Harbour works which wasabout to be resumed. The low building (Item 40)was divided into Fitters', Machine and Carpenters'Workshops (north to south) while Item 41 wasoriginally the Plumbers' Shop and Store. Somewhatdelayed by the outbreak of World War I,construction was completed on 27 May 1915 at whichtime the workshops came into use.

Furnished with a range of machine tools, theworkshops were described as being 'well-equippedfor all trades', so that the works should be as faras practicable self-contained and self-supporting'.The Description of Mort1ake Works 1921 furtherstates that 'all 'repairs were carried out on theworks' and though perhaps not fabricated there, allnew construction work was erected by works staff.In 1955, .still responsible for repairs andmaintenance, these and other shops on the siteaccommodated 750 tradesmen and their assistants.They therefore represent the high level of selfsufficiency maintained through most of Mortlake'sworking life.

Description

The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/plumbers' Shopis a linear brick structure, two storey at itssouthern end, built against an existing sandstoneretaining wall on its western side. Its piered andpanelled form echoes the same basic designtreatments of the major industrial structures builtat the site during the late nineteenth and earlytwentieth centuries.

The plumbers' shop is a two storey structure infive bays. It has an interesting reinforcedconcrete cornice and parapet in pre-cast sectionsat the top of its eastern facade. A concretestring course projecting beyond the brickwork marksan intermediate floor level and there is a brickplinth at base level. The walls are unusuallythick; the window reveals show a thickness ofabout 20cm. These reveals are bull nosed and, likethe walls, are laid in English bond with ordinarypressed face bricks. The timber windows are largeand have 24 large panes set in rebates close to theoutside of the glazing bars. The sills beneathslope with squinch bricks. On the western sideonly the upper storey of this building projects

67


above road level. The bays on this side match theeastern side. The interior of the upper storey hasbeen converted to offices, with partitioning. Someof the brickwork remains exposed. The roof trussis a standard lightweight truss constructed fromrivetted angle sections and wrought iron rods,using a variety of connections. The purlins androof hips are timber. The ceiling is hung. At thebase of the roof hip on the northern side, twotimber boards supporting the building's box gutterare evident. The internal structure of the groundfloor of this building is reinforced concrete. Thefloor above is also reinforced concrete supportedby secondary concrete beams on main concrete beamsrunning East/West. There is also a reinforcedconcrete mezzanine level.

Fig 14. Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Pl rs'Shop, from North, December 1988.

68

69

which is clearly visible from the west,pitched and curves up to form a

ridge running down the centre of theThere are some fibreglass skylight

Three of the single storey bays on this

The roof,is doubleventilatedstructre.sheets.

Beyond the five North/South bays, the buildingcontinues bearing slightly northeast, with two bayswhich are otherwise identical to the first five.These two bays house the Fitters' Shop. Furthernorth again, the Fitters' Store is within a rebuilt double bay which uses original piers and newinfill panels. The parapet coping and concretecornice follow the line of the rest of thebuilding. All of the openings in the single storeybuilding are bull nosed and the piers are square,except for this last bay which has bull nosed piersand (new) squared windows. Each bay has a squarerainwater head and downpipe.

The northeastern corner of the structure has acurved exterior in original brickwork with the sameconcrete detailing as the rest of the structure.The curved wall follows the road. The brickwork isin English bond. Windows are rectangular withtimber frames, and obscure glazing, but areotherwise like the remainder of the building. Thisbay curves around to three angled bays (on thewestern side) where the windows have concretelintels and are rectangula~ steel type. There arethree in each bay; the northern one with 12 panes,the others with eight. The road ascends to thesouth. At the end of the angled section the roadis approximately half way up the wall of thebuilding.

The Carpenters', Machinists' and Fitters' shopsoccupy a single storey structure which runsnorthward from the Plumbers' Shop. A concretestring course halfway up the facade of thePlumbers' Shop extends to become the coping of thesingle storey structure. The parapet of thisbuilding, on the eastern side, has a series ofrecessed panels; one over each of the panels whichdelineate the bays. Most bays have a centralsemicircular arched doorway, with roller shutter,flanked by a matching pair of semicircular archedwindows with timber frames. The large (door)arches are four half brick arches and the small(window) arches are three half brick arches. Eachwindow has a pair of centre pivot awnings. Fivebays of this structure run north from the Plumbers'Shop. They house the Carpenters' Shop andMachinists' Shop. The fourth bay has a standardwindow in place of the doorway.

IIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIII

70

The building's detailing, long form and sitinggive it a visually pleasing appearance withinthe Mortlake site.

The building evidences the Australian GaslightCompany's desire to have a "self-contained"works, and also marks the conclusion of thecompany's operations at Darling Harbour.

This workshop building is a utilitarianpurpose-built industrial structure whichdisplays several unusual decorative elements inconcrete, and unusual utilization of anexisting sandstone retaining wall.

*

*

*

Summary

The interiors of the Carpenters', Machinists' andFitters' Shops are similar. Unlike the Plumbers'Shop, they contain no evidence of reinforcedconcrete. The roof trusses and box gutters matchthose described above for the Plumbers' shop. TheWestern wall, which is still a retaining wall, isin very heavy, large scale sparrow pecked masonry,sloping south and echoing the slope of the roadoutside. The masonry has unusually heavy courses.It is the same wall which returns east beyond thesouthern end of the Plumbers' Shop and is exposedfor much of the site. A section of brickwork abovethe stone wall takes the western wall up to roofheight - the height of the brickwork increasestowards the north of the building.

The Machinists' Shop is notable for its internalsteel framework supporting various cranes andhoists, including a number of pivottingcantilevered cranes. The Fitters' Shop has acentral gantry crane. All have timber andmetal work benches. The area of new infill isclearly evident in the most northern bay. This bayalso has a new steel roof supported by steelstanchions and sloping beams with modern purlins.

statement of Cultural Significance

side of the building have fixed windows and elegantsolid cast iron ventilators, four courses high andtwo and a half bricks long, in a geometical design.At the point where the single storey structuremeets the double storey structure on the westernside, the single storey parapet is at knee height.

8.4

8.4.1

IIII:1IIIIII

IIIIIIIII~I J

executedpre-cast

71

This workshop building displays the applicationof unusual concrete decorative features to apurpose built industrial structure.

The long low form of the structure, and itslocation, result in a visually pleasingcontribution to this industrial landscape.

The structure has additional socialsignificance to present and former employees.

The building demonstrates wellbrickwork incorporating unusualconcrete decorative elements.

The workshops building provides the mainevidence on site of A.G.L.'s desire and policythat the Mortlake Works be self sufficient.

The workshops building has an extremely unusualuse of an existing sandstone retaining wallwhich has been retained and adapted into thestructure's fabric.

The door and window treatment of this structureremains relatively unaltered and is visuallypleasing.

The design treatment of this building echoesthe similar treatment of other major structureson the site, giving these buildings a strongsense of association.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Historic

Aesthetic

The decision to erect this building isdirectly related to the cessation of A.G.L.'soperations at Darling Harbour, and anincreasing demand for gas.

The building has continued in its original use,throughout its 70 year history.

Social

Technological

8.4.4

8.4.2

8.4.5

8.4.3'

IIII:1IIIII'I1-

I··1IIIIIIII________________________________J

Article 23

Article 3

Article 26

Article 24

Article 27

(8.4.1)

(8.4.1)(8.4.2)(8.4.5)

(8.4.3)(8.4.4)




72

fabricbefore


No activity should occur whichprejudices an understanding ofthe purpose and function ofthis structure.

The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers' Workshops building is an item ofcultural significance whichshould be retained andconserved.

* The decision-making procedure andindividuals responsible forpolicy decisions should beidentified.

*

* Appropriate direction andsuperv1s1on should be maintainedat all stages of the work.

*

* A record should be kept of new

*


* Disturbance of fabric may occurin order to provide evidenceneeded for the making ofdecisions on the conservation ofthe place.


Constraints


Physical Constrains Arising from the Statement ofCultural Significance

8.5.2

8.5.1

8.5

IIII·.1IIIIII

III.IIIIIII__________________________J

isand

size

currentlyNational

Article 28

Article 29

Article 27

Article 22

beand

shouldcatalogued

73

Mortlake Works is notin the Register of the


The available space within this structureconstrained by the presence of steel cranehoist supports and workbenches, and theand configuration of the building itself.

Generally the building is in a sound condition.

evidence and future decisions.



*

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned "4A - General Industrial". Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort < House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

*


*

*

*

Other Constrains


Constraints Arising from the physical Condition ofthe Place

8.5.3

8.5.4

IIIIIII'IIIIII'IIIIIIIJ _

fromthe

74


The AGL Mortlake Works is included in theRegister of the National Trust of Australia(NSW) • This listing has no statutory force,but is widely recognised as an authoritativestatement regarding the heritage significanceof a place. The National Trust listing may betaken into account by other ·institutionsincluding the Local Council, the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, and the AustralianHeritage Commission. The National Trust islikely to take an active interest in plans forthe development of this site.

No activity should occur which detractsthe existing external appearance ofstructure.

In the event that the structure is not retainedand conserved, it should be completely recordedprior to removal.


- Location and on site verification of workingdrawings.

- If unavailable archivally, preparation of1:100 and 1:25 measured drawings of allelevations, significant cross sections and

*

*

* The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers'Workshop building is an item of environmentalheritage which should be considered forretention and conservation.

*

* The building may be adapted to a new use.

*

*

Having regard to the significance of this set ofworkshops, and the constraints outlined above, thefollowing Conservation Policy is proposed:

Conservation policy8.6

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,III

I~ ----

oflocation

names, serialfrom in situ

including

all makers'other data

75

other features,equipment.

All records should be lodged in a pUblicrepository.

- Recording ofnumbers andequipment.

- Photographic records of every aspect of thebuilding itself. (Photographic negativesshould be archivally developed and stored inMylar envelopes).

commercial officesretaillight industrial (garage, workshops)studios for artists, craftspeople.

*

****

Recommendations

It is recommended that the workshops be identifiedas an existing site constraint and that no decisionregarding the retention or removal of thisstructure be made until such time as proposals forthe future use of the A.G.L. site are furtherdeveloped. Should it prove possible to retain andconserve this building, that decision is supportedon heritate grounds. Indicative appropriate usesincluded: .

The Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers' Workshop is a structure of heritage significance and isimportant to the history of the A.G.L. Mortlakecomplex. However, it is clearly not as significantas items such as Retort Ho~se Number 2, theBlacksmiths' Shop and the Power House and retentionand conservation of those items should takeprecedence over this structure. That is not to saythat the sUbject workshops should necessarily beremoved.

8.7

IIIIIIIIII-t

IIIIIIIII

----:.iiI1 J

IIIIIIII

-8I

IIIIIIIIII

9.0

9.1

BLACKSMITHS' SHOP

Identification

The Blacksmiths' Shop is a single storey polychromebrick building (East/West) close to the river onthe northern side of the AGL Mortlake site. It isidentified as item 44 in the Interim ConservationAnalysis.

~ fa . m

eil1~~~

~l.---,~_,I ....

~

AGL MORT LAKE GASWORKS

76

':I

'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

9.2 History

The building now known as the Blacksmiths' Shop waserected as a general workshop in late 1891 byCompany workmen under the engineer's superv1s1on.probably another cost cutting measure, thedirectors' Committee of Works estimated that thismode of construction would produce a generalworkshop for a modest 1,200 pounds. In theAustralian Gas Light Company Diamond Jubilee 1837 1897 pUblication, Secretary Robert Lukey describedit as 'most complete, and capable of carrying outany repairs that may be necessary'. Here 'lathes,planing, drilling, and other machines ••• of thebest description' were used to finish roughcastings supplied by local foundries.

Renovated in 1922 during the post World War Iupgrading of the works, the Blacksmiths' Shop hasrecently been 'restored' as part of the post coalcarbonisation beautification scheme.

77


Fig 15. View of Mortlake Works from ParramattaRiver w circa 1897. The Blacksmiths' Shopis to the right of Retort House Number 1,photographer unknown. Copied fromdry mounted original. (AGL H Cat 79).

78

79

The blacksmiths' shop is one of the most beautifulstructures remaining on the AGL Mortlake site. Itis a symmetrical brick building, built of brownbricks with cream trim, unfortunately recently

Description

circa 1929.Forge withphotograph.

Blacksmiths' Shop (interior>Photographer S H Cox. Notemetal cowl to right of(AGL H Cat 283>.

Fig 16.

9.3


IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII-

sandblasted. The cream bricks are used as a topplinth course, and for two ring semi-circular doorand window arches, as well as for two ring circularvents in the building's two gables. The buildinghas a number of very interesting and attractiveaesthetic features. These include a pair ofsymmetrical gables with a number of raking coursesof brickwork. All brickwork is done in piers andpanels, the panels being recessed and laid inFlemish colonial bond. The piers are laid inEnglish bond. The raking courses in the gables arein English bond. The brick~ork has been laid in adark grey mortar and then pointed up in a lightmortar. The grey mortar is coloured by cokebriese, from the gas production process. Originalpointing survives in the raking courses of thegables. In a few areas the jointing has beeneroded and then repointed in rather unattractivecement mortar. The verandah has a pair of steelcolumns, with centre span wider than the others,reinforced under the stay by an exposed wroughtiron rod in tension with a cast iron strut in thecentre. On the southern side of the building thereis a pair of matching gables with raking coursesand corbelled bays between the panels, but noverandah. The building features twelve panel,single sash windows with a single panel of roundheaders and hopper pivot sashes.

The northern elevation of the building is its mostattractive feature. Each gable has three windows.The north eastern gable is relatively unalteredexcept for repointing around the top of the centralwindow. The north western gable is also littlealtered except for repointing beneath the centralwindow and there is evidence of a line of repointedor inserted bricks, suggesting a previous fixture.The centre bay has three doorways, all with avertical timber tongue-in-groove panelled door onrollers. There are doorways at each end of theverandah, transversely into the gables. Thesedoorways are infilled with more recent verticaltimber panels, of stud construction, punctuated byrectangular doors. The centre bay has littleevidence of alteration, other than repointing andminor repair of damage at ground level.

80

III ~J

The western elevation of the blacksmiths' shop isdivided into five bays. The second and third bays(from the north) have standard windows. Thecentral bay has evidence of alteration, apparentlya window which has been filled in.

The southern elevation of the structure has beenmuch altered and the physical evidence on siteindicates that the building was originallyconstructed totally symmetrical, but that at somepoint the centre bay on the south side was movedsouthward, so as to be flush with the previouslyprojecting gables. It is concluded that this workwas undertaken in 1922 and that various girders andcraneways were inserted into the builiding at thesame time. The southern gables have also beenextensively modified. The southwestern cornergable seems to have originally had three windows.

Northern ElevationDecember 1988.

81

Fig 17. Blacksmiths' Shoplooking Southwest.


LI ------I


f; i in

The centre window is now filled in, with matchingbricks, but cement mortar and the third window(eastern) has been converted to a doorway. Theeastern gable on the southern side shows extensivedamage in its top western corner, partly due tosandblasting, but presumably some other cause also,such as f ire or steam. This gable,' like the othergables of the structure, is divided into threebays. The western bay has been extensivelymodified and it now features three different typesof brickwork and mortar, but a standard window.The central bay has a doorway with horizontalpanelled doors on rollers, and has been repairedwith common bricks above the arch. The third bayappears originally to have been a standard windowbut is now infilled with the same bricks as themajority of the structure, but a cement mortar.

The most confused part of the structure is thesouthern wall of the centre bay which shows clearevidence of major reconstruction. The bricks andmortar are a mixture of early, presumably recycled,material with grey mortar and later dry pressedbricks with a lighter mortar. The original creambricks, used for arches on the northern side'of\thebuilding have been recycled and are used as acentral arch here also. This bay features a singlewindow and single door. The building crane railsextend right through the wall in this bay. Oralhistory suggests that the series of openings alongthis bay has been modified 'several times during thebuilding's recent history.

The eastern side of the building has physicalevidence of being built in five bays. The southernof these is intact except for repointing withrecent cement. However, the next two bays havebeen reconstructed creating a square vehicularentrance with metal roller door. The fourth bay(from the south) is intact apart from patching withcommon bricks and repointing and the final bay isintact except for repair work in common bricks atground level and repointing in cement.

The shop has three cylindr~cal metal chimneys withconical caps and a pair of wind driven air· vents,punctuating its corrugated iron roof.

The interior of the building reveals the corrugatediron roof to be supported by an iron/steel tr~ss

with wrought iron tension rods. The truss itselfis built in riveted angle iron with circularconnecting joints and quadrant braces at the trusspeaks. The building is traversed by a number ofsteel girders which appear to have been installedduring the 1922 renovations. The girders support a

82

One of the remarkable things about the blacksmiths'shop, during its operating days, is that itmanufactured many of the tools and other itemsrequired for maintenance of the gasworks itself,and the reticulation system. It was therefore anintegral element in the self sufficient operationswhich were one of the features of the AGL Mortlakeoperation.

To the south of the blacksmiths' shop is aboilermakers' shop, with working drawings dated1977. The boilermakers' shop is built in commonbrick with light coloured mortar. The roofline,roof material, construction in a series of bays,form and design of windows (including use of creambrick rings), all indicate that care has been takento ensure this new building complements theBlacksmiths' Shop•.


Summary

system of gantry cranes and miscellaneous hoists.The building has a traditional earth floor andconcrete pads/aprons.

Several relics remain intact with the blacksmiths'shop. Of these the most significant are a pair offorges, built in brick with metal cowls stillconnected to chimneys. At least one of theseappears to' be visible in a 1929 photograph (seeFigure1S). There are also a number of anvils andmiscellaneous blacksmith's tools, and a largeMassey air hammer. This is a substantial ironartifact, made by Band J Massey, Manchester.Individual inventory sheets for significantartifacts still located within the blacksmith'sshop are included in this report as Appendix E.


9.4

9.4.1

*

*

*

*

The Blacksmiths' Shop is an extremely elegantpolychrome building with fine architecturaldetailing.

The Blacksmiths' Shop ~s one of few nineteenthcentury structures which remain largely intactat the AGL Mortlake site.

The Blacksmiths' Shop provides tangibleevidence of the self sufficient operation atAGL Mortlake, in which many tools and fittingswere manufactured on site.

The Blacksmiths' Shop contains severalsignificant relics which enable anunderstanding of the building's function and

83

84

operation.

* The surviving relics within the Blacksmiths'Shop, together with the fabric of the shopitself have the ability to demonstrate itsoperation and function •.

clearandits

elegantquality

nineteenthrelatively

showschange

reflect

Shop near thean outlook tothe building

displaysof high

The Blacksmiths' Shoppolychrome brickworkcraftsmanship.

The building includes many fine architecturaldetails and evidence of its original externalappearance.

The Blacksmiths' Shop is one of fewcentury structures which remainintact at the AGL Mortlake site.

The 'piers and panels' structure of theBlacksmiths' shop echoes the similar treatmentof the large industrial buildings on the site.

The location of the Blacksmiths'northern end of the site, withthe Parramatta River, givespotential landmark quality.

*

*

*

*

*

*

Historic

The Blacksmiths' Shop typifies the selfsufficient nature of the operation at AGL, inthat workshops were constructed specifically toprovide,tools and fittings.

Technological

*

Aesthetic

The Blacksmiths' Shop buildingevidence, in its fabric, ofalteration over time, whichchanging use.

