Albany’s drains to be heritage-listed as a ‘visible and enduring link to history, craftsmanship & development’

Albany’s open-channel stone drains and kerbs are to be heritage-listed because of their significance to the city and to protect them from development.

The drains and kerbs have been part of the city’s landscape since they were constructed in the 1860s to direct stormwater from the streets into the harbour.

Originally built in timber, they were designed to cope with Albany’s hills, but they evolved with the arrival of convicts whose masonry skills — and labour — were used to shape local granite into pitchers and kerbing.

This improved the drains’ durability, and looked much better.

Albany mayor Greg Stocks said the proposed heritage listing came about after a comprehensive review of the local heritage survey and heritage list and reflected the city’s keenness to protect its built history.

“The open channel stone drains and kerbs are a remarkable example of early civic engineering that continues to serve our community more than 160 years later,” he said.

“They are not only functional pieces of infrastructure, but a visible and enduring link to Albany’s history, craftsmanship and development.

“Formal heritage recognition would ensure this legacy is protected by future generations.”

Because it has been used continually, the original infrastructure has been preserved and not replaced with underground systems.

The entire system has been mapped and documented for its listing with the City of Albany hosting drop-in sessions and a display at Albany library for anyone interested in finding out more.

Local historian Malcolm Traill will also conduct guided walks on April 25 and 26.

For more information on the information sessions and the walks, see the City of Albany website at albany.wa.gov.au.