Former Allison Testing Stands Eagle Farm Conservation ...tradecoastcentral.com.au/.../2011/02/2.Former-AllisonTesting-Stands...1942 Stands ... The din was terrific as a row of motors,

Former Allison Testing Stands Eagle Farm Conservation Management Plan

RIDDEL ARCHITECTURE

Former Allison Testing Stands Eagle Farm Conservation Management Plan

August 2006

A Report for the TradeC oast Central Pty Ltd

RIDDEL ARCHITECTURE

7 Diddams Lane Petrie BightPO Box 1267 Fortitude Valley Q 4006

Ph 38314155 Fax 38314150email [email protected]

CONTENTS

Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1

1 Historical overview . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Eagle Farm airport . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2Allison engine testing stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 3

2 The site today . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8The southern open testing beds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Enclosed testing areas . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 8Northern open testing beds . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Auxiliary buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Allison Testing Stands— site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 111942 Stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 121943 enclosed stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 131943 external stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Site of warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16

3 Cultural heritage significance of former Allison Testing Stands . . . 17Statement of significance - Queensland Heritage Register 17Schedule of significant elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 18

4 Conserving the former Allison Testing stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19The Burra Charter . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 19The significance of the site . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Qualified personnel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Materials and method of repair . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Interpretation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Intrusive elements . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21New structures—site of former buildings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21New structures —Enclosed stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Adaptation—1942 open-air stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21View corridor . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 21Options for re-use . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22Endnotes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 24

Appendix . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25Drawings 2006 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25

Illustrations

Figure 2. Plan of Eagle Farm airfield, 1945 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 4Figure 2. Aerial view, Eagle Farm airfield, c. 1943 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Figure 3. Aerial view, Eagle Farm airfield c. 1944. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Figure 4. Allison Testing Stands and staff, c. 1943 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6Figure 5. Site plan - Allison testing stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 10Figure 6. Allison Testing Stands, view from north-west . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Figure 7. Site of former warehouses . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 11Figure 8. 1942 testing stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Figure 9. Detail of one blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Figure 10. Remnant concrete block . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Figure 11. Timber framing on blade . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Figure 12. Detail of I beam . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 12Figure 13. Enclosed stands viewed from east . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Figure 14. Northern stand, view from west . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Figure 15. Southern stand, viewed from west . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Figure 16. Control room, view from west . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Figure 17. Control from, view from east . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Figure 18. Interior of southern stand . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Figure 19. Interior of northern stand, eastern end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 20. Interior of northern stand, western end . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Figure 21. Interior of northern stand with timber framing for sound-proofing . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Figure 22. Northern stand, detail of gantry . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 14Figure 23. Interior of control room located between the two stands . . . . . 14Figure 24. 1943 external stands . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 25. Concrete block to south of control room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Figure 26. Entrance to control room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 27. Foundations of latrines . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 28. Interior of control room . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 29. Concrete block, north of control room. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 15Figure 30. Site of warehouses, view to north-east . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Figure 31. Detail of metal grate over drain, north-west corner of former warehouse . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16Figure 32. Potential for adaptation of Allison testing stands . . . . . . . . . . 23

Allison Testing Stands Conservation Management Plan 1

Introduction

THE FORMER ALLISON TESTING STANDS WERE erected in 1942-43 toprovide facilities for testing one of the most well used engines in theUnited States Air Force.

The site is located within the former Eagle Farm airport. The site is enteredon the Queensland Heritage Register (no 602329).

This report was commissioned by TradeCoast Central Pty Ltd.

Method

This conservation plan uses the method of investigation and analysisestablished by the Australia ICOMOS Charter for Places of Cultural Significance(the Burra Charter).

Brief

The brief required the consultant to undertake the following tasks:

• research and prepare a documentary history of the development ofthe place;

• inspect the place and its setting and examine the physical evidenceof the place;

• ascertain the views of stake holders;• prepare a draft history, statement of cultural heritage significance

and conservation policies for the place; and• prepare a final conservation plan, responding to comments from

the project officer.

The study team

This report was prepared by Thom Blake and Natalie List with assistancefrom David Oliver and Peter Todd. The site was recorded and inspected inJune 2006.


