Albury Pumphouse, Albury City Council
A regional cultural infrastructure project supported by Create NSW and other partners.
Project at a glance
A disused 19th Century brick pumphouse, once an important piece of industrial architecture for the supply of water and electricity in the Murray River region, has been transformed to become an exciting new space for arts and cultural practitioners in the Riverina.
With funding from Create NSW’s Regional Cultural Fund, this forgotten industrial relic has been given new life and new purpose as a vibrant creative facility for the community.
The Pumphouse has been designed and fit out to foster a thriving creative community, through a cooperative model that supports regional artisans and makers to access specialised equipment. The vision is for the space to generate a range of cultural, educational, entrepreneurial and experience tourism outcomes by local artists, schools and micro-business owners when activation commences.
The Pumphouse Maker Space project is one project of three components funded by the NSW Government Regional Cultural Fund. The total grant allocated to the projects was $1.3 million.
The Loves Residence, now known as ‘GreenHouse: National Artist Residency’ and the Curator’s Cottage renovation projects were complete in 2021.
Special features
The redevelopment of Albury’s historic pumphouse transformed it into a mecca for artists and creators. The Pumphouse Project provides access to professional equipment and studio spaces for artists to not only create work but to connect and innovate.
The project encompassed extensive demolition and civil works, including capping off historical stormwater assets and installing new underground services.
Special attention was given to the remediation of the historical building, including updated flooring and roof as well as compliant. The outbuilding was repurposed into a ceramics kiln room, and a thoughtfully designed extension to provide modern amenities, including an office space, a lunchroom and toilets, harmoniously integrates with the original structure.
The space has been renovated and extended by an additional 55m2 to allow for office space, a lunch room and toilet facilities.
Situated just 70 metres from the Murray River the Pumphouse was originally built in 1884 to facilitate water supply to the region. It is a classic example of late 19th century industrial architecture, and remnants of its history as a functioning pumping station are still present to this day.
Who it is for
The Pumphouse makerspace and artist workshop is for the artist and creative community of Albury, visitors to the area, students and the wider community.
Equipped with the tools and machinery required across three mediums – such as ceramics, fibre art, and fine arts – this space will become a hub for artists and makers who are keen to collaborate and learn new creative skills.
The establishment of a well-equipped maker space will:
- Establish a network of artisans and makers that promotes and supports collaboration across diverse art forms,
- Provide local artisans, makers and micro-business owners with an affordable option for the use of specialised equipment.
Who is involved
The project was proudly funded by the NSW Government and Albury Council.
Awards and milestones
The project won the (2024) Excellence in Building Award for Restoration of an Historic Building - NSW Master Builders Association.
Albury City Council recruited a Pumphouse Manager and shortly expressions interest will open for Creatives to populate the space as members.