Six tonnes of shot. That is what Coop’s Shot Tower once produced each week. Welcome to Coop’s Shot Tower, a unique landmark in Melbourne’s CBD. It stands as a testament to Melbourne’s rich industrial past. But now, it stands encased within the modern Melbourne Central complex.
This iconic brick tower was erected by the Coop family in 1889. Until the mid-1940s, Coop’s Shot Tower was the tallest building in Melbourne. Imagine molten lead being dropped from the top. As it fell, it formed perfectly spherical shot pellets. By the time it hit the water vat at the base, the lead had solidified. This tower was built for a simple purpose: to manufacture lead shot pellets.
The Coops were a busy family. James Coop, the elder, started a plumbing business in 1855. He supplied the growing colony with essential plumbing needs. By the 1880s, his son Walter expanded the business into shot manufacture. In 1889-90, Walter Coop’s Shot Tower was erected. By 1894, the Coops were producing six tonnes of shot per week. They even acquired the Clifton Hill Shot Tower, becoming the largest manufacturer of shot in the southern hemisphere. They supplied businesses across Australia and south east Asia.
The tower stands 50 metres high and has 9 storeys. There are 327 steps to the top. Its walls are three feet thick and its foundations go 40 feet deep. It was built with furnace firebricks. This was in line with the custom of British industry in the Victorian era. This was to stand for centuries. This was to produce the best shot.
In 1919, Walter II’s sister Ellen took control of the business. She was a remarkable woman running a heavy industry business at the time. She ran the business for 20 years.
However, the demand for lead shot dwindled. New firearm regulations came into effect. In 1961, Coop’s Shot Tower ceased operations.
Facing potential demolition in 1973, the tower was saved. In 1991, it was incorporated into the Melbourne Central complex. Architect Kisho Kurokawa designed a 50-metre glass cone around it. This blends the old and the new.
Inside Coop’s Shot Tower today, you can find the Shot Tower Museum. It showcases the old-fashioned methods used to make shots. It displays everything from weights to nails and solder. The museum is located on the second floor.
Today, Coop’s Shot Tower is more than just a historical landmark. It is a must-visit attraction. It seamlessly blends historical significance with contemporary architecture.
Before we move on, take one last look at Coop’s Shot Tower. Notice how it stands as an enduring symbol of Melbourne’s industrial past. Its preservation reminds us of the city’s evolution and its commitment to preserving its heritage.