1 Historical overview

In the history of warfare, World War II was a watershed in the use ofaircraft. During World War I, light planes were used but did not play acritical role in the outcome. Major advances in aeronautical technology

during the 1920s and 1930s led to aircraft playing a decisive role in the1939-45 conflict. Following the Japanese bombing of Pearl Harbour inDecember 1941 and the entry of the United States into the conflict,Australia suddenly became directly involved – no longer was the war beingfought on the other side of the world. Australia quickly became the base forthe Allied forces in the Pacific.

Aircraft production was but one of numerous major industries undertakenin Australia during the war. No less important was the repair andmaintenance of aircraft. With the arrival of the USAAF in 1942, facilitiesand procedures were quickly established to overhaul and maintain the ever-increasing numbers of aircraft required in the Pacific campaign. Because ofsecurity threats, the repair and overhaul of aircraft were confined toBrisbane Sydney and Melbourne.1 In Brisbane, the USAAF contractedsome of the work of engine overhaul and repair to firms includingQANTAS, ANA and General Motors Holden.

One of the most widely used engines in the US air fleet was the AllisonV-1710. An in-line, liquid-cooled V-12 engine, it was used in a range offighters including the P-38 Lightning, P-39 Airacobra and P-40 Warhawk.The Allison company was founded by James Allison and built motorvehicle engines and other components. The company was acquired byGeneral Motors in 1935 and subsequently developed the V-1710 engine.

In Brisbane, General Motors Holden established a facility specifically forthe repair and overhaul of Allison engines. The factory was located in threelarge igloos on the banks of Breakfast Creek and next to Sandgate Road.Due to the noise developed when testing the engines, a separate facilityaway from the residential areas was required. The Eagle Farm aerodromewas selected as the most appropriate location for testing overhauled engines

EAGLE FARM AIRPORT

Following the establishment of commercial aviation in Australia in the early1920s, the Commonwealth government acquired land at Eagle Farm for an


airfield. The area was low-lying and had been primarily used for farmingand grazing.

An airstrip and basic facilities including hangers were constructed. The site,however proved to be less than suitable as drainage was a problem, (andstill is today) as well as occasional flooding. Eagle Farm became less utilisedwhen a more suitable airstrip was developed at Archerfield on the southernoutskirts of the city. Facilities were relocated from Eagle Farm and theCommonwealth government then leased the land for grazing and farming.The government had intended to sell the land but prices were low due tothe economic depression.2

The Eagle Farm airfield was re-activated as the late 1930s as the SecondWorld War loomed. The RAAF established a training school at Eagle Farmin late 1939.3

The escalation of the war with the Japanese bombing in December 1941and the entry of the United States into the conflict had a direct impact onthe Eagle Farm site. Suddenly, it became strategically very important as anairfield. Two new sealed runways were constructed by the USAAF as wellas hangers, workshops and other infrastructure. By 1944 more than £500000 had been expended on the Eagle Farm airfield and it had become amajor military air base.

Eagle Farm airfield also became the site for testing stands for the Allisonengine.

ALLISON ENGINE TESTING STANDS

When General Motors Holden were awarded the contract for overhaulingand repairing the Allison engines, facilities were necessary for testing thereconditioned engines. Because of the noise generated by the engines, it wasnot possible to test the engines at Breakfast Creek in the midst of aresidential area. Although it was not necessary to locate the testing standsat an airfield, the Eagle Farm airfield was a convenient location.4

In June 1942 the Eagle Farm airfield was extended when theCommonwealth government compulsorily acquired land immediately to theeast of Schneider Road. This land had been used for farming and part of itwas allocated for the construction of the testing stands.

The first testing stands were erected in October-November 1942 bymembers of the USAAF 81st Air Depot Group. The 81st Air Depot Grouphad responsibility for the assembly and maintenance of aircraft of USaircraft in southern Australia. They were initially located at Tocumwal andAmberley before moving to Eagle Farm in August 1942.5 The 81st AirGroup were responsible for the overhaul of a wide range of componentsincluding tails, fins, landing gear, cabins, tyres and propellers. They reliedheavily on civilian firms such as GMH for the overhaul of engines.

