West Block Southern Extension. Part 1.

Friday, Facts and Fotos 46 Friday 9th June 2023

West Block Southern Extension. Part 1.

The southern extension of West Block (WB), was piecemeal just the same as East Block (EB). Various ad hoc timber framed extensions were added to the original brick 1888 WB, and have merged to become one large extension. It was basically the roofing in of workshop activities which were already happening outside. The construction took place between C1897 – 1913 and extended WB a further 97 metres towards Champion Rd.

The main individual extensions named were originally known as the Smithy Extension, Boiler Shop Extension, Erecting Shop Extension and Machine Shop Extension, according to the functions of the adjoining bays in the original building to the north. However, even as early as 1913 some of the extensions were being used for other functions as production demanded. Much later this even included a motor vehicle garage on the south end of the machine shop extension near the water tower. Most areas in the extension have a concrete floor.

In distinct contrast with the original magnificent brick construction of WB, the extensions used timber framing clad with corrugated iron, and is predominately of southlight sawtooth form, but has a few gable-roofed bays. Most of the framing is sawn hardwood or Oregon, but some is even unsawed hardwood. Some timber is new while other parts are obviously second-hand.

One note of particular heritage interest is that a 1913 memo mentions that some of the second-hand materials used in the extension came from the former railway workshop buildings at Williamstown (erected there in c1858-60) It is not certain which parts came from Williamstown, but the gable-roofed bay in the photo is the most likely. The inside shot of the same section shows some of the line shafting still attached in this section.