Historical information
The Bendigo Gas Works are one of around three remaining intact 19th century gas works in the world, and the only one in Australia. It is on the Victorian Heritage Register and regarded by Institution of Engineers Australia as an internationally significant example of an entire provincial gasworks
The Bendigo Gasworks operated from 1860 until 1973 when natural gas was introduced and remain as they were at the time of closure; a treasure of industrial heritage frozen in time.
It is an internationally significant example of an entire provincial gasworks. It has the only horizontal gas-producing retorts in Australia.
Coal Gas was manufactured here from 1860 and operated continuously until the introduction of natural gas in 1973. The works were operated by the Bendigo Gas Company until purchased by the Gas and Fuel Corporation in 1958 at which time they were supplying 3,500 consumers. During the Second World War the works were expanded by the Ministry of Munitions to serve the Bendigo Ordinance Factory.
The original works were constructed during 1859-1860 under the direction of engineer Alexander Kennedy Smith (1824 - 1881) and developed in a period of growth by W. A. Simco, General Manager 1922-1939. ( Engineering Heritage Australia: ttps://heritage.engineersaustralia.org.au/wiki/Place:Bendigo_Gas_Works)
The site is on the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR) Number H0781
Physical description
1. Five page, double sided document, typed with photos, prepared by the City of Greater Bendigo, 23rd October 2015. . Heading on front page ' Gasworks Vision Workshop, Heritage Advisory Committee, City of Greater Bendigo'. 'Draft' written across each page. The significance of the site (Victorian Heritage Register Statement of Significance) and the challenges of re-developing the site for tourism are listed for discussion.
2. One page photocopy of the Statement of Significance of the Bendigo Gasworks Conservation Analysis. The gasworks complex, plant and machinery, historic associations of the Gasworks and landscape are assessed.