Social

9.4.'5

9.4.4

9.4.3

9.4.2

II I

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

(9.4.1)

(9.4.1)

(9.4.2)

(9.4.2)

(9.4.2)

(9.4.3)

(9.4.4)(9.4.5)

Reference toStatement ofCuI turalSignificance

85

structure should bewhich obscures theelevation of the

Original building fabric shouldbe preserved and maintained.

The Blacksmiths' Shop is abuilding of high culturalsignificance and shouldtherefore be retained andconserved.

No newerectednorthernbuilding.

No new structure should beerected which detracts from thevisual quality of the building.

The existing externalappearance of the structureshould be maintained.

Artifacts which enhance anunderstanding of the operationand function of this structureshould be retained in situ andin operating order.

The adjacent Boilermakers' Shop, though ofrecent construction is very sympathetic to theform, fabric and fi~ish of the Blacksmiths'Shop. Proposals for the future use of thissite should take this into account indetermining whether this structure is retainedor removed, and in the design of new structuresin the vicinity of the Blacksmiths' Shop.

Evidence of change over time tothe building fabric should be"retained.

*

*

*

Constraints

*

*

Physical Constraints Arising from the Statement ofCultural Significance

*

*

9.5.1

9.5

Note

~I~

I'IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII=-- ~

86

Constrains Arising from the physical Condition ofthe Place

* Repairs and alterations using cement mortar maycause future physical problems, as the mortar

Procedural Constraints Arising from the statementof Cultural Significance

Article 26

Article 3

Article 23

Article 24

Article 27

Article 27

Article 28

Article 29

Article 22


beand


shouldcatalogued

fabricbefore


Appropriate direction andsuperv1s1on should be maintainedat all stages of the work.






*

*


* The cortex of the brickwork of the Blacksmiths'Shop has been removed by sandblasting and thefabric of the bricks is therefore more prone toweathering.

*

*

*

*

* Such itemsprofessionallyprot~cted.

9.5.2

9.5.3

!IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

87

* Generally the building is in a sound condition.


is harder than the original handmade bricks.

* The space within the building is constrained byexisting steel columns and girders, some ofwhich continue to be required as structuralmembers.




* The ~GL Mortlake works is not currently subjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.

* The artefacts identified in this study andincluded in Appendix E are all defined as"relics" under the New South Wales Heritage Act

*

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned ~4A - General Industrial". Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildingsistructuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

:1;1:,

I."

•,1

I'\

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

88

* The existing air hammer, cranes and hoists, one

* The building should be adapted to a compatibleuse.

item ofbe retainedthe Burra

Activities which destroy evidence of the majorchanges to the building's fabric should be keptto a minimum.

The Blacksmiths' Shop is anenvironmental heritage which shouldand conserved in accordance withCharter of Australia ICOMOS.

Original building fabric should be preserved.

* The external configuration of the buildingshould be maintained.

which specifies that "relics" include deposits,objects and material evidence of Europeansettlement which is more than 50 years old.Further removal of relics from the Blacksmiths'Shop should only occur following consultationwith staff from the Heritage Branch of theDepartment of Planning. It is clearlydesirable that some of these items be retainedin situ on heritage grounds. It may benecessary for the Heritage Council of New SouthWales to issue an excavation permit to aqualified archaeologist in relation to removalof artefacts from the Blacksmiths' Shop. It isalso possible that the Heritage Council mayrequire some items to be lodged with a suitablerepository, such as the Museum of Applied Artsand Sciences.

*

*

*

* The AGL Mortlake Works is included in theRegister of the National Trust of Australia(NSW) • This listing has no statutory force,but is widely recognised as an authoritativestatement regarding the heritage significanceof a place. The National Trust listing may betaken into account by other institutionsincluding the Local Council, the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, and the AustralianHeritage Commission. The National Trust islikely to take an active interest in plans forthe development of this site.

Conservation Policy

Having regard to the significance of theBlacksmiths' Shop and the Constraints outlinedabove, the following conservation Policy isproposed.

9.6

I;1

I:1I11I·III,I~I1II1IIII

-

Recommendations

It is recommended that the Ietention and adaptationof this building be recognised as an existing siteconstraint. Indicative appropriate uses include:

It is considered acceptable to alter the internalconfiguration of the building, and to introduce newfabric, provided that this does not require removalof original in situ fabric.

The Blacksmiths' Shop is one of the most beautifulstructures on site. It is also structurally soundand would lend itself to compatible re-use. TheBurra Charter of Australia ICOMOS defines"compatible use" as "a use which involves no changeto the culturally significant fabric, changeswhich are SUbstantially reversible, or changeswhich require minimal impact." In this context,and in view of the high significance of thestructure, "compatible use" should be interpretedas a use involving changes which are SUbstantiallyreversible.

whereoccur

89

Restaurant (with kitchen in ancillarystructure)Exclusive Office (e.g. Architect)Retail spaceAGL Museum/Commemorative Facility.

****

Additional penetrations mayprevious penetrations existed.

No new structure should be built immediately tothe north of the Blacksmiths' Shop, obscuringits views to and from the Parramatta River.

New structures in the vicinity of theBlacksmiths' Shop should be of a form, finishand scale which is sympathetic to the designform, finish and scale of the existing building.

Further specific advice should be sought inrelation to physical problems likely to arisefrom the sandblasting of the building and useof cement mortar.

forge, one anvil and associated blacksmith'stools should be retained within the structure.Other artifacts may be removed followingconsultation with the Heritage Branch of theDepartment of Planning and the Museum ofApplied Arts and Sciences.

*

*

*

*

9.7

II1I~I

I1II1I

1II,I1IIIII

B[~J flm :~-'''''-====' ====:

IIIII'II,IIlE)III,

IIIIIII

J

10.0

10.1

POWER BOUSE

Identification

The Power House is identified as item Number 48 inthe Interim Conservation Analysis. It is the mostnortherly structure on the Mort1ake site, close toBreakfast Point and north of Number 1 coal bunker.It is currently used as a workshop and store.

1'----'=_'I ..


90


10.2 History

The major extension to Mort1ake's carbonising powerplanned in 1910-11 incorporated the very moderncontinuous vertical retorts which had beenperfected the previous year. The high degree ofmechanisation necessary to maximise this system'seffectiveness was provided by electrically poweredmachinery which at Mort1ake included modern grabcranes and a te1pher system for coal and coketransportation. At a time when electric powersources were stretched to their limit, even in thecity, the importance of the works Power House wasvi tal.

Fig 18. Aerial view of Mortlake works, 1924. PowerHouse, with chimney, in foreground on left,photographer unknown. (AGL H Cat 360).

91

92

To conform with the requirements of the Factory andShops Act 1912 - 1943, which-were expected toprohibit high-voltage hand lamps in repair ofboilers and high pressure vessels, the Companyinstalled an alternating current 240 volt single

Tenders were accepted from west's Gas ImprovementCompany for vertical retorts and the steelwork tocomplete the operative parts of the retort houseand the roof. The telpher was designed by theLeipzig firm of Adolf Bleichert and Company.Throughout the whole complex, and in the completerearrangement of the works that accompanied it,electric power was used as much as possible toreduce manufacturing costs.

Solomon and Sons commenced work on the excavations,sandstone and quarry sand concrete foundations andretaining walls in November 1911. A year laterfurther tenders were called to meet thespecifications of Chief Engineer T J Bush forconstruction and erection of new retort house, coalstore, power house and chimney. Stone and Siddeleywere engaged to construct the major buildings andtunnels of reinforced concrete. As Stone andSiddeley also designed and built both retorthouses, it is almost certain that they were alsocontracted to construct the power house concreteand brickwork. The electric generating section isproudly described in a 1918 photo album as'entirely composed of reinforced concrete'. Theother two sections housed two sets of boilers.Switchboards and cables were supplied by Noyes Brosand the electrical generating plant from BritishWestinghouse Co. was installed by Simpson Bros.

Although the building was completed in 1915 therewere problems with shipment of the plant, somewhich was commandeered for the war. According tothe Description of Mortlake Works 1921, power wasgenerated by two 250Kw British Westinghouse and one200 Kw steam-driven dynamos, steam being providedby six Babcock and Wilcox tar-fired boilers.

The history of works power from this time is lessclear. By 1924 the plant was described as havingan additional 250Kw dynamo and there is referenceto refurbishing of the generating plant with a newswitchboard in 1926-27. On 30 June 1938 theCompany made an agreement wjth the SCC to guaranteepurchase of electricity not less than 400 pounds ayear for conversion from AC to DC by means of a500Kw motor generator set. This plant wasinstalled on 16 November 1939 and a dust controlventilating system added the following year.

IIIIIIIIIII'III,

IIIIII'J _

IIIII,'IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

phase line from SCC alternating current supply in1945. This was augmented in 1946 and an additionalgenerating set was acquired in 1947. Dependence onthe SCC was tem,ujOpered by anxiety about failureof their supply during the electricity cuts of thelate 1940s. A generating set, second-hand DC motorand AC alternating set were considered as aprecautionary measure. The turbo alternator andllKv switch gear from Australian General Electricinstalled 5 January 1950 was probably the result.

Examination of aerial photographs indicates thatthe northern extension of the Power House must havebeen constructed between 1954 and the early 1960s.There is no documentary evidence which indicatesthe original purpose of this extension.

That the power house continued to operate into the1960s is implied by the recorded replacement of itsprincipal DC generator unit with two AC/DCrectifiers in 1962. At this time the existingturbo-generator and reciprocating units werescrapped.

A licence to the Sydney County Council to instalelectricity plant and equipment in Company'ssubstation on Mortlake, tabled and executed by theBoard on 24 October 1968 would seem to mark the endof the Power House's useful life, although a plan"Electricity' Supply on Works" dated 1976 showspower still reticulated from the Power House (seeFig 19). By this time much of Mortlake's gas wasmanufactured from petroleum products. Thisbuilding was used sUbsequently as a patterri store.

93

·- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -;•• "ft' , ••

...0200/62 R_

ELECTRICITY SUPPLY ON WORKSUNDERGROUND POWER CA.BLES

THE AUSTRALIAN GASLIGHT CO

CIrolI05/222

"'.' I_ .......

,.: ",!'. ': ...~: ..~.; :

O"C511/n

i'}

c.WO••lI!t '.c*>·

f-a (. G PLANT

I ~I

____ AOOy[GROu"<t'

____ CAl)Ll 1>1"

--.- c: ....1.1t "lO'''''

@,N""H'fAHII;

: r-- I!01

,...\, ......._~ ,

t:t:I.....lQ

.....\0

,.." :;~t:rjCl .....t"!Cl>

0:3:rt"Ol"'tI"'t .....rt"O..........1Urt"

\0 ~'<:,j::Io Cl>

...... Cf.l. C"0"0.....'<:

0=':::El0I"'t~

m:;

.....\0'-J0'1

Fig 20. -Interior of Electric Generating Station, buildingentirely composed of reinforced concrete- fromalbum dated 1918. (AGL B Cat 224).

95

-

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1 ----1

IIIII

i I

IIIII..IIIIIIIIII

10.3 Description

The Power House is a reinforced concrete structure,built in three major sections.. The southernelevation shows a basic arrangement of two gabledstructures, the western one being wider than theeastern one, and a taller structure of rectangularconstruction, to the east. The eastern bay housesthree concrete hoppers. The central bay was builtas a boiler house, and the western bay as an enginehouse/switch room. There is a gabled extension, ofrecent date, to the north of the western and partof the central bays. This is presumed to havehoused the AC/DC rectifiers installed in 1962. Thebuilding is faced externally with brickwork instretcher bond, but internally its reinforcedconcrete structure is clearly visible. As far ascan be ascertained the brickwork and concrete werebuilt simultaneously. A damaged area at theeastern ~nd reveals that the bonding between thebrickwork and concrete is very close indeed,suggesting that the brickwork was permanentformwork for the concrete.

On the southern elevation the bay treatment issimilar to other structures on the site havingrecessed panels separated. by brick piers, andprojecting gables. The gable brickwork has tworaking courses surmounted by bricks in horizontalcourses and capped with a concrete plinth at thegable ends. The gable bases have a continuousconcrete lintel structure below which is a concretestring course, which projects to suit the piers,and a plinth also in reinforced concrete. Thewestern gable section is divided into three bays.The centre bay has a roller shutter steel door anda three ring semicircular arch. The bays on eachside have large twelve pane. double hung windows,with arched top sash beneath a three ringsemicircular arch. The eastern gable section has atwo bay form with two three ring arches, but nosashes. The southern elevation of the eastern partof the building is a tall rectangular form withrecessed bays and a concrete string course sillsurmounting the parapet course, also in concrete.The lower opening is a three ring arch. The upperopening is a simple rectangular gap, which providedaccess for the mechanised coal transport system.

96

97

Power House - southern elevation December1988.

.<.

Fig 21.



The eastern elevation shows similar designtreatment, with decorative courses in reinforcedconcrete. In several places the reinforcing isexposed showing that the projecting elements areintegral to the structure and not merelydecorative. This is an extremely unusual feature.The top storey has three bays each with a semieliptical arched opening. Below them anintermediate level has a simple rectangularrecessed panel in each bay. The lower storeyfeatures three semi-eliptical three ring archedopenings presently with steel pipe and mesh gates.

To the east of the structure are a concrete apronand building footings which are the remains of anancillary structure of steel and concrete. Thiswas a second boiler house, built after the originalPower House, but since removed. Its gabled threestorey eastern bay and lean to structure connectingwith the existing hopper towers are clearly visiblein a 1978 aerial photograph. This photograph alsoshows two chimneys to the north east and south eastof the existing structures. Earlier photographsand drawings indicate that the original chimney wasto the south of the gabled bays. There isevidence that this additional boiler house wasconnected to the eastern wall of the Power House ina number of places. There are clear remains of anabutting concrete floor slab above the entrancearches, also remnants of projecting steel beams andbraces at higher levels.

The northern side of the coal hopper tower revealsa roof formed by a solid reinforced concrete slabon exposed steel beams. The original northernelevation, which originally matched the southernelevation, is obscured by a new gabled structure.This is a later (c1950s) steel framed buildingwhich, though not as handsome, includes some of thedetail of the main power house, such as projectingpiers and raking brickwork on the gables. Thepiers are concrete faced, and the brickwork is instretcher bond. Windows are steel framed withobscure glass and have a pivoted sash within eachframe. The centre bay on the northern facade has acentral steel roller shutter flanked by windows oneach side and with a window with two pivotedhoppers above.

98

99

The interior of the hopper tower and boiler room isa very imposing space. The boiler room (centralbay) has a gabled roof built entirely of reinforced

The western elevation features the same detailingas the rest of the structure. It is arranged inthree bays, each with a twelve pane window withthree ring semicircular arch and double hungsashes. The new building to the north has fourbrick bays divided by concrete piers. There is asmall brick skillion addition to its west and abrick bay at its northern end housing twotransformers.

Power House - northern elevationDecember 1988.

Fig 22.


It is suspected that the reinforced concrete is thework of Engineer E G stone, who may be the stone in"Stone and Siddeley", the likely constructingengineers. In any event, the ~oof structure isexceptionally unusual for its time. It iscontemporaneous with the Dennys Lascelles Woolstoreat Geelong which features a unique reinforcedconcrete roof truss using the considere system ofreinforcing pioneered in Australia by Stone. Thissystem has reinforcing of cylinders of straightbars, with wire round spirally thereby increasingbond and load capacity. The Power House trussesappear to use this system. The only other similaruse of a reinforced concrete truss at this time wasthe Barwon Bridge (1914-1915) also at Geelong. Onbalance it is considered likely that E G Stone wasresponsible for the Mortlake Power House. It isclearly a landmark in the history of reinforcedconcrete in Australia.

concrete. The roof trusses and purlins are alsomade of reinforced concrete cast integrally andrendered. Walls are also rendered concrete.Concrete columns with chamfered edges supportbraced beam structures. Other features are aseries of steel structural and operationalelements, mainly ladders, beams, _ braces andpipework, thought to be associated with theboilers. The most noteworthy of these items is asmall operator's platform on the northern side,still with three stopcocks for the steam supplysystem. The flooring has a mixture of concretefootings and brickwork which has been much alteredand gives little indication of the configuration ofthe boilers. The dominant feature of the easternbay is the row of three concrete hoppers. Unlikethe majority of concrete elements they are notrendered and the marks of timber formwork arecl-early visible. The inverted pyramid shapes arehandsome geometric forms.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

A more detailed report on thehistorical significance of theof the Power House, preparedBalint, is included as Appe~dix

technological andconcrete structureby Professor EmeryF to this report.

100

II

,------------------

101

Fig 23. Power House Coal Hopper, December 1988.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1 ----1

102

Fig 24. Power House concrete Roof Trusses andStructure, December 1988.

r~ 1

Inside the engine room/switch house (western bay)the unusual concrete roof structure is clearlyvisible. It is similar in detail to the roof ofthe boiler house, but is three bays wide, asopposed to two. The interior of this bay is nowdevoid of equipment except for gantry crane andswitchboard. The gantry crane is built in rivetedsteel and is supported on craneways along theeastern and western walls, themselves resting onconcrete brackets over side piers. Against thewestern wall is a timber framed mezzaninestructure. This is symmetrical within the buildingand is flanked by two dog leg stair cases. Thestairways and mezzanine level itself have welded

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ .......I

The interior of the northern extension shows it tobe a typical steel framed structure, roofed inasbestos cement. A gantry crane spans its fullwidth.

steel balustrading and timber post construction.The mezzanine features a multipanelled switchboardin black marble, which has been stripped offittings.

During the early 1970s the National Trust ofAustralia (NSW) recorded the machinery within thePower House. Though this has now been removed, thelist below provides excellent evidence of thefunction and type of equipment used:

The floor is a concrete slab, and appears to beoriginal. An octagonal hole, in the southern end,appears in the 1918 photograph in Figure 20 Abasement is entered via concrete stairs placedcentrally on the eastern side. The basement has areinforced concrete construction, the floor abovebeing supported by closely spaced octagonalconcrete columns with mushroom pyramid headedcapitals - a very early use of this form ofconstruction. There are supplementary steelsupports which may relate to engines formerlylocated above. Two types were noted; a simplestructure comprised of RSJ sections and a complexriveted angle section with head and foot havingcross arm brace structures to distribute the load.The basement was unlit and was flooded with about10cm of water.

103

Maker - Browett, Lindley & Co.,Patricroft. Serial No. missing.vertical compound enclosed typesteam engine direct coupled toelectric generator. Generator byCrompton & Co., Chelmsford.Serial No. 112369. Compound wound,400 rpm; 250 Kw; 250V; 1,000 Amps.

Maker - Browett, Lindley & Co.,Patricroft. Serial No. 2230.vertical compound enclosed typesteam engine direct coupled toelectric generator. Generator byBritish Westinghouse Co. Serial No.B133572. Compound wound, 400 rpm;250Kw; 250V; 1,000 Amps.

Engine No 2.

Engine No 1.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1<

Engines 1-6 were installed in the original sectionof the building wherein is the switchboard andcontrols.

IIIIII.IIIIIIIIIIII..III

Engine No 3.

Engine No 4.

Engine No 5.

Engine No 6.

