Perth Low Level Sewage Pumping Stn 3

Statement of Significance

Innovative design or construction demonstrating of a way of life no longer practiced.
The Stations marked the introduction of a comprehensive public sewerage system in metropolitan Perth.
The buildings were important in association with historic persons being ARL Wright and FW Lawson, CSR Palmer, J Davis and H Oldham.
The Pump Stations offered an important educational opportunity for interpretation of early engineering techniques.

Physical Description

The three sewage pumping stations, prominently located along the Perth foreshore, incorporated a civic function that of a gentlemen's public toilet, as well as their utilitarian function of pumping sewage. This allowed Mr A.R.L. Wright, an Architect in the Public Works Department, to design the buildings in a more dignified domestic style of architecture than might have otherwise been the case.
The three pumping stations are identical in design, however the plan of Station no 1 Causeway was reversed. The Station share a classical tripartite form. The rock faced cement block walls, cement rendered pilasters, roughcast frieze and corbelled cornice evoke a strong image of a small public temple, which is then moderated by the inclusion of quarter panned windows and picturesque gablets, terracotta ridge capping and finials on the red Marseillaise tiled roof.

History

Demolished 2004. Between 1891 and 1911 the population of the City of Perth increased from 9,500 to 87,000, a nine-fold increase (Census of WA). The City was ill equipped to deal with such a rapid influx of people. The demand for housing was overwhelming and temporary tent cities had to be established in Perth, Subiaco and Fremantle. Building construction was hurried and at times haphazard. As a consequence, public concern for jerry-built housing was frequently voiced in the press. In Perth the provision of piped water was limited drainage of storm water was in its infancy and disposal of sewage was by night soil cart or cesspit. With these overcrowded and unsanitary living conditions it was little wonder that there were several epidemics of cholera and typhoid fever. The efficient disposal of wastewater and sewage became a major health issue in the political debate. The installation of a public sewage system was a costly undertaking for a young state government already burdened with public dept. Public pressure from health authorities and civic leaders eventually saw the government take action. The City built three pumping stations in 1913-1914: No. 1 at 1 Adelaide Terrace, No. 2 in Langley Park and No. 3 at 5 Mounts Bay Road. Prominently located along the Perth foreshore, they all incorporated a civic function, that of a gentlemen's public toilet, as well as their utilitarian function of pumping sewage. This allowed Mr A.R.L. Wright, an Architect in the Public Works Department, to design the buildings in a more dignified domestic style of architecture than might have otherwise been the case.
The three pumping stations were identical in design, however the plan of Station No. 1 Causeway was reversed. The stations share a classical tripartite form. The rock-faced cement block walls, cement rendered pilasters, roughcast frieze and corbelled cornice evoke a strong image of a small public temple, which is then moderated by the inclusion of quarter panned windows and picturesque gablets, terracotta ridge capping and finials on the red Marseillaise tiled roof.
A heritage assessment was undertaken in 2003, prior to the Perth Low Level Pumping Station No. 3 being demolished. No. 1 and No. 2 are on the State Register of Heritage Places (P03298).
Significance: Pump Stations marked the introduction of a comprehensive public sewerage system in metropolitan Perth. The buildings are important in association with historic persons being A.R.L. Wright and F.W. Lawson, C.S.R. Palmer, J. Davis and H. Oldham. The Pump Stations offer an important educational opportunity for interpretation of early engineering techniques. Their innovative design and construction demonstrates of a way of life no longer practiced.

Uses

Creation Date

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This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.