Historic Retort House at Sub Base Platypus undertakes essential heritage repairs

The Retort House, the premier and most significant heritage site at Sub Base Platypus, has a rich history dating back to its original construction in 1886. Built with a rare type of prefabricated iron from a prefabricated 'kit' shipped from England, this is the only surviving structure from the site’s gasworks era. The current repair work aims to honour this legacy by carefully maintaining the building's structural integrity and historical character.

The primary focus of the maintenance work is to ensure the building’s ongoing preservation and to prevent further deterioration. This will be achieved by focusing on hazardous materials removal and returning the building to a watertight condition. Additionally, the repairs include repainting to protect the heritage cast iron columns, installing a new roof, wall sheeting, windows, doors and adding cladding. 

In keeping with the historical importance of the Retort House, all materials, colours and finishes used in the project will respect the heritage palette of the building and its surroundings. This careful attention to detail ensures that the repairs will not only preserve the building but also maintain its historical authenticity and aesthetic.

As the Harbour Trust undertakes these essential repairs, the Retort House at Sub Base Platypus is set to emerge as a well-preserved historical site ready to serve the community in new and meaningful ways.