The Great Tank

When you next have 24 hours in Sydney, why not visit a local giant for your best day ever in Sydney

Located within the leafy inner west suburb of Drummoyne is a reminder of days gone past. This imposing tank is the Drummoyne Reservoir which was owned by Sydney Water. Its sale of $3.75 to a mystery buyer added even more intrigue to its history. It was soon revealed the buyer wants to turn the tank and the site into a childcare centre.

The local landmark was constructed between 1910 and 1914 making it over 100 years old. It supplied water to Drummoyne, Russell Lea and Five Dock for over 50 years, until 1965. It was finally disconnected from the main water system in 1994.

It dominates the Drummoyne skyline, standing approximately 12m tall and 25m wide on top of a concrete slab. The slab is supported by sixteen concrete pillars which are separated by impressive archways. It is accompanied by an ornamental tower on the south east side of the tank, the only one of its kind remaining in Sydney.

The tank has been listed on the State Heritage Inventory and in the NSW State Heritage Register. Its real estate sale caused controversy in many quarters including with the local council. City of Canada Bay lobbied Sydney Water to hand the site over to the community for repurposing into a public space. However, being aware of the value of prime inner-city land like this you can understand the economics behind the sale. #yougottaloveSydney

IMAGE CREDIT: Sydney Water/Water NSW