What seems to be a normal water tower on Archibald’s Hill in Paddington is actually registered in the Queensland Heritage Register.
Overlooking the suburb, one cannot miss this imposing structure. Built in 1927 by the Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board, the tower is supported by 12 columns and octagonal grids of haunched beams that make for its unique design. With its structure, it’s safe to assume that this may be the only one of its type in the whole of Queensland. Standing 70 feet tall, it can carry 100,000 gallons whilst the water level is at 335 feet.
Back in the day, the tower was considered to be the most expensive single structure to have been made. It has had its share of popular neighbours such as Sir Arthur Rutledge, a Queensland politician who lived in the street. Police Commissioner Terry Lewis also once lived next to the tower at 12 Garfield Drive.
If you want to see it up close, you can do so from Garfield Drive while views of the tower can also be seen from Rockbourne Terrace and Latrobe Terrace.
he water tower is no longer functional but one should not miss a walk around it to take in its rare beauty while recalling a little bit of its history.