The testing facility comprised six stands and were immediately operating atfull capacity. The testing facility was extended in 1943 with the constructionof two brick-enclosed stands. The enclosed stands were possibly built due


Figure 2. Plan of Eagle Farm airfield, 1945 Key to buildings at Allison Testing Stands77 - existing farm house 78 - testing stands79 - latrines 79A - boiler house80 - warehouse

(Plan M159/7 NAA (vic) 3468 Q/7/318)


to complaints regarding the noise generated by testing the engines. Theoriginal estimated cost of these stands was £3788 for the structures and£6966 for the sound-proofing.6 Latrines were also constructed nearby.Two additional open-air stands were built in 1943. Two large warehouseswere also built near the testing stands, most likely in 1943.

By mid 1943 the testing stands were operating at full capacity. The CourierMail reported on the operations of testing stands in August 1943.

Aero Engine Testing is Noisiest War Job

Yesterday I discovered Queensland’s noisiest war job as I watched the bench testsof powerful aero engines, reconditioned after service in warplanes in the South-West Pacific area.

The din was terrific as a row of motors, mounted in open-air frames roared intolife. The slip-stream from the huge three-bladed propellers whipped up a gale ofhurricane force which sent a piece of heavy hardwood tumbling along the groundlike a straw.

That was the start of a several-hour test designed to discover any imperfections orweaknesses before the reconditioned engines are returned to active service. In thosehours each engine, connected to a remarkable collection of ‘tell-tale’ instruments inan adjoining control room, is subjected to its most exacting examination.

Flashing pilot lights and vibrating needles in a dozen or more gauges give thecontrol room operative a complete picture of the reaction of various vital parts asthe revolutions per minute are gradually stepped up to the full-throttle test.

For the operative the test demands complete concentration. For several hours, inaddition to controlling engine speed, adjusting mixture, and watching oil pressures,he must note and record the story revealed by the ‘tell tale’ gauges—plugtemperatures, magneto reactions, working of filters, radiator temperatures, fuelpressure, and a mass of other detail—on the engine log sheet.

On his report, checked by inspectors, depends whether the engine goes back intoservice or back to the repair plant to be once again completely broken down forminute examination.

To these operatives, and the crews who coax the motors in and out of the testframes with extraordinary skill and efficiency, “Serve in Silence” is not just asecurity slogan. They have no other choice on Queensland’s noisiest war job.7

Keith O’Neill worked for General Motors Holden during the war and spenttime at the Eagle Farm testing facility. In an interview with Val Dennis henoted that because of the noise, the men had to use sign language. Thefacility operated 24 hours per day, seven days per week and was staffed byfive or six Australians and approximately the same number of Americans.He recalled the procedure for testing took hours to complete:


Figure 2. Aerial view, Eagle Farm airfield, c. 1943 (Department of Interior, 528/2)

Figure 3. Aerial view, Eagle Farm airfield c. 1944. Thesecond warehouse and northern extension to external standsare evident in this photograph.(Department of Interior 528/3)


The propeller provided the necessary load. The engines were run in at 6,000 rpm(red line) five minutes. The drum arrangement at the back of the engine may havebeen a silencer. On one rare occasion they had six engines going at once. The sixopen stands faced west. The cabins were for the instruments such as oiltemperature and oil pressure. The cabin was supposed to be sound-proofed.8

The Allison testing stands were used until the latter part of 1944. In April1944 the 81st Air Depot Group relocated to New Guinea and the programof overhauling Allison engines in Brisbane was phased out.9 The RAAFcontinued to occupy the warehouses on the site until at least 1946.

When the Eagle Farm airfield was returned to civilian use after the war, theAllison testing stands were simply left standing. The warehouses were laterdemolished. Part of the northen enclosed testing stand was partially infilledwith two concrete block walls for a storage area. This work possibly wasundertaken in the 1960s.

Figure 4. Allison TestingStands and staff, c. 1943(<http://home.st.net.au/~dunn/civilian/allisonigloos.htm>)


2 The site today

The Allison Testing Beds site can be divided into four distinct areas. Theseare the southern open testing beds, the enclosed testing areas, the northernopen testing beds and the remnants of auxiliary buildings.

THE SOUTHERN OPEN TESTING BEDS

These testing beds comprise a raised concrete platform with 5 bladesenclosing 4 testing areas, and 1 additional testing area at ground level at thesouthernmost end. There is evidence of a monorail that ran along thewestern side of the blades. On the concrete platform are remnant metal I-beams and other metal forms cut off flush with the platform. Troughs andkerbs provide additional definition of the working areas. Asphalt betweenthe blades is possibly evidence of working motors.

