Steam Workshop
Built by convict labour in the mid-1850s, the Steam Workshop was one of the
most significant buildings in the colony; evidence of the industrial skills
of the Victorian era, the importance of the dock, and a symbol of Sydney's
modernity. It was built to enable the repair of ships of the Royal Navy, themselves
the most technologically advanced vessels afloat.
It's design, by Gother Kerr Mann, encouraged by Governor William Denison -
an expert on dock design, deliberately mimicked an English prototype- Portsmouth
Royal Dockyard.
The workshop housed the most up to date machinery, imported from Britain.
Prominent amongst this was a steam hammer, invented in 1839 by James Nasymth,
from the Bridgewater Foundry at Eccles, near Manchester.
Steam was needed to drive the pumps that emptied the dock, and to drive the
metal-working machinery. The building was later extended between 1861 and
1864, in similar style, and a cupola was added.
On completion, it was a prominent harbour-side building, featuring in photographic
views of the colony. Early in the 20th century, the roof and western wall
were demolished and an Apprentice training school was added, substantially
affecting the appearance of the building.
Similarly, the chimney stack of the Pump-house became redundant and was removed
when the island converted to electricity on the completion of the northern
Power-station.