The Kingston Powerhouse is a disused

power plant A power station, also referred to as a power plant and sometimes generating station or generating plant, is an industrial facility for the electricity generation, generation of electric power. Power stations are generally connected to an el ...

in Canberra, the capital of Australia. It is located in the suburb of

Kingston, Australian Capital Territory Kingston is the oldest and one of the most densely populated suburbs of Canberra, Australian Capital Territory, Australia. The suburb is named after Charles Cameron Kingston, the former Premier of South Australia and minister in the first Austra ...

. It was designed by

John Smith Murdoch John Smith Murdoch (29 September 186221 May 1945) was a Scottish architect who practised in Australia from the 1880s until 1930. Employed by the newly formed Commonwealth Public Works Department in 1904, he rose to become chief architect, ...

and constructed from 1913-1915, when the planned city of Canberra came into being. It was the first permanent public building in Canberra. It was closed in 1929, but reactivated for periods between 1936 and 1942 and between 1948 and 1957. The Fitters’ Workshop, the second permanent public building, is also in the precinct. The siren and whistle, which signalled times to Government outdoor workers in south Canberra for many years is included in the listing. It is now listed by the ACT Heritage Council. Kingston Powerhouse interior on its centenary 1

Kingston Powerhouse interior on its centenary 1

It was later converted and now houses the Canberra Glassworks.

Engineering heritage award

The power station received a Historic Engineering Marker from

Engineers Australia Engineers Australia (EA) is an Australian professional body and not-for-profit organisation whose purpose is to advance the science and practice of engineering for the benefit of the community. Engineers Australia is Australia's recognized org ...

as part of its Engineering Heritage Recognition Program.

References

{{Lake Burley Griffin Coal-fired power stations in the Australian Capital Territory Former power stations in Australia Buildings and structures in Canberra John Smith Murdoch buildings Australian Capital Territory Heritage Register Recipients of Engineers Australia engineering heritage markers