FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITED

209-215 MERRI STREET WARRNAMBOOL, WARRNAMBOOL CITY

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Victorian Heritage Inventory

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITED - History

    The idea to establish a gasworks in Warrnambool was first raised at a public meeting in early 1869, involving the proposal to create a co-operative or joint-stock company with capital in shares. The idea of co-operating to raise funds by a local community or group was common throughout the Warrnambool region in the 19th century.

    In 1873 the Warrnambool Gas Company Limited was registered as an incorporated company. Gas engineer Thomas Bowman, C.E. was engaged to prepare plans and specifications for the gasworks. In August of 1874 the construction of the gasworks was complete, and on 31st August, Warrnambool was supplied with gas for the first time.

    Despite overwhelming support by local residents, the Warrnambool Gas Company did not succeed as anticipated and was wound up voluntarily in 1881-82. Warrnambool Borough Council raised a loan to purchase the gasworks. The purchase was completed in December 1881 and the gasworks handed over to council. Supply was extended to South Warrnambool.

    The Warrnambool gasworks were the source of all street and shop lighting and most domestic lighting until the coming of electricity in 1923, which created strong competition for the gas industry. By the late 1940s, the gasworks were run down and the business losing money.

    The gasworks were privatised in 1952, and facilities upgraded. However by 1972, the town supply was converted to liquid petroleum gas. In the late 1970s or early 1980s, the gasworks were closed down and in 1986, Warrnambool received its supply of natural gas from Parette near Port Campbell.

    Interpretation of Site

    FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITED - Interpretation of Site

    The former Gas Manager's residence, which was taken over by the Station Manager when the rail line was constructed in the 1880s, appears to be in its original form with some inevitable modern upgrades. What appears to be a mock heritage style garage has been recently constructed adjacent to the north west. The vacant land fronting Merri Street shows evidence of disturbance with grassed mounds and piles of stone. Some of this material appears to have been dumped here recently. On the south side the ground slopes away gradually southwards. To the extreme east of the site, obscured by bushes were observed what appeared to be large gas cylinders or drums. These are probably related to the more recent use of the site as a gas store facility.

    Archaeological Significance

    FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITED - Archaeological Significance

    There does not appear to have been any major levelling or filling and so it is likely that the footings of the facilities and buried services associated with the Gas Works would be present under the bitumen and grass. The site has potential archaeological significance for its ability to demonstrate changes in gas manufacture technology in Warrnambool over time.

    Historical Significance

    FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITED - Historical Significance

    Following the establishment of the gas industry in Melbourne in the 1850s, numerous small independent gas companies were formed across Victoria. By the 1880s over fifty gaswors had been constructed. The creation of the Gas Works in the 1870s provided a regular supply of illuminationto Warrnambool's streets at night and eventually homes. It represents the development of Warrnambool as a regional centre

    Heritage Inventory Description

    FORMER WARRNAMBOOL GAS COMPANY LIMITED - Heritage Inventory Description

    The site straddles the current south west railway line, Warrnambool. The majority of the northern portion is vacant land, which fronts Merri Street. The extant former Gas Manager's/Station Master's house is situated adjacent to the train station. On the southern side of the rail line the site is mostly open ground with bitumen and grassed surfaces containing two brick sheds and one tin shed.
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    Warrnambool Gas Works

    Graeme Broderick