Port of Newcastle has announced that an additional $850,000 will be invested in ongoing restoration of the 143-year-old Carrington Hydraulic Engine House.

Built in 1877 and operating until 1967, the building housed the first large scale hydraulic power system to be established in Australia, providing power for the original coal loading cranes.

Work to restore the northern, eastern and western façades will commence this month, the port announced earlier this month at the re-opening of the site.

It follows completion this year of a $1.2 million 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 of funding from the Newcastle Port Community Contribution Fund, administered by the NSW Government.

Port of Newcastle CEO Craig Carmody said the re-opening of the site – which had been delayed by COVID-19 – was an important milestone in a long-term plan to restore it to its former glory.

“Port of Newcastle is proud to be the long-term custodian of this building, which has both historical and architectural significance for the city,” Craig 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,” he concluded.

IMAGE | Additional funding acquired to continue restorations on the Carrington Hydraulic Engine House.