Historic Significance

Historical Significance or Value The Western Springs waterworks, of which the pump station is a remnant, was constructed for the Auckland City Council on land formerly owned by the flour-milling firm of Low and Motion. The contract was let in 1875 to T and S Morrin and the pumphouse opened on 10 July 1877. Until 1902, when reticulation began from the Waitakere Ranges, water pumped by the stream-driven beam engine housed in the building provided the public supply for Auckland city and several adjacent local authorities, The pumphouse is therefore a structure of considerable regional historical importance.

Physical Significance

ARCHITECTURAL SIGNIFICANCE The pumphouse is one of the most impressive examples of Victorian industrial architecture in New Zealand. The building comprises some very fine brick and stone detailing which contributes to the building's fine texture. The interior of the building is especially impressive with its simplified Doric columns and beams. The pumping machinery is the finest in New Zealand still intact. Its most notable features are the large beam engine and cast-iron flywheel (6.2 metres in diameter). TOWNSCAPE/LANDMARK SIGNIFICANCE The pumphouse forms the centrepiece at the Museum of Transport and Technology (MOTAT) and although somewhat boxed in by surrounding museum structures it remains visually, a very impressive structure. SPECIAL FEATURES All the internal machinery and construction details, and on the exterior, high quality brick and stonework.