Former Tottenham Bulk Stores
Beachley Street BRAYBROOK, MARIBYRNONG CITY
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Statement of Significance
The buildings of primary significance to the Tottenham MST depot are the four c.1944 Munitions Stores Buildings.
The elements, which are of contributory significance in terms of their abilityto assist in understanding and interpreting the original use and function of the complex, include: the surviving sections of railway lines; the surviving contemporary landscaping and road layout and construction; and some early equipment currently stored in G1 Building No, 2 (there may be other examples elsewhere).
The former Tottenham MST depot is of local historical significance to the City of Maribyrnong and the western region of Melbourne.
The former Tottenham MST depot is significant for the following reasons:
- The former Tottenham MST depot is one of a number of major defence or defence-related facilities that had a significant influence upon the development of Maribyrnong and the western region of Melbourne during the latter part of the nineteenth century and the first half of the twentieth.
The influence of the former Tottenham MST depot is considered to be relatively minor because of the nature and perood of the use compared to others sites within the City and region.
As part of the larger stores and supply complex at Tottenham (that is with RAAF No. 1 Stores), the whole complex would have been a significant employer and centre of defence related activity; however, the demolition of the RAAF No. 1 Store has reduced the integrity of the whole and diminished its ability to demonstrate the role of the stores and supply operation. (Criterion A4)
- The former Tottenham MST depot is a representative example of World War Two munitions stores complex, a functional type that is now relativly rare within metropolitan Melbourne, but relatively common throughout the whole of Australa.Comparable World War Two complexes within the metropolitan area once included the now demolished Kengsington Stores, and the former RAAF No. 1 Stores complex on an adjacent site (presently being redeveloped including the demolition of most of the World War Two buildings). (Criterion B2)
- The former Tottenham MST depot is significant as a relatively intact surviving example of a purpose-built complex that expresses its specific function as a transfer and distribution point between road and rail transport through the design and layout of the buildings on the site. (Criterion D2)
- The former Tottenham MST depot has potential social value as one of a number of major defence industries that were significant employers in the western suburbs during World War Two and the immediate post-war period (Criterion G1).
However, compared to other defence industries, the former Tottenham MST depot would have had a smaller workforce over a shorter period compared to places such as Maribyrnong Explosive Factory.
- The former Tottenham MST depot has strong associations with the defence functions of the Commonwealth Government during World War Two and in the immediate post-war era. (Criterion H1)
Australian Heritage Commission (AHC) criteria
The Australian Heritage Commission criteria consist of a set of eight criteria which cover social, aesthetic, scientific, and historic values. Each criterion has sub-criteria written specifically for cultural or natural values. The relevant criteria are:
A.4 demonstrates well the course and pattern of history, important historic events
G.1 social importance to the community
H.1 association with important person or group
D.2 good example of type
B.2 rarity
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Former Tottenham Bulk Stores - Physical Description 1
GI Building 1
This is one of four originally identical gabled corrugated iron store buildings that were constructed to the west of the internal north-south access road as part of the first phase of development of the subject property in 1942-44.
The building is timber-framed with the roof supported on timber columns set in concrete pedestals at regular 20' intervals. The columns are bolted to the roof beams and are further secured by timber braces in a simple 'Y' formation that are also bolted to the beams. The fllor is reinforced concrete. There are regular opening along te main norh and south elevations, which were originally enclosed by pairs of timber sliding doors. Other original wall openings include highlight windows between the doorways to the north and south elevations of the building. The original plans noted that hinged harboard blackout screens were provided to the windows.
The low-pitched gabled roof has ridge ventilation and, on the south side, extends beyond the wall to create a canopy over a reinforced concrete platform elevated above the ground that allowed for direct loading onto trains, which used the sliding that originally ran along the south side of the building.
The original plan notated that the building was clad in 'corrugated black iron'. The term 'black iron' is believed to refer to 'malleable cast-iron', which was a nineteenth century building material. It would seem unlikely that, in 1942, actual cast-iron would have been used for roof sheeting, as mild steel had been in production for many years and was vastly easier to work with. Lysaghts produced huge quantities of galvanised corrugated steel sheeting for the ware effort. It is therefore possible that the corrugated iron was a special type to that was used to help camouflage the building so that would be less visible when viewed from the air.
The building has a high to moderate integrity and is in good condition. The modifications made to this building include:
- The additions of roof skylights by the replacement of the corrugated steel with corrugated sheets.
- The replacement of some of the original timber sliding doors with steel roller doors, particularly along the north elevation (presumably where they were more exposed to the weather - this is also the side that is most used for access to the building)
- The closing up windows (perhaps they were never constructed originally?) or replacement of the original highlight windows with clear corrugated sheeting, particularly in the north elevations of buildings.
Given the good condition of the corrugated iron cladding, it is also possible that the building has been re-clad since it was originally built.
Former Tottenham Bulk Stores - Physical Description 2
GI Building 2
See description for GI Building 1.
This building has a moderate to high degree of integrity and is in good condition. Similar modifications have been made to this building.
Former Tottenham Bulk Stores - Physical Description 3
GI Building 3
See description for GI Building 1.
This building has a moderate to high integrity and is in good condition. Similar modifications have been made to this building. In addition:
- Raised roof vents/skylights have been added to the roof.
- The ground level on the south side of the building has been raised to be level with the height of the former railway platform.
Former Tottenham Bulk Stores - Physical Description 4
GI Building 4
See description for GI Building 1.
Compared to the other stores, this building has a relativly high degree of integrity as it is the most intact and is in good condition. Modifications made to this building include.
- The replacement of some of the original timber sliding doors with steel roller doors, particularly along the north elevation (presumably where they were more exposed to the weather - this is also the side that is most used for acces to the building).
- The ground level on the south side of the building has been raised to level with the height of the former railway platform.
Given the good condition of the cladding, it is also possible that the building has been re-clad since it was originally built.
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