The former Maylands Brickworks is a State-registered heritage site at 22 Swan Bank Road, but the latest documented update in the available City material is from September 2024: the City was seeking funding and scoping stabilization work. The record establishes serious structural concerns, but does not verify a later funding award, construction start or completed stabilization. It also does not establish the specific councillor statement behind the word “disappointed” in the original headline.
Why the Maylands Brickworks matters
The City of Bayswater describes the brickworks as an early local industry established in 1927. The State Register lists it as Maylands Brickworks, place number 02410, registered on 9 February 1996. The City identifies the remaining Hoffman kiln as the last of its type in Western Australia. (City of Bayswater; State Heritage Register)
The City’s pages differ on when operations ended: one says 1983 and another says 1984. The available material therefore does not support giving a single closure year as settled fact.
What Council decided in 2019
In May 2019, Council rejected a Heritage Directorate recommendation to adapt the site as a golf-clubhouse and ended the joint reactivation project. It directed staff to develop alternative community-use options that excluded residential use, pursue external funding for conservation, and seek to rezone the Brickworks Lake area as public open space. These were Council’s recorded directions; they should not be confused with later proposals or individual community views. (City consultation history; Council agendas and minutes)
Free tools Windows power users keep installed
One-click scans. No signup required.
#1 Best Overall
- DUAL-HEAD PRECISION: This set includes 3 dual-headed tuck pointing trowels with blade sizes 1/2"X 3/8", 1/2"X 5/8", 3/4 X 7/8"; the multi-width dual-head design delivers great versatility for cement jointing, allowing customized precise finishing on all kinds of wall crevices.
- ERGONOMIC CONTROL: This 10-inch brick jointer features a straight rod with bent tip; balanced solid grip delivers smooth maneuverability, steady control and fatigue-free operation to handle all intricate tuck pointing masonry tasks effortlessly
- HEAVY-DUTY STAINLESS STEEL: Each pointing trowel adopts polished, tempered and hardened stainless steel material, featuring solid construction to resist abrasion and stand frequent masonry use for lasting durability.
- CURVED TIP DESIGN: The arched curved ends effortlessly smooth and shape mortar to form neat concave joints; this brick jointer delivers consistent, clean professional lines on masonry brickwork while lessening hand fatigue during tuck pointing.
- MULTIPURPOSE USE: Ideal for brick, block, stone, wall touch-ups and walkway repointing, this masonry tool satisfies professional and DIY users for all construction and decorative masonry projects.
Structural risk and the cost of stabilization
The City says it commissioned technical investigations and a business case from 2021 onward, covering structural stability, safety, compliance and site contamination. Its 2024 advocacy document reported that buildings were at risk of collapse and that the City did not have funding for the costed work. (City of Bayswater project information; 2024 advocacy document)
The City reported an estimate of more than $2 million for kiln baseworks as of February 2023. That figure, published by the City in September 2024, concerns baseworks only; it is not a current estimate for all conservation, stabilization or reactivation work. (City of Bayswater, 13 September 2024)
Rank #2
- Our contractor-grade QLT Brick Tongs makes carrying bricks easier.
- Heavy-duty design, built for long wear, and are maintenance-free.
- The round metal variant can be quickly adjusted to carry 6 to 10 bricks.
- The Square Soft handle variant can be quickly adjusted to hold between 6 and 11 bricks.
- Metal Construction
What the latest documented update says
In its 13 September 2024 update, the City said it was seeking state and federal funding, had contacted elected representatives, and had met with Department of Planning, Lands and Heritage officers and Lotterywest. It also said it appointed a consultant in April 2024 to scope stabilization. These are the latest specific steps established by the available official updates, not confirmation of the project’s status in 2026.
Acting Mayor Elli Petersen-Pik said in the same 2024 release: “The Hoffman Kiln is the only one of its kind remaining in Western Australia and the City is urgently seeking funding to preserve it on behalf of the community.” The statement describes the City’s position at that time, not a fresh funding update.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Rank #3
- Complete 6-Piece Masonry Trowel Set: Includes 11" x 5-1/2" philadelphia brick trowel, two pointing trowels(7" x 3" & 5-1/2" x 2-7/8"), 5" x 2" margin trowel, 1/2" tuck pointing trowel, and 5/8" x 1/2" convex brick Jointer, covering all bricklaying, mortar, and masonry needs for professional projects
- Specialized Tools for Precision Work: Each trowel is designed for a specific task: philadelphia brick trowel for bricklaying, pointing trowels for mortar joints, margin trowel for tight spaces, tuck pointing trowel and convex brick jointer for flawless joint finishing
- Durable & Strong Blades: Each trowel in this masonry tool set features hardened and tempered steel or CRV blades, which provide superior strength, resist bending, and maintain a flat, smooth surface for accurate mortar application and long-lasting performance on brick, tile, and stone
- Ergonomic Non-Slip Handles: Comfort grip handles on these concrete tools improve softness, reduce hand fatigue, and provide nice control for extended masonry, bricklaying, or mortar spreading tasks
- Professional Grade: Ideal for bricklaying, mortar spreading, pointing, tuck pointing, and joint finishing tasks; works perfectly for professional contractors, remodelers, and DIY home improvement projects using masonry hand tools
Community views and the difference between advocacy and a decision
At a council briefing forum on 20 June 2023, deputant David Farr objected to a proposal he understood would sell part of the State heritage site for residential development. He argued that consultation supported preserving the buildings and activating the area for public use, and urged the City to pursue government funding. Those are Farr’s views as recorded in the deputation; they do not establish that Council adopted them or that the proposal proceeded. (City of Bayswater council meeting material)
The 2019 resolution and Farr’s 2023 account are distinct parts of the record. The former was a Council direction to examine community-use alternatives excluding residential use; the latter was an individual’s objection to a later proposal as he understood it.
