Local Government
Perth
Region
Metropolitan
Royal St East Perth
Opposite ABC Studio
Perth
Metropolitan
Constructed from 1911
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 11 Sep 2015 |
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| (no listings) |
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | ||||
| Local Heritage Survey | Completed\Draft | Category 1 | ||
| Local Heritage Survey | Adopted | 28 Mar 2023 | Category 1 | |
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.
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.
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.
Low level of integrity. High level of authenticity.
Fair
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Assessment document Register of Heritage Places – Metropolitan Sewer Vents | 2015 |
Other Built Type
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | GOVERNMENTAL | Other |
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Other | METAL | Cast Iron |
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| SOCIAL & CIVIC ACTIVITIES | Community services & utilities |
| DEMOGRAPHIC SETTLEMENT & MOBILITY | Settlements |
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.