Famous Cross fountain to be restored

BY MICK ROBERTS

The landmark Kings Cross El Alemain Fountain is to get a $70,000 facelift.
The 1961 fountain by award-winning water sculptor, Robert Woodward, has fallen into disrepair, with missing plaques and the main sculpture in need of restoration.
The Kings Cross and Potts Point Heritage Society have been pushing the City of Sydney Council for the heritage-listed war memorial to the famous Rats of Tobruk, and those who fought in WWII with the Ninth Division of the Australian Imperial Forces, to be brought back to its former glory after years of neglect.
In a letter to the Heritage Society, City of Sydney Council Chief Executive Officer Monica Barone outlined council’s intention to restore the famous fountain, including replacement of missing heritage plaques.
Ms Barone said work would commence shortly and that staff are consulting with the original sculptor on the project’s scope and process
A City of Sydney Council spokesperson has confirmed the fountain’s restoration with The City News.
‘This will involve the conservation of the main sculpture as well as an overhaul of the pump system,’ the spokesperson said.
The Kings Cross fountain commemorates the efforts of the Ninth Division of the Australian Imperial forces 1939-1945 at El Alamein.
In a media statement, the Kings Cross Heritage Society said they were ‘pleased’ with Council’s decision to restore the fountain.