Rank #4
- 【Complete Masonry Joint Finishing Kit】 Includes 20 heavy-duty blue 11" x 21.65" LDPE grout bags, 3 tuck pointing trowels in 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" sizes, 2 convex brick jointers sized 3/4" x 7/8" & 1/2" x 5/8" and a tool bag. Designed for the full masonry process from mortar filling and compacting to shaping and finishing brick joints
- 【Upgraded Blue LDPE Grout Bags】 Made from durable LDPE instead of ordinary white non-woven material, these blue grout bags feature stronger, thicker and tear-resistant construction for heavy-duty masonry and tuck pointing work. Fully disposable and easily trimmed to adjust outlet sizes for different joint widths and mortar flow, they cut post-job cleaning work and save plenty of time on masonry repair and construction projects
- 【2 Pcs 4-Size Convex Brick Jointers】 Sturdier and more durable than conventional carbon steel with waterproof and rust-proof performance. Dual-ended multi-size design (3/4"×7/8" & 1/2"×5/8") for flexible switching per joint width. The concave profile compacts and shapes mortar joints to form smooth curved lines, delivering sleek, professional masonry finishes
- 【3-Size Tuck Pointing Trowels】 Crafted with durable carbon steel blades and non-slip rubber handles for long-time use. These tuck pointing trowels fit shallow and flat brick joints for filling work, enabling precise mortar application to form straight and clean joint lines. Includes 1/4", 3/8", 1/2" three different sizes to meet various masonry joint width requirements
- 【Multi-Scenario Masonry Kit】Suitable for professional masons, DIY enthusiasts and renovation workers for bricklaying, grouting, tile jointing, stonework, partial wall repairs and outdoor landscape projects. Fill deep, narrow or irregular gaps accurately with the grout bags first, then smooth and shape mortar using the brick jointers and trowels, delivering flawless professional finishes. Comes with an extra tool bag for easy storage and carrying
The choices involved in saving and reusing the site
Conservation and future use are connected but separate questions. Stabilizing the kiln and buildings addresses immediate safety and preservation needs; a reuse plan must also contend with compliance, contamination, ongoing maintenance and the cost of making the site safe and accessible.
- Stabilization and conservation: The City’s reported structural concerns make this a prerequisite to safe long-term use. The 2024 material identifies funding as a constraint, but does not establish that work has begun.
- Community reuse: Council directed staff in 2019 to consider community uses. Any viable option would need to fit the heritage fabric while addressing safety, compliance and site conditions.
- Land-use or development changes: These require clarity about the relevant proposal and Council’s actual decisions. The 2019 Council resolution excluded residential use from the alternatives staff were asked to develop; it does not by itself settle the status of other later proposals.
For readers assessing progress, the key public milestones to look for are a confirmed funding commitment, a defined stabilization scope and schedule, and a Council decision on a community-use plan. The documented 2024 update does not establish that any of those later milestones has been reached.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Providing Multiple Choices : Goldblatt 12 pieces mason tool set contains kinds of hand tools to finish concrete in comfort and style. You don’t need to spend more time and more money to gather these tools. Time-saving and labor-saving, high efficiency
- Professional Grade : Every single mason’s tool is made of high quality material for long-term use. Hardened and tempered steel or CRV material are rust-resistant and easy clean-up. All of them will help you finish better concrete hand work
- Ergonomic Handle : All the handles are designed for comfortable grip to reduce hand fatigue and provide superior balance and strength while working. Super-strong connection between handle and blades are durable and long lifespan
- What You Will Get : Includes 11" x 5-1/2" Philadelphia Brick Trowel, 5-1/2" x 2-7/8" Pointing Trowel, 7"X3" Pointing Trowel, 6" x 2" Margin Trowel, 2PC String Line Jag-clamp, 9-1/4” x 3” x 2-1/4” Skate Wheel Joint Raker, 6-3/4" x 3/16” Tuck Pointing Trowel, 5/8” x 1/2” Convex Brick Jointer, 500ft String Line, Masonry Brush, 16'' Tool Bag
- Great support from century brand. If you have any questions about the product, please contact us. We will reply to you as soon as possible within 24 hours. Thank you for your support
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
