Water Tower (Invercargill)

Water Tower, Invercargill Overview

Invercargill is an iconic, picturesque ornate red-brick water tower located in the southwestern part of New Zealand. It was constructed during 1888-1889 and stood 31.5 meters high. Built with about 300,000 bricks, the inside being steelwork, it’s a beautiful water tower with large overlooking windows. Hugh Mair and Matthew created it. It remains one of the remarkable and outstanding industrial monuments built in the country.

Invercargill was constructed during 1888-1889 and stood 31.5 meters high. Built with about 300,000 bricks, the inside being steelwork, it's a beautiful water tower with large overlooking windows. One can see the sunrise red and misty behind the Water Tower.
However, due to its structural weakness, visitors cannot enter the tower's interiors. So you may have to contend yourself with expansive views and pictures. Nevertheless, the structure is still an essential source of water for all the residents of Invercargill.

History

According to history, during the 19th century, New Zealand suffered many great fires and threatened the towns during summer in view of buildings being made of wood. Many a time the local authorities found it very hard to store and supply adequate pressurized water to contain fires.

In the late 1880s, the Invercargill council decided to build a water tower on a land that was part of the green belt. While Invercargill is built on almost entirely flat land, the highest point had been designated as reserve land with consequent protection against development.

The residents, although agreed to have the tower did not concur to have it built on the town belt. Hence architect-engineer William Sharp who was commissioned to work on the tower had to keep these aspects in mind while designing the tower.

Thus the foundation-laying ceremony on 18 December 1888 and the Water Tower was built with a steel tank and enveloped them with an elaborate brick tower to avoid criticism.