ENCLOSED TESTING AREAS

The enclosed testing areas are the most prominent structures on the siteand comprise two large mirror-reversed brick and concrete buildings,connected with a small brick motor room. Metalwork embedded in thefloor indicate the placement of the testing gear. In both buildings the smallpedestrian doors have been partially infilled with concrete (with evidencethat the original doors were used as formwork). Externally the buildingsfeature large concrete ribs on the roof which are not consistent in spacing.

In the southern building the large opening on the northern wall still has theoriginal transom and some of the framing.

The northern building has been somewhat modified with the infilling of thewestern opening and the addition of an internal wall. Both are of modernconcrete blocks with small louvred windows and the western opening isaccessed through a modern roller door. Recently the remnant sound-proofing in this enclosed space (consisting of perforated metal sheeting andasbestos fibres) was removed for health and safety reasons; however thefixings remain in both buildings. The large opening on the southern wallhas also been infilled with concrete.


NORTHERN OPEN TESTING BEDS

Two additional testing beds were provided on the northern side of theenclosed buildings. They are in a different configuration to the southernbeds with the machinery sitting on individual pads on either side of aconcrete motor room. A single blade remains, the other is lying a littledistance from where it originally stood. A trough of four basins sits to theeast of the testing area.

AUXILIARY BUILDINGS

The footings and concrete slabs for two auxiliary buildings are located tothe north of the site. They sit at a sightly different axis than the testing beds.The structural metal I-beams for the larger northern building have been cutoff at ground level.

Over the site some of the original concrete roads and path-ways remain,often with kerbs and gutters, and help to define the original circulationspattern on the site.


Figure 5. Site plan - Allisontesting stands


ALLISON TESTING STANDS— SITE

Figure 6. Allison Testing Stands, view from north-west

Figure 7. Site of former warehouses


1942 STANDS

Figure 8. 1942 testing stands Six concreteblades remain of the original stands.

Figure 9. Detail of one blade Figure 10. Remnant concrete block It is uncertain as tothe origins and function of this block.

Figure 11. Timber framing on blade Figure 12. Detail of I beam


1943 ENCLOSED STANDS

Figure 13. Enclosed stands viewed from east

Figure 14. Northern stand, view from west Figure 15. Southern stand, viewed from west

Figure 16. Control room, view from west Figure 17. Control from, view from east


Figure 18. Interior of southern stand Figure 19. Interior of northern stand,eastern end

Figure 20. Interior of northernstand, western end

Figure 21. Interior of northern stand with timberframing for sound-proofing

Figure 22. Northern stand, detail ofgantry

Figure 23. Interior of control room locatedbetween the two stands


1943 EXTERNAL STANDS

Figure 24. 1943 external stands Figure 25. Concrete block to south ofcontrol room

Figure 26. Entrance to control room Figure 27. Foundations of latrines

Figure 28. Interior of control room Figure 29. Concrete block, north of controlroom. The concrete block in the background ispart of a blade that was demolished.


SITE OF WAREHOUSES

Figure 30. Site of warehouses, view to north-east

Figure 31. Detail of metal grate over drain,north-west corner of former warehouse


3 Cultural heritage significance of formerAllison Testing Stands

The Allison Testing Stands are recognised as a site building of culturalheritage significance. The site is entered on the Queensland HeritageRegister and demonstrates an aspect of aircraft maintenance in

Brisbane during World War II.

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE - QUEENSLAND HERITAGE REGISTER

The entry in the Queensland Heritage Register contains the followingstatement of significance:

The Allison Testing Stands site is important in demonstrating the evolutionor pattern of Queensland’s history, in particular the period of rapidmobilization of available resources in Queensland in 1942–43 for the Pacifictheatre of war during the Second World War.

The site demonstrates rare aspects of Queensland’s history. Until the massoverhaul of engines during the Second World War necessitated fixed testingsites, the task of engine testing was a mobile activity. Of the two fixed testingfacilities constructed in Brisbane during the war, only this site, whichincorporates three different designs of testing stand, has survived.

Because of its position in the aero engine overhaul process, the Allison TestingStands site has a special association with the group of Queensland civilianswhose labour for the Aircraft Production Commission contributed to the wareffort. Most had no previous experience with the engineering aspects of aircraftengine overhaul.


