History Launceston Gasworks

the gasworks across north esk before construction of levee system



1914 map of gasworks site , tmlr railyards. note: lane labelled wescombe street. street , land on either side later incorporated gasworks site

starting in 1826, launceston lit lamps running on sperm whale oil. these lamps unpopular , local butchers replaced these slush lamps burned animal fat. these lamps still disliked many in 1844 local man, doctor william russ pugh (a statue of him located in launceston s prince s square), produced own coal gas house , year later benjamin hyrons lit angel inn methane gas. 1854, examiner newspaper urged locals consider creation of gasworks in launceston pointing out numerous benefits , cheaper costs of coal gas means of lighting. in 1856 launceston city council engaged scottish-born engineer, william falconer of hobart gas company, prepare plans proposed gasworks.

at public meeting @ cornwall hotel on 18 may 1858, launceston gas company formed. company purchased marshy paddock near cimitier street same year due proximity north esk river in order build new gasworks. machinery england , suitable builders assembled in 1859 horizontal retort buildings completed in 1860. on 5 april 1860, launceston turned on new gas street lighting first time , oil lamps replaced gas.

the main source of gas newcastle coal new south wales. gas extracted heating coal until gas produced. site of gasworks directly opposite tmlr rail yards on willis street convenient delivery of coal. demand coal gas continued grow after duck reach power station commissioned in 1896. in 1932, vertical retort house added site increase productivity. site expanded west in mid 1900s involved removal of wescombe street , historic cottages lined in order make 3rd gasometer , later lpg cylinder yard when site taken on boral , origin energy. in 2007 site sold , 3 gasometers largely dismantled. cylinder yard has been built on new centrelink building , car park additional developments planned take place in future.