Engine No 7

Maker - Browett, Lindley & Co.,Patricroft. Serial No. 2231.Vertical compound enclosed , typesteam engine direct coupled toelectric generator. Generator byBritish Westinghouse Co. Serial No.B133573. Compound wound, 400 rpm;250 Kw; 250V; 1,000 Amps.

Maker - Belliss & Morcom Ltd,Birmingham. Ser No 4390 of 1913.Vertical compound enclosed typesteam engine direct coupled toelectric generator. Generator by ECCSer No 24067; 375 rpm; 200 Kw; 480V.

Maker - Belliss & Morcom Ltd.,Birmingham. Serial No. 324 of 1926.Steam Turbine driving electricgenerator through a reductiongearbox by David Brown & Co.Generator by Crompton & Co.Chelmsford. Serial No. 138230. 600rpm; 240/250V; 3,000 Amps; 750 Kw.

Maker - Belliss & Morcom Ltd.,Birmingham. Serial No. 4611 of1911. vertical compound enclosedtype steam engine direct coupled toelectric generator. Generator bySiemens, London. Type 361H. SerialNo. 11889. Compound field. 380rpm; 210 Kw; 250V; 835 Amps.This item was purchased fromArnott's Biscuit factory c.1950.

Maker - British Thompson-HoustonLtd. Ser No R3095. c1955. Steamturbine direct coupled to electricalternator. 6,000 rpm; 2,000 bhpAlternator b¥ BTH; 4l5V 3 phase.

104

10.4.1 Summary


~IIII

10.4

* The AGL Mortlake Power House is a unique andhistorically remarkable structure, whichrepresents a seminal phase in the development ofreinforced concrete construction.

10.4.2 Aesthetic

10.4.3 Historic

* The main elevations of the Power House have apleasing formal quality which is enhanced bycareful attention to its unusual concretedetailing.

105

detailbuilt

of thepurpose

House provides the main physicalof a major phase in the history of thegasworks - introduction of continuous

retorts, which requiredpowered mechanised support

The concrete roof trusses of the Power House areof extremely unusual design and the structure isone of only two remaining reinforced concretetrussed structures in Australia.

The PowerevidenceMortlakeverticalelectricallyservices.

The Power House displays a gabled form, withpiers and panels, which echoes the similartreatment of other major structures on the site,giving these buildings a strong ~ense ofassociation.

The Power House displays fine design inand form, as applied to a purposeindustrial structure.

The location of the Power House, at the northernend of the site, close to the river gives itvisual prominence within the site.

The Power House is a unique structure ofconsiderable historic value. Its concept andexecution is a tribute to the designers andbuilders who mastered the new medium (reinforcedconcrete), and laid the foundations for a futuresuccessful branch of enginering science.

The Power House is a good exampleapplication of classical design to abuilt industrial structure.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

* The reinforced concrete roof structure of thePower House is of extremely unusual designvery rare in Australia and remarkable for itstime-.

* As one of few structures remaining from earlythis century the Power House has associationswith the many industrial relations landmarkswhich occurred at Mortlake.

* The Power House provides the main physicalevidence of large scale introduction of electricpower to the gas production process at Mortlake.This is a direct result of the introduction ofcontinuous vertical retorts and the consequentneed for electrically powered mechanical supportservices such as the telpher transport system.

* The Power House, in its association withcontinuous vertical retorts and its early use ofreinforced concrete in an unusual manner,exemplifies AGL's policy of utili?ing state ofthe art technology at its gas production plants.

* The Power House was probably designed byprominent Engineer E G stone who is well knownfor his innovative work in reinforced concrete.

thein

two remainingstructures in

106

House is one of onlyconcrete trussed

The PowerreinforcedAustralia.

The erection of the Power House evidencesgrowing importance and use of gasMetropolitan Sydney.

The Power House's use of a load bearing concreteframe support structure is significant and mayoccur because the site was outside thejurisdiction of the Sydney Building Surveyor.

The engine room suspended floor and octagonalsupport columns with capitals are an early andrare form of design.

The introduction of electrically powered gasproduction facilities was a major phase in thehistory of the AGL Mortlake complex.

*

*

*

*

*

10.4.5 Technological

10.4.4 Social

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ _

10.5.1 Physical Constraints Arising from statement ofCultural Significance

nO.4.l)

nO.4.l)

<10.4.2)nO.4.3)

nO.4.2)

(10.4.5)

(10.4.l)


bethethe

fabricand

107

House contains relics, mostthe coal hoppers, crane, and

which allow an understanding of itsoperations.

structure shouldwhich obscures

elevation of

The Powerparticularlyswitchboard,function and

The Power House is a building ofhigh cultural significance andtherefore should be retained andconserved.

Original buildingshould be preservedmaintained.

Views to and from the building tothe north should be maintained.

No newerectedsouthernbuilding.

The exterior of the buildingshould generally be restored andreconstructed. However, evidenceof additional structures orphysical evidence of thestructure's history should beretained.

Removal of the newer northernextension may be considered,following establishment of theproposed use of the place. Themissing original section of thenorthern wall of the western baymay be, but need not be,reconstructed if this occurs.

The original interior featuresand fabric should be preserved.The roof detail in -both theboiler house and engine roomshould not be obscured.

*

Constraints

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

10.5

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII~ --~------"

10.5.2 Procedural Constraints Arising from the statementof Cultural Significance


* The decision-making procedure andindividuals responsible forpolicy decisions should beidentified.


<10.4.5)

<10.4.5)

(10.4.5)

Article 22

Article 23

Article 26

Article 27

Article 24

Article 27

Article 3

Article 28



and basementthe engine

should be

fabricbefore

108


The mezzanine level, marbleswitchboard and gantry craneshould be preserved.

At least one of the coal hoppersshould be preserved orreconstructed.

Approp~i~te direction andsuperv1s1on should be maintainedat all stages of the work.



The existing floorcolumns underhouse/switch roompreserved.


*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII;1

I"

109


* The steel roof beams of the boiler house/coalhopper tower are severely corroded.

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site is

Article 29

beand

shouldcatalogued

Generally the gabled bay roof sections areessentially structurally sound, or couldreadily be made sound, while the boiler houseand coal hopper tower would require significantreconstruction.

Reference should also be made to the report byProfessor Emery Balint presented in Appendix F.Though primarily concerned with thesignificance of the Power House, this reportsuggests that it is generally in soundcondition.

The walls, lintels and roof slab suffer fromadvanced spalling.

The gable bay roof system has "a doubtfulfuture life fl

•

*

*

*


* The external north western corner concretecolumn shows significant spalling.


This section of the report is based upon the "AGLMortlake Gasworks Structural Overview" report,prepared by Mr John Fisher of Gutteridge Haskinsand Davey Pty Ltd, which is reproduced as AppendixD. This report is a visual appraisal only andadditional structural testing would clearly berequired as part of the detailed planning for thefuture of this structure. The GHD report isconsidered adequate as an indicator of theconstraints which arise from the ,physical conditionof the structure. These are

10.5.3 Constraints Arising from the Physical Condition ofthe Structure


110

Conservation Policy

Having regard to the significance for the PowerHouse structure and the constraints outlined above,the following Coneservation Policy is proposed.

* The AGL Mortlake Power House is an item ofenvironmental heritage which should be retainedand conserved in accordance with the BurraCharter of Australia ICOMOS.


The AGL Mortlake works is not currently sUbjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.



currently zoned "4A-General Industrial". Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Rd, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

*

*

*

10.6


III

Recommendations

This building is an outstanding heritage item initself and an important historic feature of the AGLMortlake complex, and should be retained andadapted to a new compatible use. The Burra Charterdefines "compatible use" as "a use which involvesno change to the culturally significant fabric,changes which are substantially reversible or

Existing fabric should be recorded prior todisturbance/alteration.

be

and

andbe

retained

switchboardbay should

should beOriginal fabricpreserved.

Visual access to roof space should continue tobe provided in at least one of the gabled bays.

At least one coal hopper should be retained andpreserved or reconstructed.

The timber framed mezzanine,gantry crane in the westernretained and conserved.

Existing fixtures and fittings shouldretained.

The Power House should be adapted to a newcompatible use.

The external elements of the structure shouldbe restored and reconstructed, except wherethis would destroy evidence of the history ofthe place or of former ancillary structures.

The northern extension may be removed in orderto reveal the northern facade of the westernbay.

Appropriate interpretive material (signs,historic photographs etc) should be provided onsite in order to prom~te an understanding ofthe function and significance of the structure.

Where essential for structural reasons, steelsupport beams and the concrete roof of .theboiler house may be removed and replaced withnew fabric of the same form in the samelocation.

It is recognised that adaptation of thestructure will necessitate some intervention inthe existing fabric. Such intervention shouldbe minimised.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

10.7

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,

112

changes which require minimal impact". In thecontext of the Power House this should beinterpreted as changes involving "minimal impact".

The type of use selected will necessarily dependupon the nature of surrounding developments. It isrecommended that the retention and adaptation ofthe Power House be identified as an existing siteconstraint in consideration of redevelopmentoptions for the surrounding areas.

It is recommended that the extent of fabric in theboiler house which requires replacement bedetermined. Where reconstruction is necessary, theexisting form should be kept except that two of thethree coal hoppers may be, though need notnecessarily be, removed completely.

community/with the

Indicative

should be adapted for ause in conjunction

of surrounding areas.

restaurantboatshedgymnasium/squash courttavern/bistrocommunity hall/lecture theatreexclusive offices

******

The buildingcommercialredevelopmentuses include:

•IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

I

etIIII·1III

le)IC··

IIIIIII

11.0

11.1

RETORT HOUSE NUMBER 2 (CWG BUILDING)

Identification

Retort House Number 2, later known as theCarburetted Water Gas Building, is a large(North/South) rectangular brick structure locatedin the north eastern part of the AGL Mortlake site.It was formerly surrounded by boiler houses,exhausts, conveyors and ancillary structures, butnow stands as a shell. The Interim ConservationAnalysis identifies this structure as item 52.


113

•IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

11.2 History

Planning for Mortlake's second Retort House beganon 14 June 1886 when the Australian Gas LightCompany's engineer, Thomas Bush, reported thatincreased consumption of gas, then 20 per cent perannum, would necessitate the operation of more thandouble the existing making power by the winter of1889. Site levelling commenced on 21 June andtenders were called for bricks on 11 October 1886.Bricks were supplied by Keen and Sons and the slatewas imported. By December 1886 it was believedthat the new retort house might be needed for 1888so the iron roof columns and girders were orderedfrom England on 24 January 1887.

In keeping with the custom of the time, theCompany's engineer was responsible for the workslayout and design of buildings and plant. He alsosupervised the work of the building contractors,probably Shaw and Monie who had built the firstretort house, receiving advice from Mansfield Brosand Architect Morrell for any structural problems.In the case of Retort House No 2, structuralengineering consultants, Warren and Franki, werecalled in on 23 January 1888, to 'make good' theroof.

114

•IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

•

Fig 25. "Retort Houses and Exhauster House,Mortlake Works" c1890. Viewed from thewest, prior to the building being fittedwith retorts. photographer unknown.Copied from a dry mounted original (AGL HCat 24) •

Modelled on those at the massive Beckton Gas Worksin the UK, Mortlake's first two retort houses wereboth built to the same basic design. Measuring 280feet by 70 feet, to a height of 46 feet, thebuildings to house the carbonising plant wereflanked by roofed coal stores on either side. Thefirst retort house and all the coal stores havingbeen removed, what remains is the second retorthouse only. Clearly, this was constructed as ashell in which the carbonising plant was installedlater. In fact, the boom which motivated itsimplementation so soon after the first retorthouse, had collapsed by the time that this part was

115

r:1I

, I!(

IIIIIIII

·1IIIIIII

,: II

,: I

completed and Retort House No 2 was not fitted upfor use until the winter of 1893. Even then itsspace was not wholly exploited as only twelvearches were built to support five beds of nineretorts each, less than a quarter of the building'scapacity. To further reduce capital outlay in thel890s depression, West's retort house and stokingmachinery was also restricted to half the house.Retort House No 2 did not operate at its fullcapacity until the first decade of the 20thcentury, after which its plant was frequentlymodernised for the rest of its working life withsuch installations as the mechanical hot cokeconveyors purchased from Charles Ruwolt Ltd.

The decision to cease operating Retort House No 2as a coal gas plant was made in 1927 by ConsultingEngineer P.C. Homes Hunt who had been retainedsince Bush's retirement. Instead under theengineer's supervision, the building was gutted tohouse three Humphreys and Glascow carburetted watergas plants 'of the latest type'. Completelyautomatic, each was capable of producing twomillion cubic feet of gas a day. An accompanyingrelief holder was built nearby on a sandstone andconcrete foundation. Other auxiliary plantincluded purifiers, gas engine driven exhausters,and electric tar precipitators. Two gravity bucketconveyors transported the coke feedstock from theexisting telpher system. These three plants werecommission in 1929 and augmented by two more in themid and late 1930s. So great was the dependence onthese automatic CWG plants that a breakdown of No 2in 1944 made it necessary for AGL to buy gas fromthe North Shore Company.

At the end of World War 2 the Automatic CWGfacility was improved by the addition of a gasvalue platform and a new electrical control gearroom which were constructed inside the old retorthouse building. Further mechanisation was providedin the form of electric hoists and synchronousmotors. A belt conveyor replaced the original linkchain conveyor in 1946. During the 1940s two moreunits were installed, No 7 being purchased in 1947.At the same time, the cooling towers were renewedand ventilation improved. A new blower room wasbuilt at the northern end in 1950 when it wasdecided to purchase another unit, bringing thetotal to eight. The capacity of the CWG buildingbeing thus completely taken, subsequent, larger CWGplants were open air installations.

116

Retort House No 2 afterto accommodate automaticwater gas plants c1929,

unknown. (AGL H Cat 1840)

117

Interior ofremodellingcarburettedphotographer

Fig 26.

Completion of Mortlake's coal gas production in1971 brought the closure of the coke fed AutomaticCWG plants as well as the retort houses.

...,....I

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII1 __

~ I!1

1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

11.3

Demolition of coal carbonising plant began in 1973but the shell of No 2 Retort House, latelyautomatic CWG, was left standing to buffer thesound of the Onia-Gegi Cyclic reforming plantswhich produced gas from petroleum feedstocks until1976, after which they continued reforming naturalgas.

Description

This is the most imposing structure remaining onthe AGL Mortlake site; a building of 1mmenseproportions and awe inspiring form and scale. Itsarchitectural style sets the theme for many otherbuildings on the site. The style is FederationRomanesque and has a number of direct links withmajor industrial buildings in the United States andBritain of the 1880s and l890s.

The structure is a vast rectangular shell with astandard ridge double pitched roof and gabled ends.The brickwork, much of which is in handmade bricks,is English bond pointed with lighter mortar. Thewalls at the top are two bricks thick and increasein thickness to three bricks in the next level andthree and a half bricks at the base.

From the north, the gable end has an arrangement ofopenings which extends from the sloping line of thegable to the springing line of the roof trusses.These openings have semicircular heads and basesand are recessed, and together with raking courses,strong piers and recessed panels create adistinctive Romanesque quality. Beneath the trussspringing line the northern end is divided intothree bays. The next level has four openings ineach bay with peaked head and base. Below thisthere is a semi-elliptical opening on the east, nowfilled with recent brickwork at ground level, butprobably a window originally. This opening hasbeen much altered. The central bay is plain andthe western bay has a semicircular opening. Thegable coping, cornice and pier heads are carvedsandstone.

118

J


Fig 27. Number 2 Retort House (CWG Building)northern elevation, December 1988

The eastern side is a vast rectangular facade whichhas been much altered. There is a parapet ofrecessed panels between piers surmounted by asandstone cornice, separated from below by asandstone string course. Below is a row ofsemicircular headed windows above a range of tallersemicircular headed windows which are theequivalent height of two normal levels. They readexternally as one per bay, but internally everysecond one is filled. physical evidence suggeststhat the building was originally constructed withalternating openings and dummies. Generally theeastern face has undergone considerable change.There is clear evidence, in brick footings,concrete pads and stone bolsters in the easternwall itself, of the original coal store. Howeverthere are other changes also. These includeinsertion of circular dry press brick pipe and/or

119


flue surrounds, a series of angular/gabled cuts,and two painted sections which were obviously roominteriors. The latter are deduced to have beenamenities rooms for stokers. This is supported bya handbasin which remains in one of the openingreveals nearby.

Fig 28. Number 2 Retort House (CWG Building) ,western elevation.

The western elevation has additional evidence ofthe original ancillary structure which wasadjacent. Remains of bonded brick walls at thenorthern and southern ends show clearly that theflanking structure was contemporaneous. This isalso evident in sever al photogr aphs. (See Fig ) •Other evidence includes the same sandstone bolstersand concrete pads as the eastern elevation. It isapparent from an examination of the building fabricthat the top range of windows only was designed to

120

IIII

\:1

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

be seen - above the roofline of the adjacentstructure. Below the wall treatment is muchplainer and lacks embellishment apart from thearrangement of openings. This facade also hasextensive evidence of change in use patterns. Aseries of circular openings, surrounded by drypress bricks may relate to the Carburetted WaterGas plant installation. There are also severalbulges in the building; three windows near thenorthern end have projected brickwork with curvedinfill sections. Fractures of the brickwork areevident in two places.

The southern elevation generally matches thenorthern elevation, but has been more altered. On,its western side a large semicircular doorway hasbeen inserted. What is presumed to be the head ofthe original opening 'remains above. The centre bayhas a large rectangular area of glass blocks, inthe centre of which are five hopper windows glazedin traditional pane glazing. There is a recentlyconstructed doorway at ground level. The easternbay has another large semicircular opening whichinterferes with the pier which separates this bayfrom the centre bay. There are a number of otheralterations including addition of a steel gantrystructure with a platform and ladder, connecting toa recessed panel infilled with recent brickworke

The interior of this structure has a cathedral likequality - a single knave of immense dimensions.The reveals of the openings attest to thethickness of the walls. There is no evidence ofwindows, but some reveals show evidence of pointingwhich indicates that there may have been nofenestration. Evidence of many changes to the wallopenings is apparent. By contrast to the masonrystructure, the roof trusses are very light. Theyare formed from steel angles and rods with pivottedconnections and a series of longitudinal ties andbraced struts. A line of circular holes indicatethe former presence of the distinctive chimneysevident in many aerial photographs.

This structure was modified and its plant wasupgraded on several occasions during its history.Initially utilised for traditional gas productionusing labour intensive horizontal retorts, it waslater refilled as a carburetted water gas plant.As an understanding of the fundamental nature ofthese processes is relevant to an assessment of thestructure's significance, a brief account ispresented below.

121

122

A typical horizontal retort is built of silicarefractory segments and is 20 foot in length. Suchretorts are arranged in settings of 8 or 10, eachcomprising 2 vertical rows of 4 or 5 on either sideof a combustion chamber. Hot producer gas is burntbetween these 2 rows of retorts. Waste gas passesover the top retorts thence down on the flue side


Fig 29. Interior of Number 2December 1988.

Retort House.


through a recuperator thence discharged to theatmosphere preferably through a waste treat boiler.The retorts have cast iron mouthpieces at each endthrough which they are discharged and recharged at10 or 12 hourly intervals. Gas offtakes branchingfrom these mouthpieces usually carry the gasthrough a liquid seal above the setting into a foulgas main or to an unsealed scrubber stand pipe.

