AN ADDITIONAL $850,000 is to be invested in restoration of the 143-year-old Carrington Hydraulic Engine House, Port of Newcastle has announced.
The engine house was built in 1877 and operated until 1967.
Work to restore the northern, eastern and western façades is to start this month.
It follows completion this year of a $1.2m project to restore the southern façade of the heritage-listed sandstone and masonry building and create a new public plaza celebrating its significance and history.
The first phase of work was possible thanks to $500,000 from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, administered by the NSW government.
Port of Newcastle chief executive Craig Carmody said the re-opening of the site was an important milestone.
“Port of Newcastle is proud to be the long-term custodian of this building, which has both historical and architectural significance for the city,” Mr Carmody said.
“With a generous contribution from the NSW Government, we have restored the southern façade and created a new community space so people can enjoy the grounds of this picturesque building after a long period closed off to the public.
“The additional $850,000 of work announced today will restore the other three façades and also provide improved weather protection for the interior by addressing historic roof integrity issues.
“We are protecting and respecting the port’s important historic role of the past 220 years, while also powering ahead with ambitious plans for the next 100 years. “The port has a proud history as well as a critical role to play long into the future.”
