$6 million restoration of Ascot kilns secures historic Perth landmark

  • McGowan Government approves $6 million restoration project for Ascot Kilns
  • Funding commitment part of WA Recovery Plan to fast-track local jobs and get Western Australians back to work
  • Restoration of heritage structures will support future redevelopment of the site
  • An historic industrial structure in Belmont will be one of the first shovel-ready projects to benefit from the $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan.

    The McGowan Government has confirmed a $6 million funding investment for the restoration and conservation of Ascot Kilns which was recently added to the State Register of Heritage Places.

    The site has remained unused since the closure of the Bristile Kilns factory in 1982 and requires essential work to stabilise the cluster of circular kilns and brick chimneys which are in danger of collapsing.

    This project will provide a welcome boost for skilled workers, and local construction and maintenance companies, supporting our economic recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.

    The works will assist to finalise the last stage of the Ascot Waters urban regeneration project started in the mid 1990s.

    Stabilising the kilns will also provide for future planning and reuse of the site, ensuring that the cultural and historical significance is captured and celebrated in any future redevelopment.

    As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:

    “Restoration of this rare industrial structure will ensure we secure and capture an important part of our State’s manufacturing history, which could help inform design and create a sense of place in future uses of this site.

    “Investing in the protection and conservation of our heritage places is essential for retelling stories of Western Australia’s history and we have seen some excellent examples of adaptive reuse in this year’s Heritage Awards winners.

    “This is a great example of the types of small-medium, maintenance and works contracts that Government can invest in to fast-track local jobs while also delivering important social outcomes such as the conservation of our heritage.”

    As stated by Planning Minister Rita Saffioti:

    “Ascot Kilns is another significant project that will provide opportunities for local workers and businesses, not only now, but with the future redevelopment of this site.

    “We will continue to work with the local community to identify appropriate development opportunities in the area.

    “This has been a long standing issue for the local community and I am happy that we have been able to secure the much-needed funds for this site as part of our recovery plan.

    “Cassie has worked tirelessly with the community on this issue and I thank her for her continued representation.”

    As stated by Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe:

    “I am so pleased to see that the community’s extraordinary efforts for advocating about the importance of restoring this treasured part of Belmont’s heritage have been successful.

    “This restoration cements the kilns as a part of our history for which I have been fighting hard to secure funding for, for a long time.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.