Advantages of horizontal retorts are their greaterflexibility in regard to gas output and type ofcoal that can be used and also the production ofcoke suitable for domestic use. The disadvantagesare that they require the performance of arduoustasks in bad conditions by a large labour force, alarge ground space is needed; considerableatmospheric pollution is caused by the process.

Curburetted water Gas, as the name implies, is amixture of Oil Gas, which is used for enrichmentpurposes, and water Gas or as it is commonly calledBlue Gas.

Blue Gas or water Gas consists of a mixture ofcarbon monoxide and hydrogen associated with smallpercentages of carbon dioxide and nitrogen andtraces of methane and oxygen. It is made. bypassing steam through incandescent coke, or in somecases coal, in a suitably constructed chamber orgenerator which holds from 6 to 7 ft depth of thefuel.

Oil Gas consists principally of a number ofsaturated and unsaturated hydrocarbons, which arepermanent gases at normal temperatures, andhydrogen. In America and other places whereavailable, natural oil gas is used for enrichmentpurposes but in Australia and in most places, theoil gas was made by cracking cheap, heavy orresidual oils by spraying them onto hot refractorybricks arranged in the form of checkerworkdepending upon the analysis or class of oil usedand the quality of the oil gas required.

Neglecting the auxilaries, . the plant required forthe manufacture of carburetted water gas consistsof -

a Generator in which the Blue Gas is made.

Oil Cracking Chamber which consists of twoparts -

1) the Carburettor into which the Oil issprayed and generally vapourised.

123

Retort Housemagnificanceabsence of

124

2) the Superheater in which the Oilvapours are cracked or fixed aspermanent gases.

a washer or seal, which, on account of theintermittent operations of the plant, actsas a valve to prevent the escape ofvaluable gas into the atmosphere, and alsoquickly cools the hot gases and allowsthe ready operations of heavy tars andcarbon which are the results of crackingheavy oils.

Number 2 Retort House displays large scaleindustrial application of the FederationRomanesque style.

Number 2 Retort House is an imposing FederationRomanesque Building of immense scale and finedesign which is a landmark at its site and animportant structure in the history ofAustralian industrial architecture.

The size and scale of. Number 2afford the structure a sense ofwhich is furthered by thesurrounding buildings.

The proportions and scale of the internal spaceof this structure are awe inspiring and arebeyond the normal experience of most people.

*

*

*

Number 2 Retort House was utilised for gasproduction during two different and significantphases of gas production and its fabricevidences this change and development.

* The construction of Retort House Number 2evidences the importance of gas and the growi~g

demand during the latter part of the nineteenth-'century.

* Number 2 Retort House is one of few nineteenthcentury structures which remain at the MortlakeGasworks, and the only one with directassociation with the earliest phase of gasproduction.

* Number 2 Retort House is a massive industrialstructure of indisputable landmark quality.

*

*

11.4.2 Aesthetic

11.4 statement of Cultural Significance

11.4.1 Summary

IIIIIIIII, ----...J

IIIIIIIIII-

* The scale and number of changes to thebuilding's fabric attests to the AGL policy ofcontinued upgrading and use of latest available

* The surviving fabric of Number 2 Retort Houseevidences the changes in gas making techniquesover a considerable period of the site'sworking history.

the building istherefore, has

presentation and

125

Number 2 Retort House is a rare remnant fromthe first generation of gas producingfacilities at the AGL Mortlake site.

The design treatment of this structure, withbrick bays, piers and panels sets thearchitectural theme for the other significantstructures at the AGL Mortlake site.

Number 2 Retort House provides physicalevidence of the construction and expansion ofthe Mortlake Plant following the increaseddemand for gas in the l880s. The widespread~vailability of gas at this time had majorimpact upon the lives of thousands of Sydneypeople.

The surviving fabric of Number 2 Retort Housedocuments three major phases in the history ofthe Mortlake Works - coal gas production inhorizontal retorts, carburetted water gasproduction, and the cessation of carbonizationprocesses and subsequent removal of structuresand equipment.

The structure has historical links to theUnited Kingdom, and the Beckton Gas Worksretort houses on which it was modelled andrepresents the transfer of the British designto Australia.

The building is the major remnant of anextensive series of labour intensive plants andtherefore provides important evidence of theharsh conditions faced by workers at the site.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*


11.4.3 Historical

The history and operation ofwell documented, and itconsiderable potential forinterpretation to the pUblic.

11.4.4 Social

IIIIIII'IIIIIIIIII,

III:

!_-------_........

11.5 Constraints

11.5.1 Physical Constraints Arising from the statement ofCultural Significance

* The building displays massed brick walls, of atype which is not likely to be constructedagain.

technologies.

* Number 2 Retort House is particularly unusualas two quite different gas production processeswere undertaken within it.

(11.4.1)

(11.4.2)

(11.4.1)

Cll.4.2)

(11.4.2)

(11.4.2)(11.4.3)

Cll.4.5)


thetime

should beobscuresto the

views from


Number 2 Retort House is anitem of outstanding culturalsignificance and should beretained and conserved.

126

Existing openings and evidenceof former openings should bepreserved.

The height and length of theinternal space of the structureshould be retained.

No new structureerected whichsignificant viewsbuilding, especiallythe north.

Evidence of change tobuilding fabric overshould be retained.

Any new structure erected inthe vicinity of the Number 2Retort House should be of aform/scale/style and finishwhich respects the existingbuilding.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

IIIIIIII'III,

IIIIIIIIII

127

* The brickwork is generally sound.

11.5.3 Constraints Arising from the physical Condition ofthe Place

11.5.2 Procedural Constraints arising from the Statementof Cultural Significance

Article 26

Article 3

Article 27

Article 23

Article 24

Article 28

Article 29

Article 22

Article 27


beand


shouldcatalogued

fabricbefore




A" record should be kept of newevidence and future decisions.




*

*

*

*



*

*

*

This section is based upon the structural overviewreport prepared by Mr John Fisher of GutteridgeBaskins and Davey Pty Ltd, which is reproduced asAppendix D.

III'IIII'SIIIIIIIIIII

-

128



* The AGL Mortlake works is not currently sUbjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales He~tage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.



The roof is not intact.

The absence of internal structural columns,walls and floor, and the numerous openings inthe facade make possible consideration of theerection of a self supporting structure withinthe shell of the building.

The building facade and parapet are damaged ina number of places.

*


*

**

II'IIII.1III

IIIIIIII'tII

IIII

i III,III-

11.6


Conservation Policy

Number 2 Retort House is the most significantstructure remaining on the AGL Mortlake site. Itsbrick structure remains in remarkably goodcondition. Originally constructed as a shell,within which horizontal retorts and latercarburetted water gas plants were installed, thebuilding is now a shell again. As the structurewas built as a housing for operating facilities, itis considered appropriate that it again be used tohouse new elements. Having regard to the Statementof Cultural Significance and the Constraintsoutlined above, the following Conservation Policyis proposed:

129

All existing building fabric should be retainedand conserved.

Activities which destroy evidence of the majorchanges to the building's fabric should be keptto a minimum.

The building should be adapted to a"compatible use" by the construction of a newself supporting structure within the existingshell.

,-

where

Retort House Number 2 is an outstanding item ofenvironmental heritage which should be retainedand conserved in accordance with the BurraCharter of Australia ICOMOS.

New penetrations should only occurprevious penetrations existed.

No new structure should be built adjacent tothe north and new structures on other sides ofthe building should be designed so as not todetract from its imposing visual qualities.

It is recognised that the adaptation of thestructure will require some alterations,

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

IIIIIIIIII

130

Recommendations

This structure has outstanding potential foradaptation to a new use, and for promotion as afeature of the redeveloped AGL Mortlake site. Theavailable internal space is considerable, and thehistorical significance of the structure and itsaesthetic qualities should increase its attractionand should make up for the difficulties which maybe associated with building a self-supportingstructure inside.

It is recommended that conceptual proposals for theadaptation of this structure be prepared at anearly stage of the planning for the future of thesite. Appropriate uses will necessarily dependupon the proposed use of the surrounding areas.Commercial offices and retail space are two re-useoptions. In order to maximise-the value of theimpressive interior dimensions, considerationshould be given to the retention of a centralatrium and development of offices/shops/units atseveral levels along each wall. A similar

including prov1s10n of a new roof and probablyintroduction of windows. Windows should berecessed so that the existing appearance of thebuilding is preserved.

The new self supporting structure should makeprovision for the continuing appreciation bythe visitor of the building's immense interiorspace. Visual access to the length and heightof this space should be retained.

Appropriate interpretative devices (historicphotographs, information panels, models etc)should be introduced which explain the historyand significance of this structure.

*

*

As the most significant structure rema1n1ng on theAGL Mortlake site, Number 2 Retort House should berecognised as a structure which must be retainedand conserved. Its unrestriced interior spacewould lend itself to adaptation to a RcompatibleuseR. The Burra Charter of Australia ICOMOSdefines Rcompatible USeR as Ra use which involvesno change to the culturally significant fabric,changes which are substantially reversible, orchanges which require minimal impact R• All threeof these principles are relevant in planning forthe future of this building.

It is recommended that the retention and adaptationof this building be recognised as an existing siteconstraint.

11.7


.-""-"IIIIIIIIIIIIiIII'IIII

arrangement occurs in Sydney's Queen VictoriaBuilding and is proposed for the conversion of theWoolloomooloo Finger Wharf.

131

1IIIIIIIIlE:)IIIIIIIIII

12.0

12.1

RETORT BOUSE NUMBER 6

Identification

Retort House Number 6 stands centrally (east/west>at the eastern end of the Mortlake Gasworks site.Formerly surrounded by coal stores, Retort HouseNumber 5 and ancillary structures, it now standsproud. It is item 82 in the Interim ConservationAnalysis.

-........


132

,

133

History

Planned in the mid 1930s to meet expected increaseddemand, excavation for the first quarter of No 6Retort House commenced in 1936 and the unit wascommissioned in May 1939~ Unlike the earlierhorizontal retort houses, in this constructionplant supporting steel and brickwork areinterdependent.~ Its design by Woodall Duckhamrather than Wests represents a departure fromprevious installations. Comprising 28 retorts ofrectangular design each with eight verticalcombustion chambers which served as independenttemperature controls, this retort house was builtso that each pair of retorts could operateindependently. Coal was delivered, -and coke andash removed by an extension of the conveyor beltsystem which became the principal means of workstransport from 1935.

This house was further extended by a second quarterin 1943. To avoid delay, company personnelcompleted most of the drawings and all constructionwork. The east end retorts were reconstructed inNovember 1946, and during 1947 a steel staircaseand platform were installed to improve safety forthe heat regulators.

In 1947 and 1949 tenders were accepted from WoodallDuckham for the third and fourth quarters of No 6,the last being completed in 1954. Retort House No6 ceased operation when coal carbonising finishedin 1971.

12.2

l~

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

_1 _


Fig 30. Building the last quarters of Retort HouseNumber 6, circa 1950. AGL photographer.(AGL H Cat 2057).

134

1IIIIIIIIIIIII"IIIIIII

12.3 Description

Number 6 Retort House is a tall imposing steelframed structure with lightweight panels built ofsingle skin brickwork in open brick construction.Its form is three Bays deep and it has three doublepitched roofs which are gabled at the eastern andwestern ends. In design and appearance thestructure belongs to a family of industrialstructures beginning in Europe during the earlytwentieth century. This building is reminiscent ofstructures from that era. The open brickwork, usedhere for ventilation, and weather exclusion, hasits own aesthetic qualities and relates to similartreatment of commercial and residential premisesduring the 1920s. This treatment is therefore partof an architectural tradition which has its ownplace in architecturta1 history.

Although built in stages Retort House Number 6forms a complete entity in itself, as even the mostrecent work appears to have followed the earlydesign. Inspection of the structure reveals minordifferences only between the earlier quarters onthe east and later quarters to the west. Theinstability of the building fabric prevented closeexternal or internal inspection.

From the north the structure is symmetrical about adouble centre gabled bay. The iron roof isinterrupted by a clerestory/ventilator. Thestructure is divided by a regular square lattice ofsteel structural beams and piers, rivetted withcircular connecting plates. The bays at each endhave solid brick infil1 and exposed diagonal steelbraces. The centre section is formed by two widerbays. This is flanked by seven square panels oflattice brickwork on each side, eight storeys high,above an open area at the base. The fourth, fifthand sixth storey panels are punctuated byhorizontal ventilation spaces which create stronghorizontal lines across this facade of thebuilding. A large opening in the top of the centresection formerly provided access for the coalconveyor. At the north east corner is a smallsingle storey rectangu1ar- building and a set ofconcrete stairs leading to underground passages.

135


Fig 31. Number 6 Retort House, from south.December 1988.

From the south the Retort House is similar inappearance to its northern elevation except thatadditional large scale horizontal features arecreated on the third and fifth levels by thepresence of large pivotting awnings. The openingin the top of the centre bay is much smaller, butagain appears to be access for a conveyor.

From the east the three bays of the structure areclearly apparent, as are the two metal chimneysabove boilers in the centre bay. This bay isitself divided into three. Its southern side haslattice brickwork panels, as do the top two storeysof the centre section. Below this are glasspanelled and open sections. The northern side ofthe centre bay has solid brick panels crossed byexposed diagonal steel braces. This indicatesthat the first section of the retort house,

136

137

Fig 32. Interior of Number 6 Retort House. Noteboilers and general state of collapse.December 1988.

constructed in 1936-39 was probably the southeastern corner comprising two of the three bays.The northern and southern main bays of the easternelevation feature outside panels in solid brick andtwo inside panels with lattice brick. Variousmetal platforms and gantries remain articulated tothe south eastern corner of the retort house. Thewestern elevation is generally similar to theeastern elevation.

A limited inspection only was made of the interiorof Retort House Number 6, owing to the highlyunstable nature of its structure. This inspectionshowed that boilers within the centre bay remain insitu. The banks of retorts which are integral tothe retort house structure itself also remain, asdo associated bunkers, valves and ducting. Thecoal bands at the top of the building, and cokeconveyors were not inspected.

r~IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII, ------01

The disadvantages compared with horizontal retortsare:

Flexibility is reduced particularly in relation toseasonal loads which require plants to be' started

As the vertical retort process is important to anunderstanding of the significance of thisstructure, a brief outline is given here.

Thermal efficiency is high if the water gas made insitu is included. They cause the lowest degree ofatmospheric pollution of all carbonising plants.They require a much smaller labour force thanequivalent horizontal retort installations andeliminate some of the more onerous tasks of thatsystem. They occupy the minimum ground space.

...

retort

exceptionally porous, lowIt is particularly suitable

138

The advantages of continuous verticalinstallations are:

The coke produced isin density and soft.for domestic use.

The heating of the retorts is carried out by thecombustion of producer gas in vertical orhorizontal flues between the rows of retorts. Inthe latter case the waste gas rises to the top ofthe setting through a series of similar horizontalflues arranged one above the other between theretorts. The waste gases pass to atmospherethrough a waste heat boiler.

The carbonised coke charge is partly cooled by heatexchange~ ~,<s')(- the air used for producer gascombustion\ following which a minimum amount ofsteaming of the charge from the bottom is thenrequired to quench the coke further before itreaches the extraction mechanism. Part of thesensible heat of the coke charge is passed up bythis means through the retort to assistcarbonisation or water gas manufacture.

Continuous vertical retorts are roughly 25 feet inlength. They are built mainly of silicarefractories, tapering to the top in varyingdegrees in order to assist the downward flow of thecarbonizing charge. They are usually arranged inrows of 2 to 4, according to size, in the line oftheir major horizontal axes. Coal is fedcontinuously by gravity into the top of the retort,from which the gas issues, and coke is mechanicallyextracted continuously or at short intervals, fromthe bottom.

i /1II

; I

IIIII1I

IIIIIIIII

r l

.~--------

139

up and let down at least annually. Briezeproduction is high owing to the softness of thecoke. Maintenance and renewal costs are high andrelatively unpredictable. The quality of the tarproduced is relatively lower.

The operating fabric of Retort House Number 6 isintegral to its structure. This is shown in thecross sectional drawing reproduced overleaf.Unfortunately the entire structure is in poorcondition and is highly unstable.

r.IIIIIIIIIIIIIII,11,

I(

ilj~::=.._--------------------------------------_....

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12.4.1 General

12.4.2 Aesthetic

12.4.4 Social

House Number 6, itsabsence of surroundingan imposing landmark

of Retortand thegive it

141

Retort House Number 6 is an imposing example ofpurpose built industrial architecture which hasstylistic links to early twentieth centuryEuropean industrial buildings.

Retort House Number 6 provides the mainphysical evidence of the vertical retortingprocess which was introduced followingexpanding demand, and which revolutionised gasproduction in Australia.

Retort House Number 6 provides direct evidenceof the growing use of gas during the earlytwentieth century and its increasingsignificance to the population of Sydney.

Retort House Number 6 is the main physicalevidence on the AGL ~ortlake site of theinstallation and use of vertical retorts whichrepresent a major phase in the history of AGL,and of gas production itself.

The formal modular arrangement, open brickworkand exposed steel members of Retort HouseNumber 6 give the structure distinctiveaesthetic qualities which relate to similartrends in commercial and residential design e

Retort House Number 6 has particulararchitectural significance as a majorAustralian example of a family of lightweightsteel framed industrial buildings, whichemerged in Europe in the early twentiethcentury.

* The structure and process represent importantphases in the history of AGL and in theimprovement of conditions for workers at theMort1ake site, and in the gas productionindustry generally.

*

*

*

*

*

*

*

Statement of Cultural Significance12.4

The sizelocation,structuresquality.

12.4.3 Historic

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

IIII

* This retort house is a major remnant of achange in gas production technology whichresulted in a dramatic improvement ofconditions for workers (particularly stokers)in the gas industry.


* Retort House Number 6 is significant inconjunction with Retort House Number 2 astogether they provide evidence of nearly 100years of change in gas production techniques.

Constraints

* Retort House Number 6 is the sole survivingvetica1 retort house at the AGL Mort1akecomplex. Vertical retorts were a majorinnovation which improved gas productionthrough greater flexibility in combustion,thermal efficiency, lower pollution, need forsmaller ground area and better conditions forworkers.

~ awhose

main

This retort house is an unusual examplepurpose built industrial buildingoperating parts are integral to thestructural fabric.

*

12.5

IIIII,~

12.5.1 Physical Constraints arising from the statement ofCultural Significance

* No new structure should beerected which detracts from thevisual qualities of thestructure.

IIIIIIIII

I

*

*

*

Number 6 Retort House is an itemof high cultural significanceand should therefore be retainedand conserved.

Original building fabri~ shouldbe preserved and maintained.

The operating parts of thebuilding should be preserved andmaintained.

142


(12.4.1)

(12.4.2)

(12.4.2)

(12.4.3)(12.4.5)

I:11I

12.5.2 Procedural Constraints arising from the Statementof Cultural Singificance


143

* The building would not convert readily to analternative use.

12.5.3 Constraints arising from the physical Condition ofthe Place

Article 3

Article 23

Article 24

Article 26

Article 27

Article 27

Article 28

Article 29

Article 22

beand


shouldcatalogued

fabricbefore








*

*

*


*

*

*


*

This section is based upon the structural overviewreport prepared by Mr John Fisher of GutteridgeBaskins and Davey Pty Ltd, which is reproduced asAppendix D.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

-

144


* The lattice brick panels prevent provision ofweatherproofing or natural light.

