Four lots of the heritage listed former Bairnsdale Pumping Station have come to market, offering a once in a lifetime opportunity to preserve a significant part of Victoria’s history. 

The Bairnsdale Pumping Station is the most intact example of an early municipal pumping station and the only site in Australia with all its buildings set as a cluster. Prominent architect and civil engineer John Harry Grainger submitted the successful design in 1886 and the initial works were completed in 1888.

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The property is located on the Mitchell River to the west of the township of Bairnsdale in the vibrant East Gippsland region of Victoria, with a total land area of approx. 3,111sqm for the entire complex. Lot 1 is approx. 1,032sqm; Lot 2 is approx. 581sqm; Lot 3 is approx. 783sqm; and Lot 4 is approx. 715sqm.

The complex is for sale as a complete parcel or as individual lots. Stunning architect designed endorsed plans by Latrobe Valley Drafting and permits are already in place for a ‘Grand Designs’ scale renovation / restoration project, removing all the hard work and a good deal of time from the process, and allowing for almost immediate construction. Or the new owner may prefer to re-imagine their own ‘Grand Design’ for this unique site.

Sue Abbott of Latrobe Valley Drafting told WILLIAMS MEDIA, "The team at Latrobe Valley Drafting were excited to be part of the design and planning process for our client. The goal was to upgrade the heritage listed dilapidated site into usable quality livable spaces. We believe this was achieved with a mixture of grand and luxury style living whilst retaining the history behind the site, bringing it back to life."

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"What a fantastic development this is! I am not tempted very often but this one has had me seriously considering purchasing it!" Sue Gratton told WILLIAMS MEDIA.

"The endorsed architectural plans for this property are fabulous. The 'Underground Tank' and the marvelous 'Concrete Tank' are the stars of the show, with a circular pool right around the interior of the Concrete Tank restoration. So 'Grand Designs'. All planning and permissions are in place for all four lots as standalone dwellings, but I also see such an opportunity for tourism or accommodation STCA and at such a realistic price. It's hard not to be tempted by this one."

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Three historically significant original structures date back to c. 1888: ‘The Underground Tank’, a 380,000 litre in-ground water reservoir comprising Lot 1; the relocated corrugated iron ‘Pumphouse’ comprising Lot 2; and Lot 3 ‘The Engine Driver’s Cottage’. 

Later additions to the property include ‘The Concrete Tank’, a 1.3 million litre above-ground concrete tank dating to c.1906 also located on Lot 1; and ‘The Upper Pump House’ c.1930 and ‘The Workshop’ c.1950 on Lot 4.

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The rectangular in-ground water tank has brick walls above ground, mass concrete walls below and is covered by a gabled corrugated iron roof. 

Erected in the same year, the Lower Pump House next to the river has a circular base of reinforced concrete with a timber framed 16-sided super-structure which is clad on the walls and roof with corrugated iron, and lined with Oregon boards in the roof. 

An upgrade to the station in 1906 included the installation of a cylindrical concrete tank designed by Sir John Monash’s Reinforced Concrete and Monier Pipe Construction Company, the earliest known Monier-type reinforced concrete water tank in Victoria.

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Bairnsdale township is located at the junction of the Great Alpine Road and the Princess Highway and provides easy access to the alpine villages of Omeo, Dinner Plain and Mount Hotham, as well as being at the gateway to the Gippsland Lakes. Bairnsdale is also the main commercial centre for the local wool, dairy and timber industries within the East Gippsland region.

Local activities and interests include wineries, a brewery, restaurants, cafes, art galleries, markets, and summer fruit picking, all located within a short drive of the town.

To arrange a private inspection or enquire about a price guide phone or email Sue Gratton of Circa Heritage and Lifestyle Property via the contact form below. 

To view the listing or for more information click here.

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