SCHEDULE OF SIGNIFICANT ELEMENTS

All aspects of the site are highly significant with the exception of someintrusive elements .

Intrusive elements

Vegetation between enclosed testing stands

Concrete block walls in northern enclosed testingstand

Large unfixed concrete pipes

Later infill doors in enclosed stands


Terms of the Burra Charter

Conservation means all theprocesses of looking after a placeso as to retain its culturalsignificance. It includesmaintenance and may accordingto circumstance include,preservation, restoration,reconstruction and adaptation.

Fabric means all the physicalmaterial of a place.

Restoration means returning theexisting fabric of place to a knownearlier state by removingaccretions or by reassemblingcomponents without theintroduction of new material.

Preservation means maintainingthe fabric of a place in its existingstate and retarding deterioration.

Reconstruction means returning aplace as nearly as possible to aknown earlier state and isdistinguished by the introductionof materials (new or old) into thefabric.

Adaptation means modifying aplace to suit proposed compatibleuses.

4 Conserving the former Allison Testingstands

THE FORMER ALLISON TESTING STANDS are an important part of thecultural heritage of Queensland. They demonstrate the important rolegiven to aircraft maintenance during World War II

This chapter presents policies for conserving the site while providing for itsadaptation.

THE BURRA CHARTER

The Burra Charter is the short name for a document entitled Charter for theconservation of places of cultural significance. This document was prepared byAustralia ICOMOS (the Australia National Committee of the InternationalCouncil on Monuments and Sites) to guide how places of cultural significanceshould be cared for. The charter spells out the processes and principles ofconservation, rather than rigid rules. It emphasises the importance of a logicaland disciplined approached to conservation.

The basic principles in the Charter are:

• the place itself is important• understand the significance of the place• understand the fabric• significance should guide decisions• do as much as necessary, as little as possible• keep records• do everything in a logical order.

This conservation plan is part of the process and the above principles shouldform the basis for the ongoing management of the site.

Policy 1: Burra CharterThat the conservation and management of the former Allison Testing standsshould be undertaken in accordance with the principles of the AustraliaICOMOS Charter for the Conservation of Places of Cultural HeritageSignificance.


THE SIGNIFICANCE OF THE SITE

As discussed in the previous chapter, the site is significant for various reasons.It is important not simply to recognise or acknowledge that the place issignificant but that action should be taken to maintain its significance.

Policy 2: Maintaining the significance of the building The significance of the former Allison Testing Stands should be maintained andenhanced in any adaptation or change of use by ensuring:• that the significant elements are conserved in accordance with the Burra

Charter;• that any development on and adjacent does not diminish the significance

of the place.

QUALIFIED PERSONNEL

The repair of significant fabric frequently demands specialist skills andexperience. Work to fabric that is not appropriate could result in damage, andcreate greater problems in the long term. Equally important, the design ofnew elements requires special skills to ensure compatibility and that they aredistinct from the earlier fabric.

Policy 3: Qualified personnelAny documentation and repairs of historic fabric should be undertaken by personswith relevant experience and skills.

The design and documentation of any work to significant buildings should beundertaken by a suitably qualified heritage architect skilled in providing adaptivere–use solutions for sites of cultural heritage significance.

Any new work on buildings adjacent to significant buildings should be reviewedby a suitably qualified heritage architect.

MATERIALS AND METHOD OF REPAIR

In the repair of the building, the use of correct materials is important notmerely to retain the significance of the place, but is usually the most costeffective in the long term. The use of inappropriate materials and incorrectmethods of repair can result in irreversible damage to fabric and additionalexpense.

Policy 4: Specification of materials and methods of repair When materials are required for repair to significant fabric, they should be thesame or similar to that used in the construction of the various structures andelements. Original specifications should be used where possible and expert adviceshould be sought as to the methods of repair.

INTERPRETATION

An important part of the conservation process is interpreting the site to usersand visitors. The form of interpretation could be achieved by thebooklet/pamphlet or interpretive panels examining the history of the buildingand its significance.


Policy 5: InterpretationThe history and significance of the site should be made readily accessible inappropriate forms to the public. The preferred approach would be interpretativepanels located at appropriate locations throughout the site.f

INTRUSIVE ELEMENTS

The site contains various intrusive elements that detract from its significanceand also

Policy 6: Intrusive elementsIntrusive elements on the site as identified in the schedule on p. 18 should beremoved as they detract from the significance of the place. Vegetation removalshould be given an immediate priority.

