The Maltings
 Picture of Malthouse 3 | |
| Alternative names | The Maltings |
|---|---|
| General information | |
| Town or city | Mittagong |
| Country | Australia |
| Coordinates | 34°26′54″S 150°27′31″E / 34.4482°S 150.4587°ECoordinates: 34°26′54″S 150°27′31″E / 34.4482°S 150.4587°E |
| Elevation | 632m |
| Construction started | 30 Jan 1899 |
| Completed | Aug 1899 |
| Cost | £8,496 tender |
| Owner | Malting Company of New South Wales (Limited) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect | Mr. Timothy T. Connor - 1913 expansion[1] |
| Main contractor | Stuart Brothers of Sydney |
Located at the North end of Mittagong town
Preface
The Mittagong Maltings was a large 3 malthouse complex first established in 1899 by the Malting Company of NSW to supply malt to the Breweries throughout the state. [2]
Location
Just North East of the current Mittagong railway station, the large imposing buildings were established next to the Main Southern Railway and Nattai Creek.
Early times
A vacant area of the vast Oaklands Estate was acquired in 1898 by the Malting Company of NSW. In 1899 an imposing yet dignified malthouse was constructed between the railway line and Nattai Creek. Over the following 18 years, two additional malthouses, storage silos, workshops and a manager's house were constructed. The first malthouse was completed in 1899 and started operation in August of that year. In 1905 the Malting Company of NSW accepted an offer from Tooth & Co to purchase the Mittagong Maltings and the original company was wound up. In 1906 Tooth & Co constructed a second malthouse that was located to the north of the first malthouse and was a reverse image, this was completed in 1906. The third malthouse located across Natai creek from the other two started operating in 1916.
Later
From 1916 until 1942 the three malthouses were more or less in continuous production with additional ancillary buildings erected and improvements in amenities provided. A light rail and pedestrian bridge was provided as a crossing point over the Nattai creek to link Malthouse No1&2 with No3. Malthouse 1&2 were extensively damaged by fire in 1942. Production ceased in Malthouse 1 for over a year and Malthouse 2 for a decade. Malthouse 3 continued production throughout this time. Malthouse 1 was temporally repaired over the following 12 months and fuller repairs were made over the following years. Mslthouse 2 was completely rebuilt and did not return to active production until 1953. Another fire in 1969 closed down Malthouse 1 permanently with all internal structure's removed. Production in Malthouse 2 & 3 continued until 1980 when a fire burnt out the silo and kiln roof section of Malthouse 3 in 1980. With hard time's being felt by tooth & co and the easily availability of subcontracting malters Tooth & Co decided to close the Mittagong maltings and placed all holding up for sale in 1981
There was a temporary closure in 1948 due to weather conditions. [7]
Further reading
McColgan, John (1995). Southern Highlands Story. pp. 75–76,80,115–144. ISBN 9780646261751.
Else-Mitchell, R. (1981). Early Industries in the Mittagong District. Berrima District Historical Society. ISBN 0-9598208-7-6.