BP Australia Complex and Canary Island Palm

The BP Australia complex is of local historic and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Historically, the complex is significant for its associations with the development of BP Australia and demonstrates the importance of Newport and Spotswood during the early to mid twentieth century as one of the major centres of the oil industry in Australia. BP Australia replaced Commonwealth Oil Refineries Co as one of the major players in the Australian oil industry, as part of an international expansion of BP during the postwar period, which was a consequence of the Iranian oil crisis of the early 1950s. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)

Aesthetically, the architectural qualities of the blending tower, in combination with the offices, present an interesting industrial example of the then highly prized glass curtain wall, in this case with no spandrels. This innovative design reflects the modern and progressive aspirations of BP Australia, which was later reflected in their new head offices on St Kilda Road. The setting of the complex is enhanced by the mature Canary Island Palm. (AHC criteria E1 and F1)

Note: Refer also to the citation in this Study for the former BP Australia Newport Terminal tank farm at 39-81 Burleigh Street, Newport

Group

Manufacturing and Processing

Category

Other - Manufacturing & Processing