THE brick barrel drain at Thompson Square is a ‘potential tourist gold mine’ according to Community Action for Windsor Bridge president Harry Terry.
The drain, reportedly the first of its kind in Australia, was uncovered during archaeological salvage work by Roads and Maritime Services as the organisation prepares to replace Windsor Bridge.
It was originally to be removed, however, the RMS announced on February 21 that they had changed their mind, and the drain would stay.
CAWB president Harry Terry said Windsor’s heritage should be treasured.
“The archaeologists have unearthed a potential tourist gold mine,” he said.
“These 1814 brick barrel drains, also known as the smugglers' tunnels are the first public infrastructure of its kind in the colony.
"At the Sydney Museum, one can walk over a dish drain conserved under glass. One can do the same at the Conservatorium of Music. Around the world the preservation of heritage is a major strategy used in part, to attract tourists. Why not at Windsor.”
Mr Terry said there was much more to the drain than simply an old structure.
“These tunnels were built by convicts transported from another land. The bricks were sun dried as there were no kilns at that time,” he said.
“These tunnels tell the story of the importance Windsor had in those early days to both Governor Macquarie and the survival of the colony.
“Windsor’s greatest asset is its heritage. We need to promote that heritage, heritage that is truly unique and different, not destroy or hide it.”