Low Level Sewage Pumping Stations No.s 1 & 2, Perth
While not something most people think about much, without a working sewerage system it is impossible to have a healthy city. One of the key components of such systems are pumping stations, which have to be located at key points in the network.
In 1912, Public Works Department architect Alfred Wright was given the task of designing three pumping stations, identical in basic plan, except for one at the Causeway (Perth Pumping Station No. 1), which would be a mirror image of the other two. Special attention was paid to the design, because the buildings would be in prominent positions. In addition, as they were to incorporate men’s public toilets, Wright could design them “in a more dignified, domestic style of architecture†than the usual functional style for such buildings.
In 1989, a new central sewage station was built in Perth, to the rear of the Mounts Bay Road bus station, and the three earlier pumping stations at Perth were decommissioned. The public toilet at Langley Park closed by 1992, and at No. 1 Station, all pipe work and machinery was removed,’
In 2003, the Mill Street station was demolished as part of the works associated with building of the new Convention Centre. However, No. 1 Station, Causeway and No. 2 Station, Langley Park, remain notable features today, even if they have not been used for many decades.
While not something most people think about much, without a working sewerage system it is impossible to have a healthy city. One of the key components of such systems are pumping stations, which have to be located at key points in the network.
In June 1906, construction commenced on Claisebrook Sewage Treatment Works which included four reinforced concrete septic tanks to receive the metropolitan sewerage. This was ‘beautified’ to appear as a grassy mound with flowerbeds spelling out the letters ‘MWSS&D 1907’, standing for the Metropolitan Water Supply, Sewerage and Drainage Department.
Over the next few years, rapid progress was made on provision of deep sewerage and stormwater drainage at Perth. In 1912, Public Works Department architect Alfred Wright was given the task of designing three pumping stations, identical in basic plan, except for one at the Causeway (Perth Pumping Station No. 1), which would be a mirror image of the other two. Special attention was paid to the design, because the buildings would be in prominent positions. In addition, as they were to incorporate men’s public toilets, Wright could design them “in a more dignified, domestic style of architecture†than the usual functional style for such buildings.
Work first commenced on a pumping station at Mill Street, which was constructed of concrete blocks designed to look like sandstone. It opened in 1913, powered by two submergible motors of 32 b.h.p. direct coupled to centrifugal pumps. These were automatically controlled, starting and stopping when the wells were full and empty.
Two more pumping stations were installed, with No. 2 at Langley Park and No. 3 at the Causeway. Pump attendants, known as ‘pumpies’, covered a circuit on bicycle from Claisebrook to Subiaco each day to check each of the stations. There was little change to the design or function of these stations for more than 60 years until new technologies for pumps became available in the late 20th century. Some changes were, of course, made including replacement of machinery, and painting the exterior walls in a light colour.
In 1989, a new central sewage station was built in Perth, to the rear of the Mounts Bay Road bus station, and the three earlier pumping stations at Perth were decommissioned. The public toilet at Langley Park closed by 1992, and at No. 1 Station, all pipe work and machinery was removed,’
In 2003, the Mill Street station was demolished as part of the works associated with building of the new Convention Centre. However, No. 1 Station, Causeway and No. 2 Station, Langley Park, remain notable features today, even if they have not been used for many decades.
Western Mail 25 July 1913