OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - WESTERN AUSTRALIA - 2008
Place:   Armadale Brickworks – The Dust Room historic machinery
Threat: Demolition by neglect

Statement of Significance:

The Armadale Brickworks and specifically the Dust Room and its machinery is significant as it represents the post-World War II period when Western Australia’s building industry was rapidly expanding, due in part to the State Government’s plan of providing public housing. The machinery includes grinding machines made by Bradley and Craven Ltd, Wakefield, England and the combined brickmaking and pressing machines made by Thomas C. Fawcett Ltd, Leeds, England, of which there are limited examples elsewhere, and certainly these are the only machines of this type remaining in-situ in WA. The place is a significant example of industrial heritage in this State.

Statement of Risk:

Degree of Risk:       At risk

Threats/Risks:        Destruction/deterioration

Fate/outcome:        Suffering

Description of Risk:

While the Brickworks buildings are deteriorating, the machinery remains in-situ. As an important example of industrial heritage, the buildings and machinery (preferably conserved together) are significant to the history of the State. Appropriate solutions need to be found with the owner in order to conserve this place.

Desired Outcome/Vision:

A dialogue needs to be established with the current owners to establish ways in which the building and its equipment can be retained in its current location.  While the machinery is important in its own right, it only retains a high degree of authenticity and integrity while it remains in its current location.  The environs around the building and the building itself all assist in telling the story of how bricks were manufactured during the 1950s.  A heritage engineer should be asked to assess the machinery while it is still insitu to determine its current condition and establish future requirements to ensure that the machinery survives intact  A historical archaeologist, with experience in industrial archaeology, should assess the place before any machinery is removed.