The McGowan Government has today announced the successful contractor to undertake conservation works to the heritage listed Ascot Kilns and Chimney Stacks.
Local Western Australian construction firm Colgan Industries has been awarded the contract to undertake the specialist heritage building works, which will stabilise and conserve the unique kilns and imposing chimney stacks.
Family-owned Colgan Industries specialise in heritage and conservation works, having worked on many heritage buildings over the past 20 years, including Fremantle Prison, Government House and St George's Cathedral.
The former Bristile Kilns site in Ascot is steeped in history and hosts the largest collection of circular 'beehive-style' kilns in Australia. Built between 1929 and 1950, the kilns were used to fire clay tiles and pipes, playing a vital role in Perth's mid-century building boom.
The well-known landmark attracted further attention in 2020, when a six-metre-tall brick statue of the Bristile Kilns' founder, the late H. L. Brisbane, appeared on the site overnight in December.
Works will commence on the site in the coming weeks and are expected to be complete in late 2023.
As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:
"I'm delighted to see this significant project progress to the next stage, where we will see the past 18 months of careful assessment and planning transition into boots on the ground.
"Colgan Industries is a family-owned Western Australian business and their success in this tender process ensures that economic benefits feed back into the WA community.
"This milestone brings us a step closer to ensuring that the story of this significant piece of our history continues, as part of any future reactivation of the area."
As stated by Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe:
"I'm delighted to see work is going to start at the Ascot Kilns. I know the local community is very passionate about the site and want to see it preserved for future generations."
