General News
11 December, 2023
Bristol Hill Tower reopens to the public following extensive restoration project
More than two years since it was closed to the public, Maryborough’s iconic Bristol Hill Tower has now officially re-opened and with more than just a fresh coat of paint, it is certainly something to behold. The tower was closed to the public in...
More than two years since it was closed to the public, Maryborough’s iconic Bristol Hill Tower has now officially re-opened and with more than just a fresh coat of paint, it is certainly something to behold.
The tower was closed to the public in July 2021 following a spate of vandalism and concerns around its structural integrity, with the tower becoming increasingly neglected as a result.
However, for the past four months local builder Daryl Maffescioni has overseen the more than $100,000 project to restore the tower — with the end result something he is incredibly proud of.
“The tower was put here by people from Maryborough, for people of Maryborough to enjoy,” he said.
“I’ve got a family connection to the tower, a great uncle of mine bought the Maryborough Gaol when it closed in about the 1930s and he donated the steps and bricks from it to be used in the tower.
“It’s one of those things I thought I had to see through before I leave the planet and it really is terrific to see the tower up and living again.
“All the works were done by local builders and I would personally like to thank them all, we wouldn’t be at this stage without their efforts.”
The tower has been washed, re-rendered and painted, with new rails and mesh fencing installed. Repairs were also undertaken on the stairs, honour stones and plaques, which are now legible and feature words from Australian poet and writer Henry Lawson.
The 15-metre tall structure was built in 1933 during the Great Depression to immortalise Maryborough’s founders and pioneers, with the tower offering a unique panoramic view over Maryborough and surrounds.
A gate has been installed on the tower’s first level and will be locked at night in a bid to deter anti-social behaviour and vandalism, with the tower to be fully accessible from sunrise to sunset.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said it was a great outcome for the community to have the tower open once again.
“The Bristol Hill Pioneer Memorial Tower is an iconic Maryborough landmark,” she said.
“I’m thrilled that it has now been restored by a local builder and will be open for the community to enjoy.”
While the tower was closed, a number of residents came forward to form the Friends of Bristol Hill group — advocating to government for support in restoring the tower, and conducting working bees to maintain the land surrounding the tower.
According to the government, conversations are ongoing with members of the community to manage the tower’s function.
Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said the refreshed Bristol Hill Tower is again a beacon for locals and visitors alike, promoting health and wellbeing and bringing the economic benefits of increased tourism to the area.
“We’re incredibly proud to see the community and visitors in Maryborough enjoying the tower’s history, surrounding bush walks and grand views for many years to come,” Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos said.
