Project Award for Sydney Water Ultimo SPS0001 Refurbishment

We are delighted to announce that Gartner Rose has been appointed by Sydney Water Corporation to undertake the refurbishment of Sewage Pumping Station No 1 (SPS0001) at Ultimo.

SPS0001 Ultimo was built in 1900 and was the first and largest of 20 first generation pumping stations, built to take sewage to the recently constructed Bondi Ocean Outfall (BOOS) rather than into Sydney Harbour. This followed the shocking Typhoid outbreaks caused by the intense pollution of the harbour. SPS0001 was the controlling station for 17 other pumpstations, and received DC power from the nearby Tramways generation facility. Its controlling function ceased about 1918, and it was converted to AC power during the 20th century. It remains a fully functioning and operation sewer pumping station to this day, number 1 of more than 1,100 low level pumping stations that form the Sydney network. Its heritage significance is extremely high.

SPS0001 is an excellent example of a substantial, relatively intact Federation Free Style office/industrial building, notable for its well considered proportions and quality materials, including external sandstone dressings, arched openings and tuck-pointed brickwork. This attention to detail is carried through to the interior. It is listed on the National Trust NSW register. The excellent design of the building by the Department of Public Works reflects the body of work emanating from the then Government Architect, Walter Liberty Vernon.

The heritage restoration of this pumping station will consist of internal and external works. The scope includes a complete heritage refurbishment, internal fit out, rectification to all internal timber floors and brickwork, reinstating toilet facilities, electrical and lighting upgrade, new slate roof, demolition of new intrusive structures and a large sandstone restoration project.

Works are scheduled to commence July 2015 and practical completion is scheduled for February 2016.

We look forward to a safe and successful project, this being the 12th heritage listed Sydney Water pumping station to be restored by Gartner Rose.