Historic water fountain to be restored to former glory

Photo: Supplied

A 19th century water fountain at Williamstown Cemetery is to undergo a $450,000 restoration.

The refurbishment of the fountain, built in 1892, has been jointly funded by Victoria’s Heritage Restoration Fund and The Greater Metropolitan Cemeteries Trust.

Trust chief executive Jacqui Weatherill, said there had been several previous attempts at maintenance and multiple repairs of the fountain.

“It is one of only three similar fountains erected in Victoria by the one manufacturer around the same period,,” she said.

“Unfortunately, the Williamstown fountain is decaying.”

Meg Jenkins of Friends of Williamstown Cemetery applauded the move.

“The cemetery holds a unique position in the history of Williamstown and the hearts of generations of locals,” she said.

HBS Group will this week start restoration works, which are expected to be completed early next year.