Perth Voice Interactive

THE Maylands Brickworks is set to get some TLC.

Bayswater city council has adopted a conservation plan for the site—which has fallen into disrepair—and has pencilled in $80,000 on urgent maintenance in this year’s budget.

The site, which is on the National Trust and state heritage lists, has the only remaining Hoffman Kiln in WA.

The kiln operated from 1927-1982 but was shut down as new technology made it redundant.

During its lifetime the Maylands Brickworks was considered an innovative brick producer—churning out 7 million bricks a year in the late 1920s and early 1930s.

It employed over 130 people and became one of the major industries in the Maylands area.

Maylands Historical and Peninsula Association president Terry Gaunt says that along with the nearby Tranby House and boatyard on the peninsula, the brickworks forms an important part of Mayland’s social and economic history.

The conservation plan lists brickworks across Australia that have been re-adapted into residential apartments and markets, but Bayswater mayor Terry Kenyon says its too early to speculate on future uses of the site.

“Further investigation and research into potential options for the site need to be undertaken before council can give consideration to any proposed land uses,” he said.

“We are very keen to maintain the site, which has considerable cultural heritage significance and is a landmark to the local area.”

by STEPHEN POLLOCK