Took Juno for a lap around the security fence at The Old Canberra Brickworks. Even though it was clear the fence had been breached in several places, and even though I would have dearly liked to sneak in and take some photos of the old kilns and building interiors, the presence of security cameras and trespass signs made this a decidedly unwise decision.

“In 1910 a local brickworks was deemed necessary to provide bricks for the new national capital. Good quality shale was available on Frederick Campbell’s property “Yarralumla”, and in 1912 he gave permission for about 38 acres to be used. Four temporary kilns were set up in 1914 to make the bricks for the permanent kiln, a Staffordshire type built on site from plans sent from England. Walter Burley Griffin imposed a height limit on the chimney, resulting in a unique variation in design. A later chimney was built to standard height and is now a landmark. The kiln was constructed so as to produce not only bricks but also roof tiles and terracotta pipes.” — Libraries ACT.

This is such a beautiful location and I remember some years ago (actually..many years ago) that it was used as a local market with stallholders setting up in the giant bricked kiln archways. It has been sitting derelict and out of bounds for a long time. The potential for developing the site into a community space is staggering. I can envision art and craft markets back in the kilns and the buildings reborn as art and performance spaces. The grounds are quite extensive (16 hectares), perfect for live music and cafes on a Sunday afternoon.

Unfortunately, this is not to be.
I see that the space has been sold to a large private developer. Their glossy website informs us that it will be transmogrified into a high-end living complex with “380 dwellings, consisting of a mix of houses, townhouses, terraces and apartments”. It is also planned to contain an underground car park, offices, retail spaces, restaurants and cafes (see here and here).

A wasted opportunity sold to the private sector to be developed into yet more upmarket-urban blah.
Gold spun into beige.