List Entry Information
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
114
Date Entered
2nd July 1987
Date of Effect
2nd July 1987
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 88398 (RT NA45D/561), North Auckland Land District
Status
Listed
List Entry Status
Historic Place Category 1
Access
Able to Visit
List Number
114
Date Entered
2nd July 1987
Date of Effect
2nd July 1987
City/District Council
Auckland Council
Region
Auckland Council
Legal description
Lot 1 DP 88398 (RT NA45D/561), North Auckland Land District
Why is this place significant?
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.
Why is this place significant?
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.
Construction Professional
Name
Errington, William
Type
Engineer
Biography
William Errington was a distinguished engineer who designed the Big Pump at Thames in 1871 and the Calliope Dock at Devonport Naval Base in 1888, the largest graving dock in the southern hemisphere.
Construction Details
Start Year
1875
Type
Original Construction
Construction Materials
Brick, with cast iron columns and timber panelled ceiling in the interior.
Construction Professional
Name
Errington, William
Type
Engineer
Biography
William Errington was a distinguished engineer who designed the Big Pump at Thames in 1871 and the Calliope Dock at Devonport Naval Base in 1888, the largest graving dock in the southern hemisphere.
Construction Details
Start Year
1875
Type
Original Construction
Construction Materials
Brick, with cast iron columns and timber panelled ceiling in the interior.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (STYLE) The building consists of a square two-storeyed block with a single storey wing attached. The two storey block has rusticated quoins, round-arched windows and cornice. Large archways are the main feature of the single storey section. MODIFICATIONS The building is in largely original condition.
ARCHITECTURAL DESCRIPTION (STYLE) The building consists of a square two-storeyed block with a single storey wing attached. The two storey block has rusticated quoins, round-arched windows and cornice. Large archways are the main feature of the single storey section. MODIFICATIONS The building is in largely original condition.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Information Sources
Thornton, 1982
Geoffrey G. Thornton, New Zealand's Industrial Heritage, A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1982
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Historical and Associated Iwi / Hapū / Whānau
Information Sources
Thornton, 1982
Geoffrey G. Thornton, New Zealand's Industrial Heritage, A.H. & A.W. Reed, Wellington, 1982
Other Information
This historic place was registered under the Historic Places Act 1980. This report includes the text from the original Building Classification Committee report considered by the NZHPT Board at the time of registration. Please note that entry on the New Zealand Heritage List/Rarangi Korero identifies only the heritage values of the property concerned, and should not be construed as advice on the state of the property, or as a comment of its soundness or safety, including in regard to earthquake risk, safety in the event of fire, or insanitary conditions.
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Museum
Former Usages
General Usage: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Museum
Web Links
description: Engineering NZ Heritage
url: https://www.engineeringnz.org/our-work/heritage/heritage-records/western-springs-pumping-station/
Current Usages
Uses: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Museum
Former Usages
General Usage: Civic Facilities
Specific Usage: Museum
Web Links
description: Engineering NZ Heritage
url: https://www.engineeringnz.org/our-work/heritage/heritage-records/western-springs-pumping-station/