* The internal features are in a state of partialcollapse and the building is unstable and notsafe to enter.

are



The building has insufficient lift shafts andfire isolated stairways.

The operational parts of the buildingintegral to its main structure.

structural elements would not readily be firerated in accordance with Ordinance 70.

*

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned "4A - General Industrial". Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has been adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Sh9P,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

*

* The AGL Mortlake works is not currently sUbjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it were

*

*


~IIII.IIIIII..IIIIIIIIII

145

Conservation Policy

* Recording should include:

- If working drawings are unavailablearchivally, preparation of 1:100 and 1:25

an item ofits physical

retention and

Retort House Number 6 isenvironmental heritage, butcondition prevents itsconservation.

- Recording of all makers' names, serial numbersand other data from in situ equipment.


perceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.


*

* The building should be comprehensively recordedprior to removal.

Although this is a building of considerableheritage value, its present physical conditionmitigates against its retention. It isstructurally unsound and not safe to enter.Rendering the building safe and compliant withrelevant legislation would necessitate large scaleremoval of significant elements and is not likelyto be structurally possible in any event. Further,adaptation for re-use would also require majoralteration, if not total reconstruction of existingfabric. The result would be virtually total lossof all significant attributes. This course ofaction is clearly impractical and cannot berecommended on heritage grounds. Having regard tothe Statement of Cultural Significance and theconstraints outlined above, the followingConservation Policy is proposed:

12.6

I,IIIIIIII

I

,IaI,I,I''IIIIII:-


12.7

measured drawings of all elevations,significant cross sections and features.

- Photographic records of every aspect ofbuilding itself and representative examples ofretorts boilers and other equipment.(Photographic negatives should be archivallydeveloped and stored in Mylar envelopes).

* All records should be lodged in a pUblicrepository.

Recommendation

Retort House Number 6 is clearly beyondconservation, apart from the recording outlinedabove. It is recommended that this recording bearranged and undertaken as quickly as possible,before further deterioration and collapse of thebuilding fabric occurs.

146

GASHOLDER NUMBER 3

Identification

'----'=_'I DB


147

Gasholder Number Three is readily identifiable asit is the tallest gasholder remaining on site.Located in the northwestern corner beside TennysonRoad, it is the more northern of the two remaininggasholders. It is identified as item 79 in theInterim Conservation Analysis.

-""'.... '.--I~.

13.0

13.1

IIIIIIIII'1(:)I'IIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIIII

••IIIIIIIII

13.2 History

Part of the 1910-12 Mortlake extension, GasholderNo 3 was the largest gasholder in the southernhemisphere and the second largest in the world atthe time of its construction. with the tank builtby Solomon and Sons, Woolwich, Sydney, the holderwas erected by company workmen assisted by thecontractors staff. Plant was supplied by C&WWalker Ltd, Donnington, England. Described at itscommissioning on 17 May 1917, as being 'designed onmodern lines' this holder was completed without thedelays suffered by other contemporary installationsbecause most materials were shipped pre-war, the'whole before the submarine menace threatenedshipping to any great extent'. In addition to theAustralian contractors and workmen, three erectorswere engaged in England and brought out oncontract.

A detailed description was given when the gasholderwent into use. The total capacity was 12.75million cubic feet with a working capacity of 12million. Its tank measured 300 feet diameter by48.5 feet deep. Materials include 34 steelstandards each 184 feet high with six tiers ofgirders, the total weight of the guideframing being1;500 tons~ Fastened bv 1.25 million rivets, thebell weighed 18,000 tons, and consisted of fourtelescoping lifts with diameters ranging from 297feet to 288 feet. A perfect section of a sphere,when first built, the crown had a rise of 25 feet.

By 1939 however, it required extensive repairs. Aportion of the bell was replaced in that year butin the early war years after anxious discussionNumber 3 Holder was partially deflated and repairedin 1942. The bell was repaired again in 1956.

148

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"

Fig 34. Building Gasholder Number 3, 1916. Notethree figures standing on top girders.photographer unknown. (AGL H Cat 2057)

149

II'ItI'IIIII'I•IIIIIIIII

I

13.3 Description

The Number 3 gasholder at the AGL Mortlake complexis believed to be the largest extant gasholder inthe southern hemisphere. It is a prominentlandmark of the inner western suburbs of Sydney,clearly visible from the Parramatta River andsurrounding areas. ,The gasholder has a superhumanscale and is awe inspiring when inspected at closerange.

The bell support structure is a grey paintedcylindrical open network in square steel,approximately 55 metres high and approximately 100metres in diameter. This part of the structurecomprises 34 vertical steel supports, each alattice girder of rivetted construction in fourmodular sections formed by two steel stanchions andcrossing steel lattice frames. The vertical steellattice members support six tiers of circular steelbeams, in a similar modular rivetted lattice girderconstruction. The interface of vertical andhorizontal members creates a series of squaresapproximately nine metres across which are bracedby two crossed rods with turnbuckles. These linkto standard connecting plates at each joint. Thevertical standards rest on splayed feet formed ofrivetted angles and plates, over substantialconcrete pads.

150


Fig 35. Number 3 Gasholder, December 1988.

The bell is comprised of four telescopic liftsfashioned from rivetted steel 2.3m x l.lmrectangular plates approximately 8mm thick.Travelling rollers on curved brackets at the top ofeach lift run up and down guide rails on thesupport frame's vertical stanchions. The top setof these travellers is the most evident as it isusually in silhouette against the sky. Thisgasholder has a vertical lift, unlike some whichtwist as they rise. The top lift is painted green;whereas the others are a rustic orange/brown. Thetop lift is painted as it is seldom submerged inthe water tank below. The other lifts are normallycoated with a heavy grease paint which providesprotection from corrosion, but gives a rustedappearance. A hand rail with two horizontal railsextends around the top of each lift. It was not

151

152

13.4.2 Aesthetic.

* Number 3 Gasholder is a prominent landmark ofinner western Sydney.

* The lattice girder form of the bell supportstructure is a well proportioned elegant purposebuilt industrial feature.

the interior of the gasholder.spherical, is believed to havesupport frame, with centralit can rest when the holder is

possible to inspectIts dome, which isan umbrella likecolumn, on whichdown.

* The enormous scale of this structure, usuallyviewed from a distance, takes on an aweinspiring quality when viewed at close range.

* This structure demonstrates a major element ofgas reticulation and storage which willdisappear following tht completion of a changeto natural gas.

* Number 3 Gasholder is an immense, well known,industrial landmark of superhuman scale which iseasily recognised as being associated with theproduction and supply of gas at this site.

* This gasholder was a major undertaking byAustralian Gaslight Company employees whichevidences the continuing importance of gasduring the twentieth century.

* The gasholder provides evidence of AGL's policyof employing state of the art technology in itsgas supply work.

Beneath the bell is a well, filled with water,which is as deep as the height of each lift. Thewell for Number 3 Gasholder is an annulus, so theexcavation for the well has not removed the centrecore. It is understood that the well isconstructed in reinforced concrete.Intakes/outlets, stopcocks and associated operatingfeatures are located on the south eastern side ofthe gasholder, in and above a concrete pit withtimber decking.

13.4 statement of Cultural Significance

13.4.1 Summary

* Number 3 Gasholder is believed to be the largestgasholder in the southern hemisphere.

IIIIIIIII,

IIIIIIIIIII

·13.5.1 Physical Constraints arising from the Statement ofCultural Significance

<13.4.1)

<13.4.2)


153

Number 3 Gasholder has symbolic significance asa structure which is universally recognised asbeing associated with the production and supplyof gas at the AGL Mortlake site.

The Number 3 Gasholder was involved in thesupply of gas to Sydney for more than half acentury and its size attests to the importanceand growth of gas use to the population.

Being built largely by AGL employees thisgasholder is significant not only as evidence ofthe company's use of the latest and besttechnologies, but also as the physical result ofone of the company's largest ever "in house"construction projects.

The lattice girder supportstructure should be retained andconserved.

Number 3 Gasholder is an item ofoutstanding cultural significance which should be retainedand conserved, if possible.

*

Number 3 Gasholder is a rare remnant of a gasstorage and reticulation structure, of a typewhich is fast becoming redundant.

* The construction of Number 3 Gasholder evidencesthe continuing expansion and development of theAGL Mortlake Works during the twentieth century.

*

*

*

*

*

13.4.4 Social

13.4.3 Historic

13.5 Constraints


* Number 3 Gasholder is believed to be the largestgasholder in the southern hemisphere.

* The structure demonstrates state of the arttechnology for gas supply during the midtwentieth century.

IIIIIIIIII!III,

IIIIIII---------------------------------------_........

13.5.2 Procedural Constraints Arising from the statementof Cultural Significance

* Views to and from the gasholdershould be conserved.

* The bell should be retained inoperational condition.

* All conservation work shouldinvolve m~n~mum interference tothe existing fabric.

(13.4.5)

(13.4.4)

Article 26

Article 3

Article 23

Article 24

Article 27

Article 27

Article 28

Article 22

Article 29


beand


shouldcatalogued

154

fabricbefore

Appropriate direction andsuperv~s~on should be maintainedat all stages of the work.




Fabric of cultural sigpificancealready or sUbsequently removedshould be kept in a securereposi tory.


*


*

*

* Disturbance of fabric may occurin order to provide evidenceneeded for the making' ofdecisions on the conservation ofthe place.

*

*

IIIIIIIIII

IIIII'IIIIIIIll!

155


* Removal of the bell and use of the remainingspace is feasible.

* Corrosion is evident in the steelwork whichforms part of the water seal.

to

probablylateral

Part 2,vertical

a new

in sound

No precise figureMaintenance costs are high.is available.

The lattice perimeter steelwork iscondition.

* The lattice perimeter structure, whilecapable of withstanding currentwindforces in accordance with AS 1170 is ~nsuitable to withstand additionalload from floor loads associated withdevelopment.

* The structure occupies approximately 0.8ha.

* There is no current Local Environmental Planwhich applies to the AGL site. The site iscurrently zoned n4A - General Industrial n• Aheritage study has been prepared for ConcordMunicipality and has b~en adopted by ConcordMunicipal Council. Although the study has nostatutory force at present it is used as abasis for planning decisions. The studyidentifies the following buildings/structuresas being of significance. Blacksmiths' Shop,Power House, Retort House Number 2,Coalstores (2), Retort House Number 6, Wharf,Coke Storage Bunker, Two gasholders nearTennyson Road, Workshops southwest ofBlacksmiths' Shop, Offices and AdministrationBuilding.

*

*

This section is based upon the structural overviewreport prepared by Mr John Fisher of GutteridgeHaskins and Davey Pty Ltd, which is reproduced asAppendix D, and discussions on site with Mr TomBecker, Works Engineer.


13.5.3 Constraints Arising from the physical Condition ofthe Place

IIIIIII",

"

IIIIIIIIIIIIII

156

Conservation Policy

Four options for its conservation h~e beenconsidered:

* Retain in working order, filled with air.

* Retain intact, but permanently lowered.

* Remove bell and retain and conserve supportstructure.

The future of Number 3 Gasholder is considered tobe the most difficult conservation issue associatedwith any proposed redevelopment of the AGL Mortlakesite. This gasholder is of outstanding culturalsignificance and is the main feature of the sitewhich is instantly recognisable (even from aconsiderable distance> as being associated with gasproduction and supply. Probably the largestgasholder in the southern hemisphere, it hasconsiderable technological significance andimportance to the history of the Mortlake Works,the Australian Gaslight Company, and gas making inAustralia.



The AGL Mortlake works is not currently sUbjectto any Conservation Instrument made pursuant tothe New South Wales Heritage Act. However, thecomplex and many of the structures within itare generally recognised as items of theenvironmental heritage and it is likely thatthe site would be considered by the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, if it wereperceived as being under threat. The HeritageCouncil may then recommend to the Minister forPlanning that the site be protected with anappropriate Conservation Instrument.

The AGL Mortlake Works is included in theRegister of the National Trust of Australia(NSW> • This listing has no statutory force,but is widely recognised as an authoritativestatement regarding the heritage significanceof a place. The National Trust listing may betaken into account by other institutionsincluding the Local Council, the HeritageCouncil of New South Wales, and the AustralianHeritage Commission. The National Trust islikely to take an active interest in plans forthe development of this site.

*

*

*

13.6

IIIII~.

IIIIIII'IIIIIIIII

157

Retention of the support structure alone hasseveral attractions. This option would enableretention of many significant attributes of thestructure, without many of the -operating andmaintenance problems discussed above. The landmarkquality of the gasholder and its association withthe site and its history wpuld be retained. Thesubstantial maintenance bill for the supportstructure would remain, but a site of approximately0.7 hectares would be available, within thestructure for adaptation to a compatible use.However, it would be necessary for such use togenerate adequate funds for the maintenance of thegasholder, either itself or in conjunction withassociated development. The feasibility of thisoption would depend greatly on the overall futuredevelopment of surrounding areas. Should the rateof return on development of surrounding areas be

This option would be an ideal means of retainingthe cultural significance of the gasholder, andwould satisfy all of the constraints outlined inSection 13.5.1 above. In addition, thissignificance could be enhanced by the operation ofthe gasholder, and its continuing 'traditional'appearance, with the lifts up. However, thisoption is rejected as being totally impractical.In addition to the opportunity cost of foregonedevelopment of the site, there would be substantialongoing maintenance costs, the capital cost ofconversion to air operation and continuingoperating costs. There would be no means offunding these processes.

Retain Intact but Permanently Lowered

This option would enable the retention of all thesignficant attributes of the gasholder, but wouldalter its 'traditional' appearance as . the liftswould no longer be up. This option also isrejected, for similar reasons; the opportunity costof foregone development, and the lack of any basisfor funding the ongoing maintenance of thestructure. The monitoring, and maintenance of thelifts presents additional unsolvable problems ifthey cannot be raised and are therefore permanentlyunder water. The dome of the bell, if not underpressure may become a safety hazard.

*

Support

Record and remove completely.

Retain in Working Order, Filled with Air

Remove Bell and Retain and ConserveStructure

IIIIIIIIIII-•IIIIIIIIII

adequate it might be possible for the developer toconsider the retention and continuing maintenanceof the gasholder support structure as a "monument".This option, therefore, is not rejected althoughthe various problems and issues associated with itare noted.

Record and Remove Completely

This option is clearly inconsistent with theheritage significance of the gasholder, but is theonly option which is clearly practical from afinancial viewpoint. Should a decision be madethat the removal of the gasholder is unavoidable,it is desirable that the structure and itsimportance be noted in some manner (in addition tocomprehensive recording of its fabric). possibletechniques include marking its site on the ground,erection of interpretative panels with historicphotographs and information or provision of a modelat an appropriate location.

Having regard to the significance of the Number 3Gasholder and the Constraints and discussion abovethe following Conservation Policy is proposed:



are unavailableof 1:100 and 1:25

158

Removal of the entire structure should onlyoccur if it is demonstrated that adaptation to anew use is not feasible.

The entire structure should be comprehensivelyrecorded prior to removal of the bell (and/orsupport structure).

If possible, the lattice steel support structureshould be conserved and the space within itshould be adapted to a new use.

The support structure should be identified as anexisting site constraint and no decision on itsretention or removal should be made untiloptions for its adaptation have been consideredin conjunction with plans for the futuredevelopment of the AGL Mortlake site.

- If working drawingsarchivally, preparation

Number 3 Gasholder is an item of outstandingcultural significance, which cannot forpractical reasons, be conserved in its entirety.

*

*

*

*

*

*


159

Recommendations

Consent authorities such as the Local Council andthe Heritage Council of New South Wales are farmore likely to concede to the removal of thisstructure if a genuine attempt has been made tofind a means by which it can be retained.

Bona fide consideration of options for theadaptation of this struc~ure requires an openminded innovative approach, and considerationshould be given to engagement of an engineer orarchitect with extensive experience in the adaptionof industrial sites, or to the holding of a designcompetition.

furthermerit

measured drawings showing elevation, plan andtypical cross sections.

- Photographic records of every aspect of thestructure. (Photographic negatives should bearchivally developed and stored in Mylarenvelopes) •

Interpretative devices which explain the historyand significance of the" structure should beintroduced on site.

theatre/arenacylindrical building within the existing framebaseball fieldice skating rinkskateboard arena/playgroundmunicipal swimming pool

*

*

*****

Indicative use options whichinvestigation include:

This Conservation Plan identifies two options forthe future of the Number 3 Gasholder. Retention ofthe support structure is clearly preferable onheritage grounds while total removal of thestructure would dispense with the practical problemof ongoing maintenance and would maximise thedevelopment potential of the area.

It is recommended that both options be pursuedsimiltaneously during the planning process for thissite. The significance of the structure doeswarrant the opportunity cost associated with thesupport structure retention, and it may be possibleto include such retention as an obligatory part ofa future site development agreement. It is alsofeasible that adaptation of the void fo,r a new usemay provide a basis for funding continuingmaintenance.

13.7

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-

14.0 MISCELLANEOUS ITEMS.

The AGL Mortlake Works contains a great number ofadditional items of varying degrees of culturalsignificance. These were considered in the InterimConservation Analysis but are not the directsubject of this report.

The Interim Conservation Analysis recommended thatmany of these structures be further investigatedand recorded prior to removal. That recommendationis supported.

In addition to the items considered directly inthis report, the following items are consideredworthy of retention and conservation.

Original Sandstone Retaining Wall

This wall runs along the northern part of the site,following the river edge. Its date of constructionis not known.

Sandstone Retaining Wall

This is a large (16-18 inch course) sparrow peckedmasonry retaining wall. It runs south from thenorthern end of the Fitters'/Machinists'/Carpenters'/Plumbers' Workshop, forming part of thewestern wall of that structure. The wall thenreturns to the east for some 40 metres underneaththe central warehouse, returning south beneaththe warehouse, east again behind the catalyticreforming plant and south beside Retort HouseNumber 6. This wall is an attractive feature whichin several places displays evidence of changes andpipe penetrations. It is an item of high heritagevalue. Its pleasing visual qualities shouldcontribute to the future landscape of the site.

160


Fig 36. Section of Sandstone Retaining Wall, nearCentral Warehouse. December 1988.

Ceramic water Coolers

A number of these unusual relics remain. They arehand crafted and date from a time when theoperation of the site was significantly more labourintensive. At least one example should beretained, preferably in ~itu and reticulated.Others should also be retained and conserved,ideally on site - perhaps as features in anappropriately landscaped area.

161

162

AGL Publications

Rosemary Broomham, Mortlake 1886 - 1986.

Australian Gas Light Company Annual Reports 1863 1988

listed byStructure

Appendix

Description of

Light Company: An AllSouvenir of Visit to Mortlake

includes all sourcesin the "Individual

which is reproduced as

Original Sources

BIBLIOGRAPHY

This bibliographyRosemary BroomhamHistories" reportC.

General Board Minutes 1883 - 1987Committee of Works Minutes 1883 - 1918.

The Australian Gas Light Company Exhibit submittedin connection with Terms of Reference - Item 7 (NSWRoyal Commission into the Gas Industry 1949)

Mortlake Works Australian Gas-Light Coy Sydney 1918

S.H. Cox (photographer), The Australian Gas LightCompany Mortlake Works, n.d.

