I had been eyeing off this crazy giant shed ever since I moved to the Wimmera. All atempts to get inside to photograph had ended in failure though.
On the 7th of May, I attended the first open day for the Murtoa 'Stick Shed'
This amazing historic structure recently began the long-overdue process of renovation and was opened to the public for the first time.
Although from the outside it looks like just a large dull dilapidated structure, from the inside you can appreciate its vast cathedral-like feel.
Many people who had been staunch 'knock it down-ers' came out as supporters of its preservation after a walk through the interior.
My 5x4" camera attracted the attention of the supervising architect and I was able to tee-up a second, private shoot 3 weeks later. A few pics attached.
More details below:
The Marmalake/Murtoa Grain Store was constructed in 1941 as a solution for grain
storage during the World War II wheat glut, when exports were restricted.
Work commenced on 25 September 1941 and the store was ready to receive wheat in
January 1942. Immense in size, the Murtoa Stick Shed spans the length of five Olympic swimming pools and has been dubbed the ‘Cathedral of the Wimmera.’
Constructed from 560 unmilled poles or ‘sticks’ (56 rows of 10) to support the
corrugated iron roof of the shed, it was soon dubbed the ‘Stick Shed’. The shed is
about 270 metres long, 60 metres wide and about 19 metres high along the ridge.
The roof and walls are of corrugated iron painted ferric red, the floor is of concrete
and a three metre wooden bulkhead runs along either side. The roof angle reflects
‘the natural angle of repose’ of stacked bulk grain.
The Murtoa stick Shed has been a source of controversy for at least 20 years. GrainCorp - the owners of the land surrounding the structure have for many years called for its demolition. Other people have called for its protection as a heritage building. Recently Heritage Victoria has allocated $1.2 M towards its restoration.
cheers
Steve
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