Remains of the Waterworks building Structure in the Peak Area [1897- ]

Submitted by ChenQiao on Tue, 03/16/2021 - 17:22
Current condition
Ruin
Date completed
(Day is approximate.)

Came across this abandoned house. Not sure but heard from some local visitors that this was previously a dormitory of the Water Supplies Department.

(Date Place completed is a placeholder and meaningless)

Updated: Please refer to  Qatric and David's comment. This is the well-documented remains of the Waterworks building built over a century ago.

Lateral Profile.

Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-lateral.jpg
Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-lateral.jpg, by Chen QIAO

Position for holding a badge on the wall?

Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-Shield.jpg
Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-Shield.jpg, by Chen QIAO

Side back view

Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-back.jpg
Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-back.jpg, by Chen QIAO

 

Back and roof

Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-roof.jpg
Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-roof.jpg, by Chen QIAO

Front

Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-front.jpg
Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-front.jpg, by Chen QIAO

Stone pillar where the main entrance was?

Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-stone pillar.jpg
Abandoned Dormitory of Water Supplies Department on Vitoria Peak Close to Radio Station Office-stone pillar.jpg, by Chen QIAO

Photos that show this Place

Comments

The completion of the project is mentioned in item 47.iv of the PWD's Annual report for 1897:

(iv). Peak Service Reservoir:- This work was completed early in December. Hitherto the Hill District has been supplied from small iron tanks which only contained about one day's supply and, in the event of any serious breakdown of the pumping machinery or main, the whole district would have been deprived of water, other than that obtainable from wells, until the necessary repairs could be effected. The service reservoir now completed is capable of containing 409,000 gallons, equal to about 10 days supply for the present population. It is situated a little way below the Peak Signal Station, top water level being 1,751 feet above sea level, is covered over and is almost entirely below ground level. Cement concrete has been largely used in its construction, the walls being faced with rubble masonry, (for which an abundant supply of stone was obtained on the site), and the roof formed of brick arching built in cement mortar. Quarters for an inspector have been constructed near the reservoir, and communication by telephone has been established with the Government system. 

Came across this rather odd looking structure on a dirt track in the vicinity of the Staff Quarters of the Peak Service Reservoir. It's not exactly within the staff compound though - it kind of stands alone in solitude on a patch of land sitting below the quarters. Chanced upon it on my way back to the Mt Austin meter parking area. Is it some kind of burner or incinerator?