Historic Hercules Flat water tower to be restored

Heritage project ... Teviot Valley Heritage Society chairman John Rowley is flanked by the historic Hercules Flat water tank, which is soon to be restored. Photo / Pam Jones

Back in the day, it provided water for steam trains that transported produce from Teviot Valley farms and orchards.

But the historic water tower at Hercules Flat then became derelict, and would probably only last "about another five years" if nothing was done to it, Teviot Valley Heritage Society chairman John Rowley says.

Recent news of a $30,000 grant from the Central Lakes Trust towards the restoration of the water tower was therefore "very good news", and the restoration would start in about two months and be finished by Christmas, Mr Rowley said.

The water tower, which is on Teviot Rd, the "back" road between Roxburgh and Millers Flat, was built in 1928 and ceased to be used in 1968.

It would cost about $49,000 to restore the water tower, Mr Rowley said. Breen Construction would do the restoration, and Roxburgh man Darcy Warren was going to paint it "railway red", and would donate some of his time for the project.

Mr Rowley said about $44,000 had been raised from grants and donations, and the remainder required would be underwritten by the Teviot Valley Heritage Society. It would probably use its reserves for the final contribution, but would possibly recoup some of that from any further fundraising or donations.

The water tower was on private land owned by Hercules Flat resident Molly Parker and the project had Mrs Parker's "blessing", Mr Rowley said.

An easement had been arranged to provide foot access to the water tower for visitors, and an information panel would be erected along the fenceline in front of the water tower.