Gas Stripping Tower facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Gas Stripping Tower |
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Gas Stripping Tower, South Brisbane
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| Location | 277 Montague Road, West End, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1900 - 1914 (early 20th century) |
| Built | 1912 |
| Built for | South Brisbane Gas & Light Company |
| Architect | Robert Dempster & Sons Ltd |
| Owner | National Trust of Queensland |
| Official name: Gas Stripping Tower | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 21 October 1992 |
| Reference no. | 600342 |
| Significant period | 1912 (fabric) 1912-c. 1949 (historical) |
| Significant components | tank - water, plaque, tower - processing |
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The Gas Stripping Tower is a special old tower located at 277 Montague Road in West End, Queensland, Australia. It was designed by Robert Dempster & Sons Ltd and built in 1912. This tower is so important that it was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992, which means it's protected for future generations.
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The Tower's Story
This unique tower was made in 1912 by a company called Robert Dempster & Sons Ltd in England. It was built in pieces, then shipped all the way to Brisbane. Once it arrived, it was put together at the West End Gasworks. This gasworks was run by the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company.
The South Brisbane Gas & Light Company started in 1885. It was a competitor to another gas company in Brisbane. For a while, both companies supplied gas. But in 1889, they made a deal. The Brisbane Gas Corporation supplied gas north of the Brisbane River, and the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company supplied gas to the south.
As more people needed gas, the company wanted to improve its facilities. In 1911, their main engineer went to Britain. He wanted to see the newest ways to make gas. Because of his trip, they decided to build this stripping tower.
The tower had a very important job. It helped clean raw coal gas by taking out things like tar and ammonia. Gas would enter the bottom of the tower and rise to the top. Inside, there were special plates called baffles. Water was sprayed over these plates from a tank at the top. As the gas passed through the water, the tar and ammonia were washed away. The dirty water was then drained from the bottom and sold as ammonia liquor.
By 1949, new and better ways were found to clean gas. So, the stripping tower was no longer needed. In the 1970s, natural gas became available in Brisbane. This meant the old gasworks on Montague Road was not needed anymore. In 1975, most of the buildings there were torn down.
But the stripping tower was saved! In 1975, the National Trust of Queensland bought it. They took the tower apart and stored it. They waited until they found a good new place for it. In 1979, the tower was put back together in Davies Park. This new spot was about 150 metres (about 490 feet) from where it first stood. In 1988, Allgas Energy Ltd (which used to be the South Brisbane Gas & Light Company) fixed up the tower. They also made the area around it look nice. This was a gift to Brisbane for Australia's bicentennial celebration.
Even though it was moved, this tower is special. It is the only one of its kind left in Australia.
What the Tower Looks Like
The gas stripping tower is made from curved cast iron pieces. These pieces fit together to form a tall, thin tower. At the very top, there is a work platform. Above that is a water tank that looks like a fancy drum. On top of that is a small dome, called a cupola, and a weathervane. The tower stands about 21 metres (about 69 feet) tall and is about 3.5 metres (about 11.5 feet) wide.
The tower has cool designs carved into its panels. There is also a staircase and a handrail on the outside. These are supported by decorative metal brackets.
In 1988, the tower was cleaned by sandblasting. Then it was painted its original reddish-brown color with a special protective paint. The carved designs were highlighted in silver. The dome at the top was also taken off, fixed, painted silver, and put back.
Today, the tower is next to Riverside Drive. You can see it clearly from both sides of the Brisbane River. There is also special paving and a plaque nearby. These were added during the 1988 improvements.
Why the Tower is Important
The Gas Stripping Tower was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on 21 October 1992 because it meets certain important rules.
Part of Queensland's Story
This tower helps us understand how Queensland's history unfolded. It shows us how the old industrial area along the river bank in West End developed over time. It's a reminder of the South Brisbane Gas and Light Company's role in providing gas to the city.
A Rare Piece of History
This tower is very special because it is the only gas stripping tower still standing in Australia. This makes it a rare and important part of Queensland's history and culture.
Beautiful to Look At
Many people in the community value the tower for its beauty. It adds a lot to the view along the Milton and Toowong Reach areas of the Brisbane River.
