MMTB SUBSTATION
3-5 MARTIN STREET THORNBURY, DAREBIN CITY
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Statement of Significance
The electrical substation at 3-5 Martin Street, Thornbury was built by the former Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) in 1955. It was a key part of the program to electrify the former cable tram route along High Street in Thornbury. The Thornbury substation was one of three new substations built by the MMTB in 1955, the others being at Fitzroy and Clifton Hill. The substation is still in use.
The building is built of cream brick, with a darker brick used on its base. The main body of the building has a gable roof. Above each of the doors is a steel ventilator cover. One of these ventilators is also located in the building's eastern wall. The building's western wall has a tall wall opening with a hoist for the fitting and removal of electrical equipment.
The substation at 3-5 Martin St Thornbury is of local historical significance as part of the expansion of the electrical tramway along High Street.
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MMTB SUBSTATION - History
The Northcote cable tramway was constructed by the Clifton Hill to Northcote and Preston Tramway Company in 1890 and operated separately from the main Melbourne cable tram network (built by the Melbourne Tramways Trust 1885-91). After a chequered career the Northcote line was eventually linked to the main network in 1925, and became the last time of the entire system to close in 1940.
After the closure of the cable tram engine houses from the mid 1920's until 1940, all of the machinery, fixtures and fittings were removed.
The substation at 3-5 Martin Street, Thornbury was one of three electrical substations built by the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) in 1955 and one of many that have been built throughout metropolitan Melbourne to assist in the operation of the city's electric tram network. The substation has had no direct influence on the development of Melbourne's tram network as a whole but was important to the operation of the local tram route. The building is well designed but cannot be considered to be a notable piece of architecture.
MMTB SUBSTATION - Interpretation of Site
The drive wheel from the Former Northcote Cable Tramway is thought to be buried beneath the area adjoining the MMTB SubStation.
MMTB SUBSTATION - Archaeological Significance
The possible identification of the drive wheel pertaining to the Former Northcote Cable Tramway Site is archaeologically significant. Despite major alteration to the area, the site has the potential to contain significant 19th century archaeological remains underground pertaining to their original use (such as the drive wheel) which will provide infomation on the 19th century cable tram system.
Heritage Inventory Description
MMTB SUBSTATION - Heritage Inventory Description
The site, located in Martin Street Thornbury, was subdivided from the rest of the former Northcote tramways building at 626 High Street Thornbury. The site accomodates a singe story cream brick substation built by the Melbourne And Metropolitan Tramways Board in 1955. It is here that the drive wheel from the Former Cable Tramways Building is reported to be buried behind the MMTB Substation.
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BATMAN PARKVictorian Heritage Inventory
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PENDERS PARKVictorian Heritage Inventory
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PILGRIM INNVictorian Heritage Inventory
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