Call for expert team to rekindle historic Ascot Kilns

  • Iconic heritage kilns to undergo three-year $6 million conservation program
  • Part of $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan to boost economic activity and support local jobs
  • Restoration of heritage structures will support future redevelopment of the site
  • The State Government is seeking an expert multidisciplinary team to design and manage the $6 million Ascot Kilns Conservation Project, with tenders now open.

    Located opposite Ascot Racecourse, the State heritage-listed former Bristile Kilns site hosts the largest collection of circular kilns and tall brick chimneys still standing in Australia.

    The Landmark offers a rare glimpse into Perth’s industrial heritage and is set to be sensitively restored and conserved in a program of works over the next three years.

    The project will generate a pipeline of economic activity including opportunities for local construction companies and employment, and flow-on benefits to the surrounding precinct.

    Restoring the rare ‘beehive’ kilns and chimneys will help ensure that the cultural and historical significance of the place is captured as part of any potential redevelopment.

    Funding to progress this much-anticipated project was confirmed as part of the McGowan Government’s $5.5 billion WA Recovery Plan to support the State’s economic recovery from COVID-19.

    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 any future potential redevelopment of this site.

    “This competitive tender process seeks to secure the best qualified professionals to take this significant project forward.

    “The successful respondents will undertake the design and planning stages, and then oversee the substantial works contract, which will result in local jobs.

    “This has been a longstanding 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.”

    As stated by Heritage Minister David Templeman:

    “The Ascot Kilns represent a unique insight into early-to-mid 20th century manufacturing, with the rare assemblage of kilns and chimneys part of Perth’s industrial heritage.

    “Investing in their restoration and conservation ensures we keep that history alive, with an eye to how we may thoughtfully repurpose the site into the future.

    “I’m pleased to see the project take an important step forward and I strongly encourage suitably qualified heritage specialists to consider how they might play a role in bringing this iconic site back to life.”

    As stated by Belmont MLA Cassie Rowe:

    “When I’m out doorknocking in Ascot, so many people tell me how important the kilns are for our local history and local community.

    “I have been working hard to secure funds for this project and I’m so pleased to have secured $6 million for this conservation work.

    “This tender is the first step towards finding an expert team who can restore this iconic site.”

    /Public Release. View in full here.