Lewisham Sewer Vent facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Lewisham Sewer Vent |
|
|---|---|
Lewisham Sewer Vent, 2019
|
|
| Location | The Boulevarde, Lewisham, Inner West Council, Sydney, New South Wales, Australia |
| Built | 1909 |
| Architect | New South Wales Public Works Department |
| Owner | Sydney Water |
| Official name: Sewer Vent; Lewisham Sewer Vent; The Boulevarde Sewer Vent | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 15 November 2002 |
| Reference no. | 1640 |
| Type | Other - Utilities - Sewerage |
| Category | Utilities - Sewerage |
| Lua error in Module:Location_map at line 420: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
The Lewisham Sewer Vent is a tall, historic tower in Lewisham, Sydney, Australia. It was built in 1909 to help air flow through the city's sewer system. This special structure is also known as The Boulevarde Sewer Vent. It was designed by the NSW Public Works Department. The property is owned by Sydney Water and is listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register because of its importance.
A Look Back at the Lewisham Sewer Vent
This vent shaft was completed in 1909. It plays an important role in the sewer system. It helps air move through the Northern Branch Main sewer and the Dobroyd Submain. This is important for the system to work correctly.
The Lewisham Vent Shaft is one of only a few like it in the entire Sydney Water system. Over time, steel straps were added to the shaft. These straps help to keep the structure strong and stable.
What Does the Sewer Vent Look Like?
The Lewisham Sewer Vent stands about 25 metres north of Hunter Street. It faces The Boulevarde. It is a very tall structure, about nine storeys high. It is made from brick and stone.
The vent shaft shows amazing craftsmanship from 1909. It has decorative bricks in red and cream colours. The bottom part, called the pedestal, is octagonal (eight-sided). Above this, the main shaft becomes circular. It gets slightly narrower as it goes up, which is called entasis.
The base of the pedestal is made of rough-faced stone. Above this are 19 layers of bricks laid in a pattern called English bond. Then there's a stone section that changes the shape from octagonal to circular. The circular brick shaft continues for 36 more layers of bricks. It is topped with a stone course and a brick cap.
You can see the letters "MBW-S&S; 1909" above the entrance doors. These timber doors are likely the original ones. The vent shaft is in good condition, though some parts of the brickwork might need fixing. Three steel bands are wrapped around the top part of the shaft to help keep it stable.
The vent shaft is a noticeable landmark. It stands out among the nearby houses and a public school. You can see it from as far away as Wardell Street.
Why is it a Heritage Site?
The Lewisham Sewer Vent is a very special building. It was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register on 15 November 2002. This means it is protected because of its historical and architectural value.
Here are some reasons why it's so important:
- A Piece of History: The vent shaft is a key part of how Sydney's early sewer system worked. It shows how engineers solved problems in the past.
- Beautiful Design: It's considered one of the most detailed and well-built sewer vents in New South Wales. The way different coloured bricks and moulded details are used is very special. The quality of the work is outstanding.
- A Local Landmark: Many people in the local community see the vent shaft as an important landmark. It has even been recognized by the National Trust of Australia (NSW).
- Shows Amazing Craftsmanship: The vent shaft shows a level of skill and detail in building that is rarely seen today. It helps us understand the building techniques of the past.
- Rare and Unique: This vent shaft is one of only a few like it in Sydney. Its high quality makes it a very important piece of infrastructure for the whole state.
- An Example of its Kind: While it serves a simple function, its design and construction make it a great example of this type of utility structure.