NEW STRUCTURES—SITE OF FORMER BUILDINGS

Policy 7: New structures—site of former buildings New buildings may be erected on the footprint of the former buildings providedthat:• the form is similar to the former buildings; • the height does not exede that of the existing enclosed stands which are 7

m high; • they do not mimic or attempt to be a facsimile of the former buildings.

NEW STRUCTURES —ENCLOSED STANDS

Policy 8: New structures— enclosed standsNew structures may be erected within the enclosed testing stands provided that:• the new work is clearly distinguished from the original; • it is free-standing within the enclosure; • the tube-like simplicity of the structure remains manifest;• the existing timber framing (for sound-proofing) should be re-clad with

perforated metal to match original sound attenuation and used toaccommodate any service requirements. .

ADAPTATION—1942 OPEN-AIR STANDS

Policy 9: Adaptation—1942 open air standsThe 1942 open air stands could be adapted as supporting structures for light-weight frames, provided the platform and blades remain clearly expressed.

VIEW CORRIDOR

With re-development of the site, the connection to Hanger 7 could beobscured or diminished. Although the testing stands and Hanger 7 were notdirectly related in terms of use, both structures relate to the period ofdevelopment of the airfield during World War II. Proposals developed byCox Rayner highlight the value of this view corridor and as well viewsthrough the axis of the enclosed testing stands.

Policy 10: View corridorsA view corridor to Hanger 7 should be retained. The potential of maintaining the


views through the enclosed stands should be considered in any in-fill developmentof the site.

OPTIONS FOR RE-USE

With the redevelopment of the Eagle Farm airport, a critical issue is whatoptions can be considered in terms of conserving the Allison testing stands.The surrounding land is to be developed as an industrial estate with parklandin the immediate vicinity. Three main options can be considered.

• leave as is—a ruin and provide some interpretation (Minimalistapproach)

• use the structures and site to accommodate a military/aviationmuseum (Museum)

• adapt the site with infill structures (Adaptation).

Minimalist option

This option would involve leaving the site as is and only making it secure andsafe. Interpretation would be desirable at suitable locations around the site toinform visitors of the former use.

Museum

The site could be adapted to accommodate a military/aviation museum.Initially this would appear to be a suitable use for the site given theassociation with the aviation industry and World War II. This approach,however, is not preferred as it would confuse an understanding as to thepurpose of the testing stands.

Adaptation with infill buildings

A third option is to develop the site with infill buildings. The footprint of theformer warehouses could be used for new buildings of a similar scale andform. Additional infill buildings could be erected with the enclosed stands.Any structures would need to be free-standing and clearly contemporary indesign. A suggested approach is outlined on the following page.

Interpretation of the former use would also be part of this approach.


Figure 32. Potential foradaptation of Allison testingstands


1. SJ Butlin, CB Schedvin, War economy, 1942-1945, Australian War Memorial,Canberra. 1977, p. 415.

2. Val Dennis has examined in detail the rationale for the establishment ofEagle Farm, in ‘Inventing the Australian Airport System: Eagle FarmAerodrome 1922-30, in University of Queensland Historical Proceedings, No 14, 2003,pps, 57-74.

3. Allom Lovell Architects, The Former Brisbane Airport, Eagle Farm, a conservationplan for the Department of Finance and Administration, 2000,

4. The history and references to the Allison testing stands are based onsubstantial notes and references complied by Val Dennis for the EnvironmentalProtection Agency, ‘Allison Testing stands (file no 602329).

5. V Condie, There will never be another 81st ,WR Smith and Paterson, Brisbane.

6. Dennis notes, 2 June 1943.

7. Courier Mail, 13 August 1943.

8. Keith O’Neill, interview with Val Dennis, 27 March 2003. Noted in ‘AllisonTesting Stands EPA file 602329.

9. Dennis notes, 28 December 1944.

ENDNOTES

Abbreviations


Appendix

DRAWINGS 2006

Documents

Former Allison Testing Stands Eagle Farm Conservation ...tradecoastcentral.com.au/.../2011/02/2.Former-AllisonTesting-Stands...1942 Stands ... The din was terrific as a row of motors,