AGL internal files; especially Benzol RecoveryPlant file held by Manager Gas Supply AGL Mortlake.

AGL Historic Photograph Collection.Mb~s

Australian Gas Light Company,Mortlake Works, 1921.

Single platesAll aerials, general views and all buildings.

Plans

Concord Municipality 1890Works Plans for 1918 and 1972

Australian Gas Light Company, An Historical Sketchissued on completion of its Diamond Jubilee 18371897, written and compiled by the Secretary, W.E.Smith, Sydney 1897.

Australian Gas Light Company, Behind the Gas Flame:The Story of Great Industry, 1955.

The Australian GasAustralian Industry,Works, 1924.

15.1

15.0

15.2



15.3

Rosemary Broomham, First Light: 150 Years of Gas,Hale & Iremonger, 1987.

A.T. Brown, 'A Historical Resume of the Growth andDevelopment of the Australian Gas Light Company1837 - 1932', typescript, l5pp, illustrated.

Service, 1935 1975

Other Publications

Herbert Wood, Presidential Address (on MortlakeWorks), Australian Gas Institute Transactions 1937.

The British Petroleum Company, Technical ServicesBranch, Gasmaking, 1965.

163

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APPENDIX A

Overall Statement of Significance

for AGL Site, Mortlake

3 .0 STATEMENT Of CUllURAl SIGNIFICANCE

.3 Historical

.2 Aesthetic

.1 Summary Statement of Significance

The establishment of the MortlakeGasworks changed forever the li festyleof suburban Sydney through thewidespread availability of town gas.

The Mortlake Gasworks is a well knownindustrial landmark of the City ofSydney, prominently sited on theParramatta River.

Number Three gasholder, by virtue of itssize and location, is an imposingindustrial element in the landscape anda much used visual reference point. Itsmetal bracing demonstrates applicationof austere decorative elements to anotherwise bland industrial feature.

Several of the earlier structures on thesite display fine elements of design anddetailing. The blacksmith's shopfeatures elegant polychrome brickwork.Well proport i oned br i ckwork is alsoevident in the workshop buildings andpay office, which, though altered, stillretains Federation design elements.

Mortlake Gasworks was the most ambitiousnineteenth-century undertaking of theAustra1i an Gas1i ght Company; a companywhich is one of Sydney's oldest and

The Mortlake site demonstrates thedevelopment of'a major gasworks - animportant nineteenth century industry and its subsequent state-of-the-a rtdevelopment for more than a century.

Mortlake Gasworks is an industriallandmark in Sydney, which features anumber of finely crafted, purpose builtindustrial structures.

The continuity of employment at theMortlake site for more than a centurysaw the introduction of a range ofindustrial relations initiatives.

The remaining retort houses stand aswell proportioned, visually intriguingand elegant ruins.

•

IIII)1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

I,:1

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which has exerted a major influence onthe population during its 150 yearhistory.

Mortlake was Sydney's first largegasworks constructed primarily to supplygeneral, rather than local gas needs.

The availability of gas from Mortlakewas a vital element in the expansion anddevelopment of suburban Sydney.

Mortl ake Gasworks has operated at thesame site continuously for more than acentury.

.4 Social

Mortl ake Gasworks heral ded theavailability of town gas on a widescale, an event which changed the dailylives of the people of Sydney forever.The significance of Mortlake is that gaswas provided to working class suburbsfor the fi rst time, as well as to moreel ite areas.

The size of the Mortlake Gasworksreflects an expression of confidence inthe future of gas in Australia in the1880's, at a time when a gas share panicwas occurring elsewhere in the world.

Mortlake Gasworks has been one of thearea's largest employers for over acentury. It was one of a few centres ofstable employment in Sydney during thedepression of the 1930's.

Over 100 years of operation have seenthree generations of employees work atthe site. Some workers on site todaycontinue a tradition started by theirparents and grandparents.

The continuity of employment at MortlakeGasworks has seen many landmark eventsin industrial relations. In addition tomany renowned strikes, the Company hasalso experienced a range of majorinitiatives at the site, including theintroduction of profit sharing throughshare purchase associations (1920's),the canmencement of severance pay for"old and inefficient wage earners"(1930), a house magazine (1935) and manyother new employee benefits.

The site has particular social

~.

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significance to the many thousands offormer employees, union pff1cials, andthei r families •

•5 Technological

Mortlake Gasworks represents acollection of remnant structures andequi pment wh 1ch demonstrate the stateof-the-art in gas supply technology formore than a century.

The technology evident at the sitedemonstrates the di rect application ofthe most modern gas productiontechniques available in the world, in anAustralian situation.

The gasworks complex was, at the time ofits construction in 1883, the largest ofits kind in the Southern Hemisphere.

Gas holder No. 3 was an outstandingpiece of industrial engineering for itstime, and was also the largest in theSouthern Hemisphere.

The remaining structures, mostparticularly retort houses No. 3 and No.6 provide diagnostic evidence of theprocess used to produce town gas duringthe late nineteenth and early twentiethcentury.

Mortlake was the site of an earlyexample of technology (main pipegovernors) introduced deliberately toallow the layoff of staff, (during the1893 Depression).

The layering of remains from the site'sdifferent coal and coke transportnetworks evidences the pattern ofdevelopment, through steam locomotivesand (then revolutionary) electricTelpher systems, to modern conveyors.

The retort houses, coal bunker and 01 dpower station all feature early uses ofbrick and concrete industrial design.Of these, the most unusual is theconcrete roof truss of the powerstation.

The Glover-West Continuous VerticalRetorts are rema in i ng examples of thefirst use of this new and efficientmechanism in the world.

~,II'IIIIII"II

APPENDIX B

Overall Site Plan and Summary ofHeritage Significance Assessment

Note: This Appendix forms part of the original InterimConservation Analysis report, and should beconsidered in context, as part of that document.

III,IIIIII1 _

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+

+

..fA

..

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I: .,

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I

!

~l\lI(I

6.0 SlM4ARY OF HERITAGE SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT

JTCW NO. BUILDING SIGNIFICANCE RATING RECOfoI4ENDATION

I C 1. Gate House 3 Investigate furtherO2. Office No. 1 4 Conserve3. Steel Mains - Meter

IReaders' Office 4 Conserve

4. Control Room 2 Record5. Laboratory 2 Record6. Natural Gas Control Centre ~

I 7. Garage 2 Record8. Transport Building 1 Record9. Air Compressor/Air Fan/

I Switch Hut 2 Record96t~ Gas Compressor 2 Record10. Benzol Towers 4 Conserve

Ill. Switch Room/Diesel Alternator 2 Record12. Meter Centre 1 Record13. Switch Room 2 RecordBa. Diesel Alternator 2 Record

I 14. Canteen &Domestic TrainingCentre 2 Record

15. Water Tank 2 Record

I 16. Water Tank 2 Record17. Service Building 1 Record18. Booster House 3 Investigate fu rther l(.c="~

I18a. Steam Turbo Alternator 3 Investigate further ,\

19. Boiler Chemical Shed ft':!::;;;-:- 1 Record-.. 20. Cool ing Towers ~~, 2 Ree0"I"Ei- j1£.,."Aw.u.....

21- Boiler House 3 1Ilv..es-t~-§la-te-f-I:H'-ther (11. ~,J/-:l

.1 23. Transport Building 1 Record24. Switch Roan 1 Record25. Store/Garage 2 Record

I 25a. Chimney Stack R~~~

26. Industrial Training Centre K.'(;.,-,~ ;-"26a. Switch Roan 2 Record

:126b. Sandstone Cutting RC4"ILh

26c. Water Cooler \J..(;<:P>!..p

27. Fire Engine House 2 Record28. Customer Service Division 2 Record

I 29. Gas Lamp Workshop 1 Record.--30. Meter Workshop 2 Record31- Toilet Block 1 Record R

I 32. Portable Administration '4!'''''''....v~

Building 1 Record32a. Air Raid Shelter 2 Record

I33. Store 1 Record34. Benzol Stripping Pl ant 2 Record35. Benzol Stripping Plant 2 Record35a. Foam Unit 1 Record

'I 36. D.C. Store 1 Record, !

I 37. Office Block No. 2 2 Record39. Air Raid Shelter 2 Record

I40. Fitters', Machinists',

Carpenters' Workshops 4 Conserve40a. Fitters' W9rkshop 4 Conserve

)41- Pl umbers' Shop 4 Conserve42. Timber Store 1 Record

?:g (" ~....~'" ....,;1t\1..- •

RecordRecordRecordConserveInvestigate furtherConserveConserveRecordRecordRecordRecordRecordInvestigate furth~Rc: c.of'..~

Record,Conserve'><Investi gate further ~RecordRecordConserveConserveRecordRecordConserveInvestigate further ~edcA~

Investigate further 126"0"-';>

RecordRecord

, . Investigate furtherRecordRecordInvestigate further 1<ol.-..oalb,?

Record'Investigate further.--RecordRecordRecordRecord

Record .J?~vL

Investigate furtherRecord

14311441143

2311214344112223

I'

43. Plumbers' FlammableLiquid Store

44. Blacksmiths' Shop45. Boilermakers' Shop46. Instrument Fitters' Workshop47. First Aid &Amenities Block48. Power House49. No. 1 Coal Bunker50. Partly Demolished Coal Bunker51. Warehouse52. Retort House No. 253. Coal Bunker54. &55. Catalytic Reforming

Plant 356. Foreman's Office 257. Switch Room 158. Museum 359. Gardeners' Shed &Toilet Block 160. Coke Stage 261. Purifiers 361a. Purifiers Store 162. C.R. Plants 363. Alternqtor Room ' 264. Bricklayers' Shed 165. Exhauster House 266. Pump Store 167. Engineering Development

Workshop68. Fin Fa~ Cooler~

69. Odorant Building70, 71, 72, 73. Stores74. Booster House75, 76, 77~ 78. Stores79. Gas Holder No. 380. Gas Holder No. 481. Retaining Wall82. Retort House No. 683. Coal Bunker

"84. Coal Bunker85. Wharf86 & 87. Naptha Tanks88. Pump &Settling Tank89. Concrete Tank Bases~O (JM;~ ~"lWP-G

-1 ( --;; IV >'fhl fZt:?t? '"\

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.q (" <;:~ I'.?VI (ott) to> "'\

1, I? L{:JNIJl~'II9t:. \4-0 pp~.q 7 CcmJt:4Vt~-rG:. Pie ",er: rJ Pt~~

-'1l?

flII

"

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I1IIIIIII1 ---------1

I11

IIII'II'IIIIIIIIIIIII

APPENDIX C

AGL Mortlake Individual structure Histories

Rosemary Broomham

December 1988

12 December 1988

ROSEMARY BROOMHAMCONSULTANT HISTORIAN ARCHAEOLOGIST

M1L 1UD1l1Wz4\JD _ lDBLllIlAtiD~

I

I,

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'._---------

1

AG L MORTLAKE GASWORKS HERITAGE STUDY

Rosemary Broomham12 December 19aa

INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURE HISTORIES

Fig 1. Front entrance ~th gatehouse. n.d. [AGL H cat 422)

Item 1

There are no specific Board Minute references to the construction of agatehouse for Mortlake Works. It is not shoV\lIl in any of the positivelydated aerial photographs for the early 1920s. Nor did it exist vvhen S. H.Cox completed his photographic survey of the works probably later inthe twenties. EVidence from later aerial photographs suggests that it'AlaS built either in the late 1920s or during the 19305.

Gatehouse


2

Rosemary Bro,,-imham12 December 19('),,)


Fig 2. Aerial Mortlake Works, n.d. [AGL H. Cat. 17]

The brick boundary wall vvas constructed by J. J. Hughes whose tenderof £3,405 "'Vas accepted by AG L directors on 26 May 1927.

Entrance gates TY..,ere approved on 20 September 192:) T01hen thedtrectors decided to erect a soldiers memorial tablet these v"Tereelevated to the status of memorial gates an<j further embellished t)y'bronze spraymg' TIle tablet vvas unvelled at an official ceremc,ny in1926

Mortlake's ongma1 boundary fence vv'ds an tron-bark post and railconstruction erected m 13133

External Wall

I,I

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3

Rosemary Broomham12 Decemt·er 198(~

S"'''''ORKS HERITl~.GEL IvI(IRTLi'.KE


Item 2

Main Office

ThIS office 'rlaS ered-ed t':'J replace th€' original 188:1 office itsconstruction beIng part of the building prograrl1me initiat-ed by theengineer's reportdat-ed 10 July 1913 Quoting a price of £.13,475, H. TSeymour was aVvarde<j t11e cont.ract for construction of offices, su:)res,and workshops at 1'...10rtlake on 23 Apnl 1914. ~/Vhen war was declaredin August, the Committee of Works initially wished to delay the butldingprOVided Ule contractors were agreeable But aft-er a consultation, andhaving received advice that the unnamed archit-ect. 'rlaS also in favourof (:ontinuing} the direct.(irs agreed to go ahead. MortJake's new office~;

'vllere comp1et-ed and t<:tl-.:.en over on 27 Ivlay 1915 t.0gether 'I,'yith theworkshops and the ne'v'! engineer's building at Haymarket.

Fig 3. Main office} c. 1929, photographer S.H.Cox [AGL H. cat. 251)


4

AGL MORTLAKE GASWORKS HER!TAGE STUDY

Available evidence suggests that this building was constructed in 1924in its original form with two (or three) sections separated by a roofedwalk through bay.

The directors' minutes for 19 June 1924, record alterations andreconstruction to Mortlake's general office, and extension andrearrangement of the Timekeepers Office. Erection of a separate PayOffice was noted on 9 October of the same year

Rosemary Broomham12 December 1988


Item 3


A smaller building, approximately one third the length of the presentstructure, and having a lower roof line, appears in aerial photographsdated 1920, 1921 and 1924 on the northern end of the present site.While no available photographs focus only on this bUilding, it can beseen in what appears to be its present form behind pictures of theunveiling of the World War 1 memorial in 1926

The ! 972 works plan shows this building as three separate chambers,the northen most section being labelled 'Telephone Room' and thecentral section nominated 'Pay Office'..Although this drawing is recent,it is quite possible that both the outline and description survive fromearlier plans.



5

Fig 4. The Australian Gaslight Co. Mortlake Works OCt. 192 I'(A(jL H. eat. 'trjJ

Ros~mary Broomham12 December 1988

THE AUSTRALIAN Q\SU0Hr CQMJRTLAKE wa<KS ocr BZl


Item 3


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Fig 5. Meter Readers· Officel background of memorial tablet unveilingceremony 1926 (AGL H. cat. 1735]

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIilt'",'""

flE


Meter Readers· Office

Item 3


6

AGL MORTLAKE GASWORKS HERITAGE STUDY

The benzole scrubbing towers are part of the benzole recovery andrefining plant designed to produce alternative liquid fuel to contributeto the war effort. In fact, it is doubtful whether such a plant wouldhave been built at Mortlake for any other reason.

Perhaps the important part of the benzole recovery plant, the towers,nine feet in diameter by 101 feet high, were filled with wooden grids.Their function was to scrub coal gas admitted at the bottom with washoil, which, decending from the top carried with it the benzole which wasthen separated from the oil in the stripping stills.

As a preliminary AGL required assurances that the company would notbe penalised for the lowering of gas calorific value that would result ifbenzole was extracted. The legislation being adjusted' accordingly,construction of the plant was commenced in 1942 but was dogged withdelays of all kinds. Plant deliveries were held up by the war, andmanpower regulations made labour almost unprocurable. When labourwas available, industrial disputes interrupted the work. The plant wasnot completed until after the war ended. It began operation inFebruary 1946 with the relatively small output of 1,800,000 gallons ayear.



Item 10

BenzoIe Towers

'1IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

7

Rosemary Broomham12 Decem~r 1988


8

Item 10


Benzole Towers

Fig 6 Benzole Towers. from album prepared for Royal Commission intothe Gas Industry 1948. photographer unknown [AGL H. cat. 1855]

I.1IIIIIIIIIIIIIII'I,Il·~>

cl

AGL M(JRTL.4.KE GASWt)RKS HERITAGE STUDY

Fig 7. Recovery and Refining Plant "Which removed the benzole from the¥lash oil "Which collected it in the towers. From the album prepared forthe Royal Comtnission into the Gas Industry, 1948 [AGL H. Cat. 392]



Benzole Towers [associated plant]

Item 10 A


9


Items 40 and 41

Fitters'. Machinists'. and Carpenters' Workshops.Plumbers' Shop and Stoce

The above workshops and store were erected by H. T. Seymour as partof the extensive building programme commenced in 1913 partly tomeet an increased demand for gas, and partly to replace plant from theDarling Harbour works which was about to be resumed. The lowbuilding (Item 40) was divided into Fitters', Machine and Carpenters'Workshops (north to sou.th) while Item 41 was originally the Plumbers'Shop and Store. Somewhat delayed by the oubreak of World War I,construction was completed on 27 May 1915 at which time theworkshops came into use. .



Furnished with a range of machine tools, the workshops were describedas being 'well-equipped for all trades', so that 'the works should be asfar as practicable self-contained and self-supporting'. The J}escription of.Al'ortJake Works J92J further states that 'all repairs were carried outon the works' and though perhaps not fabricated there, all newconstruction work was erected by works staff. In 1955, still responsiblefor repairs and maintenance, these and other shops on the siteaccommodated 750 tradesmen and their assistants. They thereforerepresent the high level of self SUfficiency maintained through most ofMortlake's working life.

"il:1:1I:1IIIII

I•IIIIIIII11

10

.. , .

."'.,

'11 I

1



11


Items 40 and 41

Fitters'.. Machinists' .. and Carpenters' Workshops..Plumbers' Shop and Store

Fig 8. Workshops and Store, (exterior) from an Album dated 1918..photograper unknown [AGL H. Cat. 2 1,3]



12

Item 40A

.

.' .


INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURE HI STORIES

Fig 9 Fitters' and Turners' Workshop (interior), from an album dated1918, photographer unknown (AGL H. cat. 203]

Fitters', Machinists·, and Carpenters' Workshops,Plumbers' Shop and Store

II,IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIil:1il


Renovated in 1922 during the post-World War I upgrading of theworks,.the Blacksmith's Shop has recently been 'restored' as part of thepost coal carbonisation beautification scheme.

The building now known as the Blacksmiths' Shop was erected as ageneral workshop in late 1891 by Company workmen under theengineer's supervision. Probably another cost cutting measure, thedirectors' Committee of Works estimated that this mode of constructionwould produce a general workshop for a modest £ 1,200. In theA ustraJian Gas Light Company J)iamond Jubilee l837 - 1897publication, Secretary Robert Lukey described it as 'most complete, andcapable of carrying out any repairs that may be necessary'. Here'lathes, planing, drilling, and other machines...of the best description'were used to finish rough castings supplied by local foundries.

