Sewerage Vent, Princess Margaret Hospital, West Perth

Statement of Significance

The place provides rare evidence of the earliest establishment of a deep sewerage system for Perth (operational from 1911), a significant milestone in the development of Perth as a modern city. The place is a surviving c.1911-1930 sewerage ventilation shaft, a once-common piece of infrastructure that appears to have largely been removed and/or forgotten across the country. The place is a representative example of the standard natural ventilation shafts erected for the Perth and Fremantle sewerage systems from 1911 to 1930, when decorative but functional cast iron work was used for these items of public infrastructure.

Physical Description

The sewer vents are similar in design consisting of an ornate circular cast iron base with fluting and moulding with the letters M S for Metropolitan Sewerage. Each base is 2 metres high with a straight circular pipe rising above. The total height of the vents is between 9 metres and 15 metres.

History

In 1900 the Perth City Council serviced residences with a pan collection system for outside toilets. in 1903 plans were developed by the State Government to form a deep sewerage system for Perth. One problem with this system was the creation of hydrogen sulphide gases in the pipes which needed to be vented so oxygen could enter the pipes. In 1911 the ventilating shaft was built on Cook Street, Arthur Street and Royal Street. The disconnection of the sewer vents is unknown, however in the opinion of Water Corporation the changes to the system between the 1950s and 1970s led to many vents being unnecessary.

Integrity/Authenticity

High integrity. Moderate authenticity. Condition: Metropolitan Sewerage Vents is in good condition. Several examples exhibit some level of corrosion, which has been managed by repainting of the base. Integrity: Metropolitan Sewerage Vents comprise six examples of ventilation shafts erected between 1911 and the 1920s. The vents were installed as circumstances required, in response to specific demand. They operated independently of each other and were disconnected from the main sewerage system in the 1970s in response to changing sewer technology. Although it is unlikely that the vents would be redeployed for their original purpose, they have retained their original appearance and the majority of original fabric remains. The original function of Metropolitan Sewerage Vents is clearly discernable from the form and appearance of the individual elements. Collectively, the vents have a moderate degree of integrity. Authenticity: Metropolitan Sewerage Vents has a moderate level of authenticity. Most of the original fabric of the individual vents appears to remain, although the cowl at the apex of the vent appears to have been removed from each vent, with the exception of the Cook Street vent. It is possible that some upper segments of the pipes have also been removed. Some corrosion has been observed, but this has been managed by the repainting of the cast iron bases.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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