Saturday 1 June 2013

Dawes Point, ablutions block (Theme Day: The Beauty of Decay)

This sandstone building is located along Hickson Road, opposite the wharves at Walsh Bay, in the inner city suburb of Dawes Point. Although I'm not exactly sure what its original purpose was, I think it must have been an ablutions block, where wharf labourers could clean up after their day's work. The architectural design is very similar to a former ablutions block which is down the road at Millers Point, now used as a cafe which can be seen here. This building could possibly be waiting to also be converted into a trendy cafe with outdoor seating someday.
Click here to view thumbnails for all participants of this theme day

37 comments:

  1. Excellent find for the theme Jim.. Wonder if it'll be a cafe by the time I get there later in the year :)

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  2. I do like the little windows in the roof, Jim.

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  3. A developer will probably want to put a high rise there

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    1. It's on a very small piece of land between the road, a stairway and a sandstone wall so hopefully that precludes it from being redeveloped into a high rise. I can't find a heritage listing for it but I hope there is one.

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  4. could be converted into something wonderful, great find.
    Happy Theme Day..

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  5. Wonderful choice for this month's theme.

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  6. Yes I can see little round tables and chairs nestled in against this quaint old building.

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  7. Cool! An Aussie Scenic Public toilet I haven't been to yet!!! I hope it's NOT updated!!

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  8. They'd have to clean it up a lot to convert it to a cafe

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  9. Does the world really need one more trendy cafe? I really like this as it is...

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    1. That's probably why it hasn't happened yet. There are actually quite a few restaurants and cafes in this area already.

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  10. Depending on its location, I think this could be restored quite nicely into a cafe or shop. The bars on the windows make me wonder about its original purpose also. So much history behind decay!

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  11. It could be restored into a number of things, if there are already cafés and restaurants, why not an art gallery?

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    1. Maybe but it's not very big though. A cafe could utilise outdoor seating.

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  12. Its a cafe now? seemed abandoned to me...

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    1. It is abandoned but a similar block down the road has become a cafe. You can see it by clicking the link in my post.

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  13. Sure will be lovely to see it as a cafe!

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  14. I could also see it transformed. A cafe would be nice. Wonder what the inside is like. Good theme day post.

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  15. This is great!! I always wonder what stories the walls of these places might tell!! Would be grea converted into a trendy café!!

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  16. Love the building and they did a nice job converting the other one into a cafe. Hoping this one has a chance to be as lovingly restored.

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  17. I'd say this has held up rather well in spite of being abandoned. That's what I love about stone buildings...they are just timeless...no matter their condition.

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  18. Its an excellent find, is a promising spot and a great idea for turning decay in something trending, the architecture is very interesting!

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  19. Well it has possibilities for a cafe. We'll see. :)
    V

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  20. You’ve made a great Theme Day post. I'm glad you picked this for today. Thanks for the informative text and the link. I think you've discovered the building's original use.

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  21. A cafe is probably the only thing it could become. Everybody likes good coffee.

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  22. Love the word "ablutions." Such an interesting history. Like your other readers, I certainly hope it's repurposed.

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  23. Great theme day post, nice stonework - and wonderful speculations...

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  24. I'm sure it could be converted into a cafe and do well.

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  25. It does look like the one on your link! Wonderful find.

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  26. Looks wonderful! I just love sandstone to climb on, but we do not have them here in nort..:-)

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  27. Oh no, not another cafe! Reopen the toilets.

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  28. Quite a sturdy looking building! And I learned again a new word of English ;) I hope it'll be opened again as a public toilet, I think it would be a success in the middle of all the cafés :)

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  29. ablution is a new word for me too! :)

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  30. I hope if the building is repurposed, that water would be on the menu ;-)
    Great choice!

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