Launceston Gasworks

Launceston Gasworks, a testament to the industrial heritage of Launceston, Tasmania, stands as a remarkable relic of the city’s historical journey through energy production. Located in the heart of Launceston's CBD, this former industrial site once served as the principal supplier of gas to the city, illuminating its streets and homes before the advent of LPG in the 1970s. Today, the site offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, inviting visitors to explore its rich history and architectural marvels.

The Origins of Launceston Gasworks

The story of Launceston Gasworks begins in the mid-19th century, a time when the city was grappling with the challenge of providing efficient street lighting. Initially, Launceston's streets were lit with sperm whale oil lamps, which were soon replaced by slush lamps burning animal fat. However, these early attempts at street lighting were far from satisfactory. In 1844, Dr. William Russ Pugh, a local innovator, produced coal gas for his house, and a year later, Benjamin Hyrons lit the Angel Inn with methane gas, demonstrating the potential of gas lighting.

By 1854, the Examiner newspaper was advocating for the establishment of a gasworks in Launceston, highlighting the benefits and cost-effectiveness of coal gas. In 1856, the Launceston City Council commissioned Scottish-born engineer William Falconer to design the gasworks. The Launceston Gas Company was formed in 1858, and a marshy paddock near Cimitier Street was chosen as the site for the new gasworks due to its proximity to the North Esk River.

Construction and Expansion

The construction of the Launceston Gasworks began in earnest in 1859, with machinery imported from England and local builders assembling the horizontal retort buildings. By April 5, 1860, Launceston's streets were illuminated with gas for the first time, marking a significant milestone in the city's development. The gas was produced by heating Newcastle coal from New South Wales, and the gasworks' strategic location opposite the TMLR rail yards facilitated the delivery of coal.

As demand for coal gas grew, the gasworks expanded. In 1932, the iconic vertical retort building was added to increase productivity. This building, with its distinctive COOK WITH GAS inscription, remains one of the most recognizable structures on the site. The mid-1900s saw further expansion, including the construction of a third gasometer and an LPG cylinder yard. Despite the transition to LPG in the 1970s and the eventual sale of the site in 2007, the Launceston Gasworks continues to stand as a symbol of the city's industrial heritage.

Exploring the Notable Buildings

Visitors to the Launceston Gasworks can explore several notable buildings that offer a window into the site's storied past. The Chief Engineer's Cottage, located on the northeast corner of the site, is an ornate residence that once housed the site's chief engineer. An intriguing feature of this cottage is the private, heated swimming pool, which was heated by the vertical retort building's boilers. Although the pool is now buried, the cottage itself has been restored and serves as a private residence.

The Company Office, situated next to the Chief Engineer's Cottage, originally overlooked the North Esk River. This building, which had its facade rebuilt in the Victorian style in the 1880s, has also been restored. In front of the office stands one of the original gas lamps that once illuminated Launceston's streets, a nostalgic reminder of the city's gas-lit past.

The Horizontal Retort Building

One of the oldest buildings on the site, the Horizontal Retort Building, was constructed in 1860 from local brick and sandstone. This building originally housed 18 retorts and featured a 39.3-meter brick chimney. Over the years, the building underwent several modifications, including the removal of the horizontal retorts and the installation of boilers and a tar plant. Despite falling into disrepair, the building's historical significance remains undiminished, and efforts have been made to preserve its structure.

The Gasometers

The gasometers, located along the southern perimeter of the site, were crucial for storing gas produced at the gasworks. Today, three of the original five gasometers remain, albeit in various states of salvage. The No. 5 Gasometer, built in the mid-1940s, is the most intact, with its steel frame still standing. The other two gasometers, dating from the late 1800s and early 1900s, have been dismantled, but their foundations and water pits provide a tangible link to the past.

The Governor Cottage

Another building of interest is the Governor Cottage, a small galvanized iron and timber structure located on the southern edge of the site. This building served as the gasworks' distribution point and still contains much of its original machinery, including two miniature Braddock Gasometers. Although the cottage is in disrepair, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the operational aspects of the gasworks.

In conclusion, the Launceston Gasworks is more than just a historical site; it is a testament to the ingenuity and perseverance of those who contributed to Launceston's development. Its buildings, each with their own unique stories, invite visitors to step back in time and explore the industrial heritage that shaped the city. Whether you're a history enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Launceston Gasworks offers a captivating journey through the past, illuminating the legacy of gas production in Tasmania.