Peering up at this slender, reddish-brown tower, you might wonder about its purpose. This is the Gas Stripping Tower. It stands as a testament to Brisbane’s industrial past. Let’s unravel its story.
The Gas Stripping Tower was built in 1912. Robert Dempster & Sons Ltd designed it in Yorkshire. The tower came to Brisbane in pieces. Workers assembled it at the West End Gasworks on Montague Road.
The South Brisbane Gas & Light Company operated the gasworks. They were competing with the Brisbane Gas Corporation. An agreement split the city. The SBGLC supplied gas south of the river.
The company needed to upgrade its facilities because of growing demand. So, the principal engineer went to Britain. He assessed the latest gas production technology. This visit led to the decision to build this stripping tower.
The Gas Stripping Tower purified coal gas. Gas entered the base of the tower. It rose through internal baffles. Water sprayed from a tank at the top. This process stripped the gas of tar and ammonia. The liquid drained and sold as ammonia liquor.
More sophisticated techniques emerged by 1949. The tower became redundant. Natural gas arrived in Brisbane in the 1970s. The Montague Road works closed. Most structures were demolished in 1975.
The National Trust of Queensland acquired the Gas Stripping Tower. They dismantled and stored it. In 1979, it was reassembled in Davies Park. This is near its original location. Allgas Energy Ltd refurbished the tower in 1988. This was a bicentennial gift to Brisbane.
The Gas Stripping Tower stands 21 metres high. Its diameter is about 3.5 metres. It features curved cast components. A work platform and a water tank sit at the top. The tank disguises itself as a lantern drum. A cupola and weathervane complete the structure. Spare relief work decorates the panels. An access stair and handrail accentuate the profile.
The 1988 renovation sandblasted the exterior. Workers repainted it in its original colour. They highlighted the relief work in silver. The council removed, repaired, and repainted the cupola silver before its replacement.
Although relocated, this Gas Stripping Tower is the only one of its kind in Australia. It stands as a reminder of Queensland’s industrial evolution. Its aesthetic contributes to the riverscape. The Gas Stripping Tower is a unique piece of Queensland’s heritage.
Take a moment to appreciate this tower. It’s more than just metal and design. It’s a symbol of innovation and industry. The Gas Stripping Tower connects us to Brisbane’s vibrant past.