The restoration of an iconic chimney that rises above the former Lidcombe Hospital, has been completed by Australand.
The turn of the century chimney, located in the Botanica masterplanned community, has been extensively restored to bring the 36 metre-high structure up to current building standards.
The scaffold has been taken down, revealing repaired brickwork, repointed mortar, new external iron straps and a refurbished cast iron cap for the 112-year old construction.
“Unveiling this iconic chimney is a momentous step in our restoration of a collection of significant historic buildings,” said Nigel Edgar, NSW General Manager, Residential Division, Australand.
“The chimney is a treasured feature of the vibrant residential community and plays an important role in understanding the history of the site,” said Mr Edgar.
The chimney and attached boiler house provided the former Lidcombe Hospital with its own electricity. Coal furnaces produced steam, which fed into a generator, producing enough electricity to light and power the entire hospital, including its laundry and numerous wards and residences.
The buildings of the former hospital are now known as The Gallery at Botanica. The unique collection of heritage-listed buildings have been adapted by Australand, some into stunning modern homes and others into facilities to be enjoyed by residents of The Gallery and the broader 44-hectare Botanica masterplanned community that it sits within.
The Gallery at Botanica was recognised with several industry awards in 2012, including the Urban Task Force NSW Development Excellence Awards’ top honour in the ‘Adaptive Reuse’ category.
Planning is progressing for the boiler house to be converted into a childcare centre with the first children expected to be accepted at the beginning of 2014.
