Victoria Park Chimney, Auckland New Zealand
S 36° 50.835 E 174° 45.165
60H E 299634 N 5919715
This lonely chimney is now used for advertising for the popular Victoria Park shopping mall.
Waymark Code: WM7JFX
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 10/31/2009
Views: 20
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"The site of the Victoria Park Market buildings was originally part headland and part foreshore of Freemans Bay. In the late 1870s the bay was reclaimed, and various commercial and residential buildings were erected. From 1905 to 1918 a series of brickwork buildings were constructed on the site, initially to deal with the disposal of rubbish from the city. These included a 38m tall chimney. In 1907 work began on a power generator building to use the heat produced by the "Destructor". Although this was finished in 1908, it was found to be inadequate for the city's power demands, and was shut down in 1913. Further additions were made from 1914 to 1918, including double storeyed stabling for the 94 horses used to pull the city's rubbish carts, and council administration offices.
From 1952 the stables were no longer used for their original purpose, and the 'Destructor' ceased operation in 1972, although the complex continued to act as a rubbish collection depot until 1981. The Auckland City Council originally planned to demolish the complex, but relented following a public campaign. It was converted into a market and retail complex, and alterations were made for this purpose in 1983 and 1990. The complex is a Category I Historic Places under the Historic Places Act 1993."
Former name: Auckland Municipal Destructor and Depot
Height of chimney: 38 metres
Year constructed: 1905