~)II)1IIIII'I•


Blacksmiths' Shop

Item 44

Rose mary Broomham12 December 1988

IIIIIIIIII

) 13

14


Rosemary Broombam12 D«emoor 1988

-


Blacksmiths' Shop

Fig 10. View of Mortlake Works from Parramatta River c. 1897,Blacksmith·s Shop to the right of Retort house No 1. photographerunknown. Copied from drymounted original [AGL H.cat. 79]

Item 44

I,I

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15

Fig 11. Blacksmiths' Shop (interior>. c. 1929, photographer S. H. Cox[AGL H. Cat. 283]


KS HERITAIJE STTJDY


Item 44

AGL MCIRTLAKE

Blacksmiths' Shop

•


16


Although the building was completed in 1915 there were problems withshipment of the plant, some which was commandeered for the war.According to the 1Jescriptioo of MorUaJ:e Works /92/, power was'generated by two 250KW and one 200 KW steam-driven dynamos',steam being provided by six Babcock and Wilcox tar-fired boilers.

Tenders were accepted from West's Gas Improvement Company forvertical retorts and the steelwork to complete the operative parts of theretort house and the roof. The telpher was designed by the Leipzig firmof Adolf Bleichert and Company. Throughout the whole complex, and in.the complete rearrangement of the works that accompanied it, electricpower was used as much as possible to reduce manufacturing costs.

Rose mary Broomham12 December 1988

Item 48

INDIVIDUAL STRUCTURE HISTORI-ES

Solomon and Sons commenced work on the excavations, 'sand stone andquarry sand' concrete foundations and retaining walls in November1911. A· year later further tenders were called to meet Bush'sspecifications for 'construction and erection of new retort house, coalstore, power house and chimney'. Stone and Siddeley were engaged toconstruct the major buildings and tunnels of reinforced concrete. AsStone and Siddeley also designed and built both retort houses, it isalmost certain that they were also contracted to construct the powerhouse concrete and brickwork. The electric generating section is proudlydescribed in a 1918 photo album as 'entirely composed of reinforcedconcrete'. The other two sections housed two sets of boilers.Switchboards and cables were supplied by Noyes Bros and the electricalgenerating plant from British Westinghouse Co. was installed bySimpson Bros.

The major extension to Mortlake's carbonising power planned in 1910Il incorporated the very modern continuous vertical retorts which hadbeen perfected the previous year. The high degree of mechanisationnecessary to maximise this system's effectiveness was provided byelectrically powered machinery which at Mortlake included moderngrab cranes and a telpher system for coal and coke transportation. ,At atime when electric power sources were stretched to their limit, even inthe city, the importance of the works Power House was vital.

Power House

IIIIIII'I'IIIIIIIIII,

II

17


A licence to the Sydney County Council to instal electricity plant andequipment in Company's substation on Mortlake,tabled and executed bythe Board on 24. October 1968 would seem to mark the end of thePower House's useful life. By this time, much of Mortlake's gas wasmanufactured from petroleum products. This building was usedsubsequently as a pattern store.

Item 48(continued)



Power House

To conform with the requirements of the Factory and Shops Act 1912 1943, which were expected to prohibit high-voltage hand lamps inrepair of boilers and high pressure vessels, the Company installed analternating current 240 volt single phase line from SCC alternatingcurrent supply in 1945. This was augmented in 1946 and an additionalgenerating set was acquired in 1947. Dependence on the SCC wastempered by anxiety about failure of their supply during the elctricitycuts of the late 1940s. A generating set, second-hand DC motor and ACalternating set were considered as a precautionary measure. Theturbo alternator and 11 kv switch gear from Australian General Electricinstalled 5 January 1950 was probably the result. That the powerhouse continued to operate into the 1960s is implied by the recordedreplacement of its principle DC generator unit with two AC/DC rectifiersin 1962. At this time the existing turbo-generator and reciprocatingunits were scrapped.

The history of works power from this time is less clear. By 1924 theplant was described as having an additional 250 KW dynamo and thereis reference to refurbishing of the generating plant with a newswitchboard in 1926-27. On 30 June 1938 the Company made anagreement with the SCC to guarantee purchase of electricity not lessthan £400 a year for conversion from AC to DC by means of a 500KWmotor generator set. This plant was installed on 16 November 1939 anda dust control ventilating system added the following year.

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L lvlORTLAKE (;ASWORKS HERITA(;E STUDY

Rosemary Broomham12 Decernber 1988

18


Fig 1:2:: Aerial of Mortlake Works, 1924, Power House in foreground onright, photographer unkno¥V!l [AGL H. Cat. 360)

Power House

I/1IIIIIIIII1I

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19

Fig 13. 'Interior of Electric Generating Station, bUilding entirelycomposed of reinforced concrete', from album dated 19 H~

(AGL H. cat. 224]

Rosemary Broomham12 Decemoor 19aa


Item 43

Power House



1 In his history of AGL's gasma.king plant, Gas Institl/Ie T.ra.nsaction$; 1937, p. 90,Company engineer Herbert Wood gives the building's length as 283 feet.

In keeping with the custom of the time, the Company's engineer wasresponsible for the works layout and design of buildings and plant. Healso supervised the work of the building contractors, probably Shaw andMonie who had built the first retort house, receiving advice fromMansfield Bros and Architect Morrell for any structural problems. inthe case of Retort House No 2, structural engineering consultants,Warren and Franki, were called in on 23 January 1888, to 'make good'the roof.

Planning for Mortlake's second Retort House began on 14 June 1886when the Australian Gas Light Company's engineer, Thomas Bush,reported that increased consumption of gas, then 20 per cent perannum, would necessitate the operation of more than double theexisting making power by the winter of 1889. Site levelling commencedon 21 June and tenders were called for bricks on 11 October 1886.Bricks were supplied by Keen and Sons and the slate was imported. ByDecember 1886 it was believed that the new retort house might beneeded for 1888 so the iron roof columns and girders were orderedfrom England on 24 January 1887.


Item 52


Modelled on those at the massive Beckton Gas Works in the UK,Mortlake's first two retort houses were both built to the same basicdesign. Measuring 280 feet by 70 feet, 1 to a height of 46 feet, thebuildings to house the carbonising plant were flanked by roofed coalstores on either side. The first retort house and all the coal storeshaving been removed, what remains is the second retort house only.Clearly, this was constructed as a shell in which the carbonising plantwas installed later. In fact, the boom which motivated itsimplementation so soon after the first retort house, had collapsed by thetime that this part was completed and Retort House No 2 was not fittedup for use until the winter of 1893. Even then its space was not whollyexploited as only twelve arches were built to support five beds of nineretorts each, less than a quarter of the building's capacity. To furtherreduce capital outlay in the 18905 depression, West's retort house andstoking machinery was also restricted to half the house. Retort HouseNo 2 did not operate at its full capacity until the first decade of the 20th

CWG (Carburetted Water Gas Buildingformerly Retort House No2

1IIIIIII'IIIIIIIIIIII

20


century, after which its plant was frequently modernised for the rest ofits working life.with such installations as the mechanical hot cokeconveyors purchased from Charles Ruwolt Ltd.

Completion of Mortlake's coal gas production in 1971 brought theclosure of the coke fed Automatic CWG plants as well as the retorthouses. Demolition of coal carbonising plant began in 1973 but the shellof No 2 Retort House, lately automatic CWG , was left standing to bufferthe sound of the Onia-Gegi Cyclic reforming plants which produced gasfrom petroleum feedstocks until 1976, after which they continuedreforming natural gas.

At the end of World War 2 the Automatic CWG facility was improvedby the addition of a gas value platform and a new electrical control gearroom which were constructed inside the old retort house building.Further mechanisation was provided in the form of electric hoists. andsynchronous motors. A belt conveyor replaced the original link chainconveyor in 1946. During the 1940s two more units were installed, No 7being purchased in 1947. At the same time, the cooling towers wererenewed and ventilation improved. A new blower room was built at thenorthern end in 1950 when it was decided to purchase another unit,bringing the total to eight. The capacity of the CWG building being thuscompletely taken, subsequent, larger- CWG plants were open airinstallations.

Item 52 (continued)



The decision to cease operating Retort House No 2 as a coal gas plantwas made in 1927 by ConSUlting Engineer P.e. Homes Hunt who hadbeen retained since Bush's retirement. Instead under the engineer'ssupervision, the building was gutted to house three Humphreys andGlascow carburetted water gas plants 'of the latest type'. Completelyautomatic, each was capable of producing two million cubic feet of gas aday. An accompanying relief holder was built nearby on a sandstoneand concrete foundation. Other auxiliary plant included purifiers, gasengine driven exhausters, and electric tar precipitators. Two gravitybucket conveyors transported the coke feedstock from the existingtelpher system. These three plants were commissioned in 1929 andaugmented by two more in the mid and late 1930s. So great was thedependence on these automatic CWG plants that a breakdown of No 2 in1944 made it necessary for AGL to buy gas from the North ShoreCompany.

CWG (Carburetted Water Gas Building

IIIIIIIIII

IIIIIIIII

21

22



Item 52


Fig 14. 'Retort Houses and Exbaust:er House, Mortlake Works', C. 1a90viewed from tlle west, [tlle building was not yet fitted witll retortstphotographer unk.no'Wn. Copied from a dry-mounted original

[AGL H. cat. 24)

CWG (Carburetted Water Gas Buildingformerly Retort House No2

fl

1IIII,I

'IIIIIIIIIII.1~"

I,.


23

Fig 15 Interior Retort House No 2 after remodelling to accommodateautomatic carburettOO water gas p1ants.c. 1929. photographer unkno""ll

[AGL ll. Cclt 1&oiO)

Rosemary Broomham12 Decemoor 1988


Item 52

CWG (Carburetted Water Gas Buildingformerly Retort House Mo2

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,I


IIIIIIIIIIIIIII.IIIIII



Gasholder No 3

Item 79

Part of the 1910-12 Mortlake extension. Gasholder No 3 was the largestgasholder in the southern hemisphere and the second largest in theworld at the time of its construction. With the tank built by Solomonand Sons, Woolwich, Sydney, the holder was erected by companyworkmen assisted by the contractors staff. Plant was supplied by C&WWalker Ltd Donnington, England. Described at its commissioning on 17May 1917. as being 'designed on modern lines' this holder wascompleted without the delays suffered by other contemporaryinstallations because most materials were shipped pre-war I the 'wholebefore the sub marine menace threatened shipping to any great extent'.In addition to the Australian contractors and workmen. three erectorswere engaged in England and brought out on contract

A detailed description was given when this gasholder went into use.The total capacity was 12.75 million cubic feet with a working capacityof 12 million. Its tank measured 300 feet diameter by 48.5 feet deep.Materials include 34 steel standards each 184 feet high with six tiers ofgirders, the total weight of the guideframing being 1,500 tons. Fastenedby 1.25 million rivets, the bell weighed 18000 tons, and consisted offour telescoping lifts with diameters ranging from 297 feet to 288 feet.A perfect section of a sphere, when first built, the crown had a rise of25 feet.

By 1939 however, it required extensive repairs. A portion of the bellwas replaced in that year but in the early war years after anxiousdiscussion No 3 Holder was partially deflated and repaired in 1942. Thebell was repaired again in 1956.

24


25

Ro*mary Broomham12 December 1988


Item 19

Gasholder No 3

Fig 16. Building Gasholder No 3. c. 1916, photographer unknown.[AGL H. Cat. 2051]



26

In 1947 and 1949 tenders were accepted from Woodall Duckham forthe third and fourth quarters of No 6, the last being completed in 1954.Retort House No 6 ceased operation when coal carbonising finished in1971.

This house was further extended by a second quarter in 1943. To avoiddelay, Company personnel completed most of the drawings and allconstruction work. The east end retorts were reconstructed inNovember 1946, and during 1947 a steel staircase and platform wereinstalled to improve safety for the heat regulators.



Item 82

Planned in the mid 1930s to meet expected increased demand,excavation for the nrst quarter of No 6 Retort House commenced in1936 and the unit was commissioned in May 1939. Unlike the earlierhorizontal retort houses, in this construction plant supporting steel andbrickwork are interdependent. Its design by Woodall Duckham ratherthan Wests represents a departure from previous installations.Comprising 28 retorts of rectangular design each with eight verticalcombustion chambers which served as independent temperaturecontrols, this retort house was built so that each pair of retorts couldoperate independently. Coal was delivered, and coke and ash removedby an extension of the conveyor belt system which became the principalmeans of works transport from 1935.

Retort House No 6

11IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII,I

27


, \

Rosemary Broomham12 De<:ember 1988

Item 82

Fig 17. Building the last quarters of Retort House No. 6. c 1950. AGLphotographer [AGL H. cat. 2057]


Retort House No 6


all aerials, general views, and all buildings

28

AGL Publications


AGL Historic Photograph Collection.Albums


Australian Gas Light Company, Be.bind the Gas Flame: The Story of GreatIndustry, 1955

Australian Gas Light Company, lJescription ofMort/like Works, 1921

The Australian Gas-Light Company: An All Australian Industry,Souvenir of Visit to Mortllike Works, 1924

Mortlake Works Australian Gas-Light Coy Sydney 1918

Australian Gas-Light Company, An Historical Sketc.b issued oncompletion ofits j)iamondJubilee 1837-1897, written and compiled bythe Secretary, W. E. Smith, Sydney 1897'

Australian Gas Light Company Annual Reports 1863 - 1988

AGL MORTLAKE GASWORKS HER!TAGE STUDY

Plans

Concord Municipality 1890Works Plans for 1918 and 1972

The Australian Gas Light Company Exhibit submitted in connection withTerms of Reference - Item 7 [NSW Hoyal Commission into t.be GasIndustry 1949/

REFERENCES

S. H. Cox [photographer], The Australian Gas Light Company MortlakeWorks. n.d.

Original Sources

General Board Minutes 1883 - 1987Committee of Works Minutes 1883 -.1918


Rosemary Broomham, First Lignt: 150 Years of Gas, Hale & Iremonger,1987

Herbert Wood, Presidential Address [on Mortlake Works], Austra./ilJ11 GasInstitute Transactions 1937

A. T. Brown, 'A Historical Resume of the Growth and Development of theAustralian Gas Light Company 1837 - 1932', typescript, 15pp,.,illustrated.

29




Servk~ 1935 - 1975

Rosemary Broomham, Mortlake 1886 - 1986

REFERENCES (continued)

Other Publications

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIII'IIII, '~ -----J

APPENDIX D

AGL Mortlake Structural Overview

Gutteridge Baskins Davey Pty Ltd

October 1988

r

:1IIli ~

I··'I COliTEfiTS

I PAG!

I 1. IN1'RODUCTION 1

2. BENZOL TOWERS - CIRCA 1946 1

I 3. RETORT HOUSE NO. 6 - ClRCA 1939 2

I 4. RETOlrX .liOUSE NO. ..... n ... n ...... ',..0'1 ,~ - \.I,/.1\\Jfi .Q7'..J

5. FOWER HOUSE - CIRCA 1915 3

1 6. GAS HOLDER NO. 3 ~ CIRCA 1930 4

1I,I'1I'I.I:II,I 2346r

I1

II[ -: " '-'$ m- 'te'

1. INTRODUCTION

2. BENZOL TOWERS - CIRCA 1946

The structural appraisal considered the following factors:

1.23461'

It is understood that the benzol towers contain wooden grids which, as

a consequence of their function, are saturated with flanunable

chemicals. Because of this, the towers are currently I sealed off t to

reduce the risk of combustion.

An external inspection of these two steel plate towers revealed only

minor corrosion at base plate leveL The anchor bolts were in good

condi tion on both towers; however,' severe corrosion was noted

throughout the substantial steel access ladders and landings.

Replacement of numerous elements and fixings would be required.

Structural and architectural drawings were not available for review

prior to preparation of this teport.

o The two benzol towers (Item No. 10)

o Retort House No. 6 (Item No. 82)

o Retort Ilouse No. 2 (Item No. 52)

o Power House (Item No. 48)

o Gas Holder No. 3 (Item, No. 79)

The following structures were inspectedj the item number in brackets is

the reference number in the Interim Conservation Analysis:

o Present condition

o Indicative future use or options

o Requirement for upgraded/recycled buildings to comply with

Ordinance 70

As instructed, a preliminary visual structural appraisal of several

buildings and structures on the AGL Mortlake Gasworks site was carried

out by Mr. R.J. Fisher, B.E., M.I'~'J Aust of ~HD, on Monday,

10th OctOber, 1988.

IIIII,IIII

II·I

,;

I;1IIIII',1,-

3. RETORT HOUSE NO. 6 - CIRCA 1939

inclusion of several lift shafts and fire-isolated stairways.

""as pursued. The she ut tlu~ building 'r:ould also n.~~eaflitAt:p. the

2.

Subject to advice on fire safety, it would seem that retention of the

benzol towers would necessitate removal of the internal wooden grids •

It is our understanding that these towers are of no current commercial

use and are not the type of structure that could be converted to some

other practical/commercial function. Taking this into consideration as

well as the extent of the repair work necelilsary to the access ladders

and platform, it is considered that the benzol towers should be removed.

This large building is of braced, rivetted, steel-frame construction

with a aingle leaf of brickwork for the facade. The building is the

equivalent of approximately eight levels and three gable bays wide.

ThiS building would not convert readUy to use as an office building,

for example. Such buildings require adequate natural light and a

waterproof facade, both of which are incompatible with the perforated

facade feature of this building. In addition, Ordinance 70 would

require the structural elements (e.g., facade columns, beams and

diagonal bracing) to be fire rated. For these reasons, the present

building'S form would change considerably if such a development option

The facade brickwork is of perforated panel form with the panels being

restrained on four sides. The internal structural framing was not able

to be inspected closely; however, its layout appeared to be of

irregular form to suit the building's original function.

It is therefore considered that this building is the least suitable for

retention and recycling and, in my opinion, is unsuitable and

uneconomic for the envisaged future reuse. In addition, depending on

the availability of existing architectural and structural plans,

inclUding as-constructed details, it WOuld be necessa.ry to reanalyse

the building for the proposed development before a structural

2346r

•<

11----·-----IIIIIIII'I

IIIIIIIIIJ

5. POWER HOUSE - CIRCA 1915

4. RETORT ROUSE NO. 2 - CIRCA 1893

The gable roof bays had a built up roof system of doubtful future life.

3.2346r

The boiler houae, 'toiith bunker over, - has reinforced concrete 'toial1s

(behind the brick facade), columns, floors and roof. Severe corrosion

of the exposed steel roof beams was noted, while advanced spal1ing and

corrosion of reinforcement within the walls, lintels and roof slab, in

particUlar, were also noted.

This triple-fronted building had several interesting structural

elements including either several reinforced concrete, roof truases or

concrete-encased steel roof trusses.

Nevertheless, the building facade and associated parapet have suffered

over the years, and a considerable amount of reconstruction would be

necessary.

The absence of any internal structural columns, walls and floor, and

the numerous existing openings in the cl.assically attractive facade,

make this building worthy of further consideration for recycling by the

development of a new self-supporting structure within the shell of the

existing building.

The remaining roof is corrugated steel on light steel trusses supported

off the top of the briCkwork walls,

This is a very large building of symmetrical form. It has massive

brickwork walls which include numerOuS openings for access, ventilation

and plant. The walls are not buttressed or restrained throughout their

considerable height. The brick~ork, except where damaged, ia sound.

certificate of adequacy could be provided. Prior to providing such a

certificate, extensive on-site investigations and material testing

would also be required.

1-.

IIII,

IIII,

IIIIIIIIIII

An inspection from ground lev~l showed the l~tticed perim~t~r gteelwor~

Significant spalling and corrosion of reinforcement within the external

north-west corner concrete column were noted.

