MacRobertson Bridge, Yarra River
north end Grange Road RICHMOND, YARRA CITY
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Statement of Significance
The following wording is from the Allom and Lovell Building Citation, 1998 for the property. Please note that this is a "Building Citation", not a "Statement of Significance". For further information refer to the Building Citation held by the City of Yarra.
History:
MacRobertson Bridge was constructed in 1934. It was presented by prominent confectionery manufacturer and philanthropist Sir MacPherson Robertson to celebrate the centenary of the Victoria. Robertson was born in Ballarat, the son of two Scots, David and Margaret Robertson. He joined the Victorian Confectionery Company in 1857 and later went to the firm Black and Spence. From here he launched, in 1880, MacRobertson's Confectionery Company, which became the largest firm of its type in the southern hemisphere. Subsidiary companies soon evolved, including the Fitzroy Box Works and, to distribute medicated sweets, the Delta Manufacturing Co. Robertson became involved in other companies including the Dandy Starch, Oil products, the Federal Milk Co. and the Federal Timber Co.
Robertson achieved additional fame as a benefactor. He helped fund Sir Douglas Mawson's Antarctic expeditions and, in 1934, bestowed gifts such as the MacRobertson Girls' High School in Albert Road, South Melbourne, and the MacRobertson Bridge. He aided the 'Big Boulevard' Scheme, gave money for the State Herbarium in the Botanical Gardens and provided for an illuminated fountain as a National Soldiers' Memorial. Robertson became a Fellow of the Royal Geographic Society in 1931 and in June 1932, became a Knight Bachelor. He was cited in the Australian Biographical Dictionary as 'probably the most remarkable man in the history of industrial enterprise in the Commonwealth.'
The bridge was extended in 1969 by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works as part the works associated with the construction of the South-Eastern Freeway. The northern section of the bridge underwent further expansion in 1997, to accommodate works for the City link project.
Description:
The MacRobertson Bridge is a double-span bridge over the Yarra River constructed of riveted steel segmental arches, connecting Richmond and South Yarra. The two piers upon which the diagonal steel members are supported are of concrete construction, each having two semi-circular arched openings. The South-Eastern Freeway runs below the northern-most span of the bridge. At street level, pairs of rendered pillars and low rendered walls mark the Richmond and South Yarra approaches. Four more pillars are located along the length of the bridge, two on each side. The pillars are square in plan, tapering as they rise, with stepped Art Deco plinths. Each pillar supports a pair of decorative cast iron and glass lanterns. The vertical metal balustrading between the pillars is relieved with simple geometric decoration. The four lane deck is asphalted.
Significance:
The MacRobertson Bridge is of local historical significance. The bridge, constructed in 1934 to commemorate Victoria's centenary, is associated with prominent confectioner and benefactor Sir MacPherson Robertson.
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MacRobertson Bridge, Yarra River - Physical Description 1
The MacRobertson Bridge is a double-span bridge over the Yarra River constructed of riveted steel segmental arches, connecting Richmond and South Yarra. The two piers upon which the diagonal steel members are supported are of concrete construction, each having two semi-circular arched openings. The South-Eastern Freeway runs below the northern-most span of the bridge. At street level, pairs of rendered pillars and low rendered walls mark the Richmond and South Yarra approaches. Four more pillars are located along the length of the bridge, two on each side. The pillars are square in plan, tapering as they rise, with stepped Art Deco plinths. Each pillar supports a pair of decorative cast iron and glass lanterns. The vertical metal balustrading between the pillars is relieved with simple geometric decoration. The four lane deck is asphalted.
MacRobertson Bridge, Yarra River - Integrity
Good
Heritage Study and Grading
Yarra - Richmond Conservation Study
Author: John & Thurley O'Connor, Ros Coleman & Heather Wright
Year: 1985
Grading:Yarra - City of Yarra Heritage Review
Author: Allom Lovell & Associates
Year: 1998
Grading: LocalYarra - City of Yarra Review of Heritage Overlay Areas
Author: Graeme Butler & Associates
Year: 2007
Grading: Local
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INVERGOWRIEVictorian Heritage Register H0195
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QUAMBYVictorian Heritage Register H0603
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EDZELLVictorian Heritage Register H0691
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"1890"Yarra City
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"AMF Officers" ShedMoorabool Shire
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"AQUA PROFONDA" SIGN, FITZROY POOLVictorian Heritage Register H1687
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1) ST. ANDREWS HOTEL AND 2) CANARY ISLAND PALM TREENillumbik Shire
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