Ultimo Sewage Pumping Station, Industrial heritage site in Ultimo, Australia
Ultimo Sewage Pumping Station is a two-story brick structure with stone trim, round-arched openings, and balanced architectural proportions from the Federation period. The building remains in active use as a low-level sewage facility while keeping its original exterior features intact.
The station was built between 1899 and 1902 by the New South Wales Department of Public Works to handle Sydney's growing wastewater challenges. It became a key part of modernizing the city's sanitation infrastructure.
The building reflects Sydney's early industrial character and demonstrates how engineering shaped the city's development. Visitors can see in its design how practical infrastructure became part of the urban fabric.
The building sits on William Henry Street and is easily visible from outside, though it continues operating as a functional facility. Keep in mind it is an active utility installation, so access may be limited to exterior viewing.
Until 1918, this station served as the control hub for fourteen other pumping facilities, making it the central nerve of Sydney's early sewerage system. This controlling role gave it special importance in the city's infrastructure network.
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