This gas holder. at 12.000.000 cubic feet capacity. is reportedly the

largest gas holder in the Southern ~emi$phere.

4.2346r

Nevertheless. it should be realised" that the structural lattice

perimeter steelwork, while probably capable of withstanding current

lateral wind forceS in accordance with AS 1170 - Part 2. is unsuitable

to withstand additional vertical load from floor loads associated with

a new development.

Future maintenance of such a structure would be comparatively very

expensive. Removal of the internal gas tank element is considered

possible. This would permit significant options for redevelopment of

the large void left if the perimeter steelwork ",as deemed to be of such

merit that it should be kept.

to be in sound condition, although corrosion appeared to be present in

the steelwork forming part of the wate~ seal. Further investigation is

considered necessary to confirm this latter point.

6. GAS HOLDER NO. 3 - CIRCA 1930

It would therefore appear that the gable roof sections are essentially

structurally sound. or could be readily made sound. While the boiler

house and bunker would require significant reconstruction due to the

ad~anced 'concrete cancer'.

The gable end bay c.urrently used for equipment storage ",as inspected.

This bay he.d two {U~t.inc.tive roof structural systems probablY due to

the gantry crane installed 'fI'ithin the first half of its length. A

basement level under was noted but not inspected for various reasons

inclUding water of unknown depth.

,·1----·IIIIIIIIIIII'IIIIIII

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ_'

APPENDIX E

Blacksmiths' Shop - Site Plan and

Inventory Sheet for Relics

~-------------------

,.MOII..TJ.A!<£ - AGL COMPLEX - BLI\CKSrvf rTHS sttOt> N

l'

-_ ..-id3\: 10C4'"~t\,~. of..._.·~r

J---tH---I---! f,_hermc.k..

SCA4E!

r--Io I 11

Date

DATEMANFR:

HERITAGE STUDY

MACHL1\IER Y·PLA.\<T

TYPE:

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER: AGL Co. ney

Ref No. 4207

RECOM\1ENDAnON:Retain in situ, if

INFORMANTS: C. Heard1. Beeker

SLIDES:

( )/5( 4 )/5( 1 )/5

!

( 4 )/5I

( 4 )/5( 4 )/5( )/5

ks.hi

r smithi

ITE.\1IDE:-'TIFICATION SHEET

ITE.\1 NO: 1Former Locations:LOCATION: BlCONDITION:

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technological Importance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abi.lity:

DESCRIPTION:

tal kilnlined with f r r

ted to metalheat t 1

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ _

ITEM NAf\1E

MORTLAK HERITAGE STUDY Recorder DMG

ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET MACHINERY-PLANT Date 13/12/88

ITEM NO:Fonner Locations: Not knownLOCATION: acksmiths f ShopCONDITION: ional

DESCRIPTION:

2m Metal KilnLined with fire bricksconnected to metal flue whichfeeds large kiln chimney.Used to heat metal for smithing.

DATEMANFR: C1940

C. HeardT. Becker

TYPE: N/A

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER: AGL Co. Sydney

Ref. No. 2929

RECOMMENDATION: ConserveRetain in situ if possible.

INFORMANTS:

SLIDES:

( 3 )/5( 4 )/5( 1 )/5( 4)/5( 4)/5( 1)/5( 4)/5


REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:


J

ITE\1 ~A\1E

DATE MANFR: ClTYPE:

DESIGNER:MANUFACfURER: AGL

tric fan/blower manufacturedby S.W. Swinnerton, Sydney

RECOMMENDATION: Consrve in situ.

INFORMANTS: C. HeardT.Becker

( 4 )/5t S)/5( 2 )/5( 4 )/5t S )/5( 2 )/5( 5)/5

ITEM

ITEM NO: 9-3Fanner Locations: Ni 1LOCATION: Blacksmiths I

CONDITION:

DESCRIPTION:I.Sm square Forge

1 and ChimneyBrick hearth. Brick coke bins ad

ectric blower on east side.

1f•.j ..

~


REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:


Recorder

Conserve in situ.

HERITAGE STUDY

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER: ACLEngine - S.W. Swinnerton, Sydney

RECOMMENDAnON:

INFORMANTS: C. HeardT. Becker

SLIDES:

p

( 4 )/5( 4 )/5( 2 )/5( 4 )/5( 5 )/5( 2 )/5( 5 )/5

ITEM lDE,'nIFICATION SHEET

ITE~t NO: 9-4Fanner Loc;:nions: NjLOCATION: La\~"~"JLLths t

CONDITION:

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technologicallmponance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abi.lity:

DESCRIPTION:I.Sm squarewith metal cowl and c ,brick hearth and metal frontplate.Draught provided by electric fanad t to east

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:


bert Morris Ltd.

Date

DATEMANFR:

HERITAGE

MACHINERY-PLA.'IT

TYPE:

DESIGNER:

MANUFACfURER:

RECOMMENDATION: ConserveRetain in situ, if possible


( 3)/5( 4 )/5( 2)/5( 3)/5( 2)/5( 1)/5( 4)/5

(;

ITEM NO: 9-Former Locnjons:LOCATION: pCONDITION:

ITEM IDENTIFICAnON SHEET

DESCRIPTION:mple Hoist, 3 gears.

ry onstructed from rail trackand ran tension rod.

iron rol ers.Block and chain.

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSlYtENT:Historic Association:Technological Importance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Ability:

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIJ

A:-'1E

HERITAGE STUDY Recorder

TYPE: DATE MANFR:

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER: B +

ManchesterRef. No. BI1157Pat .. No. l>.l>.lllhu/d

RECOMMENDATION: Conserve in situ.


SLIDES:

t

(4 )/5(4 )/5(4 )/5( 5 )/5(4 )/5( 4 )/5( 5 )/5

ITEM NO: 9-6fomlcr Locations: Not knownLOCATION: ksmiths' pCONDITION: rational, 1

ic Air123 full blows per minute

ial iron structurered b electric bower

DESCRIPTION:

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technological Irnponance:Structurallntegrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abi.!ity:

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:


DATEMANFR:

HERITAGE STUDY

TYPE:

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER:

RECOMMENDATION: Record.


SLIDES:

( 2 )/5( 2 )/5( 1 )/5( 3 )/5( 2 )/5( 1 )/5( 4 )/5

ITEM NO: 7Fanner Locallons: N 1LOCATION: BlacksmiCONDITION: iona

DESCRIPTION:

ITE.\1 IDE~TlFICATION SHEET

Large tryrn End of lacksmiths'roller door

y is RHJ stanchion

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technological Imponance:Structurallntegrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abi.lity:

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:


DESCRIPTION:

GRINDER

AGL MORTLAKEITEM NAME

Recorder ~

Date 13/12/88

DATEMANFR:

MACHINERY·PLANT

HERITAGE STUDY

TYPE:

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER:

RECOMMENDAnON:May be removed

INFO~S: C. HeardT. Becker

SLIDES:

( 2)/5( 2)/5( 1)/5( 3)/5( 2)/5( 2)/5( 3)15

ITEM IDENTIFICATION SHEET

ITEM NO:FonnerLocations: Not knownLOCATION: Blacksmiths' ShopCONDITION: Good

Small electric grinderBolted to concrete apronUnusual fabric belt/sanderwith 3-M-ite belt


REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

rl

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

MORTLAKE


lTEMNAME

Recorder [)MtJ-

Date 13/12/88

DATEMANFR:

MACHINERY-PLANT

HERlTAGE STUDY

TYPE:

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER: G.M.F."8" Heavy Duty GrinderMark 3"

RECOMMENDAnON:May be removed.


SLIDES:

( 2 )/5( 2)/5( 1 )/5( 3 )/5( 2)/5( 2 )/5( 3 )/5

ITEM NO: 9-9FonnerLocations: Not knownLOCATION: Blacksmiths' ShopCONDITION: Good

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technologicallmponance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abi.lity:

DESCRlPTION:8 inch electric grinderBolted to concrete apron

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

rl


cv, ""'" r"t<' 1924)

DESIGNER:

MAi'lUFACfURER: AnchorHalf ton hoist

HERITAGE STUDY

ITE\1 A.\1E

RECOMMENDATION:

~lay be removed.


SLIDES:

( 2 )/5( 2 )/5( 1 )/5( 3 )/5( 2 )/5( 2 )/5( 3 )/5

ITE.\1

ITEM NO: 9-1Fonner LO<.:Juons: Ni 1LOCATION: Blacksmi ths' ShopCONDITION:

SIGNlFlCANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technological Imponance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abi.1ity:

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

DESCRIPTION:

Three small hoiststed with traveller on

overhead girder5 cwt maximum load

i


~---

DESCRIPTION:


AGL MORTLAKE

MASSEY AIR HAMMERITEM NAME

Recorder ~HERITAGE STUDY

MACHINERY-PLANT Date 13/12/88

DESIGNER:MANUFACTURER: B & J Massey

Manchester

TYPE: DATE MANFR:


SLIDES:

RECO:MMENDATION: N/A(Removed December 1988)

( 3 )/5( 3 )/5( 3 )/5( 3 )/5( 3 )/5( 3)/5( 4)/5

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technological Importance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Abipty:

REFERENCES:

ITEM NO: 9-13Fonner Locations:LOCATION: Blacksmiths' ShopCONDITION: Removed

Small pneumatic hammerPhotographed 26/11/88Removed 12/12/88

~-

III'11

IIIIIIIIIIIIIII

ITE.\t :\A.\tE

Recorder

•

i)

HERITAGE STUDY

DESIGNER:

MANUFACfURER:

RECOrvtMENDATION: Conserve

Retain in situ, if possible


SLIDES:

( 3 )/5( 4 )/5( 2 )/5( 4 )/5( 2 )/5( 2 )/5( 4 )/5

ITEM NO: 9-14Former Locallons: NilLOCATION: Blacksmi ths I

CONDITION:


DESCRIPTION:

11 cant leveredpivoting hoist insideSE corner of verandah bay


REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

A.\1E

Recorder

DATEMANfR:

HERITAGE STUDY

TYPE:

DESIGNER:

MANUFACflJRER:

RECOMMENDAnON:Conserve.One anvil and at least one set oftools should be retained, for use withone of the forges.

INFOR..\1ANTS: C. HeardT. Becker

SLIDES:

(3 )/5(3 )/5(2 )/5(3 )/5

-- (3 )/5( 1 )/5( 4 )/5

Not knownksmith I

ITEM

ITEM NO: 9-15former Locations.LOCATION:CONDITION:

DESCRIPTION:Misce laneous Anvils

etc

SIGNIFICANCE ASSESSMENT:Historic Association:Technological Importance:Structural Integrity:Interpretive Ability:Relative Rarity:Operational Ability:

REFERENCES:

PHOTOGRAPHS B&W:

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

'I;:,

f

IIII I

III;11

1I,I,IIIII'IIIIIIIIIII, :

APPENDIX F

Assessment of Power House

Professor Emery Balint

This complex of buildings supplied electric power to theMortlake plant for the best part of half a century. By andlarge it is in good condition, structurally sound andreflecting important developments in building for industry.

The period for its design and initial construction has been1910 to 1915, barnstorming time for reinforced concrete, astructural novelty at the turn of the century. In order toappreciate the structure, a brief historical perspectivewill be sketched out.

HISTORICAL BACKGROUND: Cement was first made in thiscountry in 1890. Until then, it was brought out as ballaston the return journey of woolships. Still, pioneeringbuilders such as John Young were using it for making cementmortar for foundations and floor paving.

W G Baltzer, an engineer in the NSW Public Works Department,had contacts overseas and accumulated information aboutreinforced concrete structures in Central Europe. Heprepared a typewritten text (~ow in the Mitchell Library)and used it to convince his superiors of the merits of, iron-concrete' .

Emery BalintPhD(NSW), MCE(Melb)FlCE, FIEAust, FAIB, HonFAIC

Professor Emeritus

6B/55 Darling Point RoadDarling Point, NSW 2027Telephone (Sydney) 326 2046

January, 1989

A new design was then commission~d for the White's andJohnston's Creek Sewage Aqueduct, originally to be builtwith brick arches. Consultants Carter, Guoo~ow & Co (whomBaltzer had joined) prepared the design and the structurehad been completed by 1896. It is still in remarkably goodcondition.Carter, Gummow & Co were, at the time, licencees of the'Monier' system of round bar reinforcing, mostly placed 1nmesh form and tied at intersections. Other 'systems' alsoproliferated, many were patented and not until 1910 couldthe various sytems be freely used.

MORTLAKE GAS WORKS

By 1880, French and Austrian engineers recognised the roleof iron reinforcing in the concrete and developed methodsfor calculating the strength and carrying capacity of thenew material. Major structures in reinforced concrete weresoon being erected in Germany and America. Many of these hadcast or wrought iron for reinforcing since steel was justthen beginning to be mass-produced but still ratherexpensive.

STRUCTURAL ASSESSMENT OF POWER HOUSE

IIIIIIIIIILl._-::=--_~~

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Fig. The 23 m reinforced concrete arches of theJohnston's Creek and White's Creek Aqueduct, 1896

For years to come, reinforced concrete design remained aspecialist's job. John Monash, principal of the firm Monashand Anderson, and Arthur J Hart were such practitioners.Sydney engineer, Edward G Stone, designed and constructedseveral concrete houses (some unreinforced) and the majorroof structure of the Austin Building in the DennysLascelles wool store complex in Geelong, Victoria, in1909/10.

This has special significance for our Power House since themain members of the Austin building roof are reinforcedconcrete trusses, similar to the Power House trussed roofgirders. Geelong also figures in our history owing to amost interesting sewage aqueduct over the Barwon River andits flood plains, constructed in 1916.

It is conjectured that E G stone may have had a hand in boththe Power House and the Barwon structures - in any case, itis remarkable that the Austin building, the Power House andthe Barwon Aqueduct have all been designed and built withinsome six years, a brief wave of pioneering and innovativeconstruction.

The writer inspected the Barwon structure in the early1960s. In many places, members lost concrete throughspalling and potential repairs looked very expensive. In1969, the Geelong Waterworks & Sewerage Trust replaced itwith a new aqueduct of different design. Photographs Figsshow both the original and the new structure.

The original Barwon sewer viaduct, 1916.Double cantilever trusses each 54 m longsupported intermediate beams. Twin pipesrested in cradles.

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Fig. The replacementstructure is aseries of cablestayed steelgirders.

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It then appears that the remarkable Power House roofstructures are one of only two remaining examples ofreinforced concrete trussed structures in this country.

Historically, two other features of the Power House are ofimportance: its monolithic, rigid-framed construction, andits incorporation within the frame of three coke-storagehoppers.

During the first decade of the century, the Sydney buildingsurveyor has been conducting a rearguard action against theintroduction of framed structures. Council insisted on brickwall thicknesses as specified in the current building code,without considering the load-bearing capacity of a framesuch as reinforced concrete. Incidentally, building codesoverseas were not altered until about 1916, allowing theframe to carry the load and the brick to act as infill.

Here John Monash and Arthur Hart were in the forefront ofthe fight to liberalise the Code, both writing numerousarticles pointing out the wastefulness of materials andfloor space under the old load-bearing method. The PowerHouse was, at the time, outside the jurisdiction of theSydney building surveyor. Still, the outer skin ofbrickwork, strengthened with piers, might have satisfied hiscode requirements. As constructed, the inner skin of'concrete - formed into a virtual shell stiffened by variouselements - may have fulfilled 'frame' requirements on itsown.

The three concrete hoppers, hung from the concrete matrix,must have been a problem for the designer. As late as 1927,textbooks have expressed doubts about the correct methodsfor designing single, square, pyramidal hoppers. They arefull of coke to a depth of some 5 m, plus some unknowndepth of water in the bottom, accumulated due to open sidesof the superstructure. Only one of the hoppers shows .distress along the intersection of two of its sides.

SUFFICIENCY OF STRUCTURAL ELEMENTS (apart from RectifierHall) :

FRAME OVERALL: The virtual shel) formed from reinforcedconcrete walls and roof slabs, stiffened with concretecolumns and beams and with massive overhead concretetrusses, account for the almost uncracked state of concretesurfaces. It is assumed that boilers and other equipmenthave been supported independently, apart from some minorauxiliary gear which could have hung from the trusses. Thiswould mean that loading conditions have changed but littleover the 74 years since commissioning.

Fig. Power House - sketch layout plan

showing main structural elementsJanuary, 1989

Approximate scale: 1:200

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RCC RCC ,j .. RRCC

RCB Reinforced concrete bearns

RCC do, columns

RCR do, ribs in roofslal?s

RCT do, trusses

SC Steel column (encased)

SR Steel rafters

SCR Steel crane rails,

RCL Reinforced concretecontinuous lintel

NB: Brick piers are not shown

Approx. North is towards topof page

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Part of the Engine Room floor is a suspended structure: flatslab, supported on octagonal columns with capitals - anearly and rare form of design anywhere at the time. Flatslabs became popular in the following twenty years as astructural form permitting widely spaced columns and maximumheadroom for the bUilding spaces.

Stability of the frame is ensured again~t external lateralthrust through its considerable self-weight and is nowassisted by the mass of coke etc in the hoppers.

Regarding strength, load-carrying capacity and stiffness ofthe frame depends on material properties of the structuralelements. For such an apparently sound structure,assumptions may be made and, if necessary, calculations canbe carried out to ascertain suitability for specified futureuses.

ROOF TRUSSES: Besides of carrying the roof dead weight,they perform a cross-stiffening role between oppositewalls. This assumes that there is a positive connectionbetween truss and wall, perhaps in the form of bars bentinto the wall.

There is the question of how the trusses have beenconstructed. One probable explanation is use of the Melanmethod: the principle here is that a stiff assembly ofreinforcing is prefabricated and placed in position, thenused to support staging, shuttering and the wet concrete that is, dead load of the structure before setting of theconcrete. After the concrete has hardened, both dead andlive loads will be carried by the combined strength ofreinforcing and concrete.

The Melan system was mainly used for large spans or in caseswhere tall scaffolding would have been needed - as in ourcase. It was popular in the first twenty years of thecentury; the writer has used it for several of his designs.

The concrete was probably 'aggregate' concrete, using gravelor bluestone in the mix. By the early 1910s, machine-mixedconcrete was used on many large projects .

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HOPPERS: The dead and live loads of the hoppers aresupported by a simple matrix of reinforced concrete beamsand columns, presumably transferred to concrete footings.The two North-South edge beams carry twisting loads owing toeccentric transverse loading.

Sloping sides of the hoppers are probably slabs of uniformthickness, carrying tensile stresses along the slab and alsoring-type tension in plan sections. The expected reinforcingis exposed at one intersection. This relatively minorspalling could have been caused by inner or outer moisturecausing carbonation over an area where the cover onreinforcing proved inadequate.

GENERAL REMARKS: The Power House is a unique andhistorically remarkable structure. It represents a phase inthe development of reinforced concrete construction,skilfully adapted for a specific industrial purpose .The concept' and its execution is a tribute to designers andbuilders who mastered the new medium and laid thefoundations for a future, most successful, branch ofengineering science. The Power House should be preserved astheir memorial.

Emery Balint.

Documents

MORTLAKB GASWORKS I CONSBRVATION PLANS …nswaol.library.usyd.edu.au/data/pdfs/13054_ID... · drawings or detailed contemporary photographs has, in some cases, limited conclusions