Trenerry Crescent, Dights Falls, Abbotsford, Melbourne
client Parks Victoria
The site of John Dight's water-powered flour mill
by the River Yarra in Melbourne is one of the most important early industrial archaeological locations in Victoria. In conjunction with archaeologists Fiona Weaver and Leah MacKenzie, we undertook conservation analysis and prepared a conservation policy to govern excavation work and adaptation to suit public recreational use.
Originally constructed red brick, the mill was enlarged c1857 using bluestone. It was sold in 1888 and the mill and water race channel rebuilt. Most of the complex was destroyed by fire in 1909. Surviving structures include the remains of the 1888 brick turbine house. Conservation work included excavation of the orginal head race and tail race and the reintroduction of flowing river water. We also constructed new sluice gates, conserved the turbines, introduced interpretative signage, improved accessibility and completed landscaping works.
constructed early 1840s, enlarged c1857, rebuilt 1888
victorian heritage register H 1522
Dights Mill site Abbotsford: landscape concept plan
Allom Lovell & Associates, Chris Dance Land Design Pty Ltd
August 1995 : landscape study
Former Dight's Mill, Collingwood: development plan
Allom Lovell & Associates
September 1994 : report
Report on the exploratory excavation works at Dight's Mill Collingwood
Allom Lovell & Associates
November 1993 : archaeological survey
Melbourne Water Geotechnical Investigation:
Proposed fish passage, Dight's Falls, Abbotsford
Coffey Partners International
May 1993 : report
Former Dight's Mill: conservation analysis
Allom Lovell & Associates
March 1993 : conservation analysis
OTHER PROJECTS INCLUDE
Australian Defence Industries sites
CSR Refinery, Yarraville
Explosives Factory site, Maribynong
Former Hoffman Brickworks, Brunswick
Former John Darling Flour Mill, Sunshine
Prince Alfred Graving Dock, Williamstown Dockyards
Richmond Maltings
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