FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION

253-263 BRUNSWICK ROAD BRUNSWICK, MORELAND CITY

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Victorian Heritage Register

Brunswick cable tram engine house substation entrance

Statement of Significance

• Additional Place Information

  • History

    FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION - History

    The 1883 Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Co. Act established the Melbourne Tramways Trust (MTT), comprising the representatives of the various municipalities. The MTT built cable lines and engine houses between 1884 and 1891 and remained owner of the lines and installations until its dissolution in June 1916. A separate company (Melbourne Tramway & Omnibus Co. Ltd.) leased and operated the system. Their successors were the Melbourne Tramway Board (c.1916-1918) and then the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (M&MTB) from 1918. When complete, there were seventeen routes on the cable tram network. The engine houses were located near the midpoint of a route and the depots at the terminus. In 1887 the Cable Tram Engine House was built in Brunswick Road and a tram depot was constructed in Sydney Road. The preferred site for the Engine House was slightly further south on the north east corner of Park Street, but land prices at the time forced the Trust to purchase the present-day site. The Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House was often known as the Sarah Sands Engine House as it was near the rear of a well-known hotel of the same name. The Sydney Road tram route was the sixth cable tram route opened by the MTT. It began operation in October 1887 following the route of the previous omnibus service. This service was the longest cable on the cable tram system, extending from the Brunswick Road Engine House to Flinders Street station and return, a distance of about 9.6 km. The cable trams were powered by steam driven machinery in the Engine House. Melbourne's cable tram routes were progressively electrified from the 1920s, following the formation of the M&MTB. Its aim was to integrate, electrify and extend the existing cable and electric tram routes in Melbourne. In the 1920s the M&MTB built brick substations in the inner suburbs where the high voltage alternating current (AC) obtained from the State Electricity Commission (SEC) was converted to direct current (DC) at a lower voltage to power the new electric trams. In 1924 one 500 kW rotary converter was installed at the Brunswick Road Cable Tram Engine House. In 1925 a new substation was installed in the northern part of the Engine House with an entrance at 1 Black Street. The first rotary converter and a second 500 kW rotary converter were installed in the new substation at this time. From 1925 to 1936 the rotary converters in the substation supplied DC power to the West Coburg tramway and the steam powered engines in the engine house continued to power the Sydney Road cable trams. Other cable tram engine houses ceased operating when the cable tram lines were converted to electricity, and most were adapted to other uses. But in the case of the Brunswick Road engine house, both cable and electric trams were powered from the same building for ten years. It is the only known engine house in Victoria which demonstrates the two major stages of the development of tram transport in Melbourne: cable and then electric traction. In 1936 the new Brunswick West Substation (VHR H2397) supplying the West Coburg tramway was completed. At the same time the Sydney Road trams were converted from cable to electrical operation using DC power supplied by the Brunswick Road substation. The long southern engine house section of the building at 253-263 Brunswick Road was then decommissioned. This section was later sold to private owners. KEY REFERENCES Allom Lovell and Associates, City of Moreland Heritage Review, April 1998 (Revised January 1999) - Building Citations Datasheets A-K (Volume 2, Part 1) , online at https://www.moreland.vic.gov.au/globalassets/areas/heritagelib-7504/moreland-heritage-review-buildingcitations-volume-2--part-1--datasheets-a--k.pdf Jones, Russell, Melbourne Tram Museum , From Rotary Converters to solid-state: tramway substation architecture in Melbourne, 2013; online at http://www.hawthorntramdepot.org.au/papers/substations.htm Melbourne and Metropolitan Board of Works, Town of Brunswick, Detail Plan No. 1885. http://handle.slv.vic.gov.au/10381/125831 Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramway Board, Report and statement of Accounts, 1924. Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramway Board, 1975, Project 3-74, Replacement of Substation Equipment, (unpublished) Personal communications from: Miles Pierce and Owen Peake, Electrical Engineers, Engineering Heritage Victoria; Warren Doubleday and Russell Jones, Melbourne Tram Museum and Robert Green Vines, Gary, Melbourne Metropolitan Tramway Heritage Study, Report for Heritage Victoria. 2011, online at https://www.heritage.vic.gov.au/__data/assets/pdf_file/0024/61449/Tram-Historyfinal_reduced__Chapter6_Part2.pdf

    Plaque Citation

    FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION - Plaque Citation

    This was built in 1887 as an engine house to power the cable tram line along Sydney Road. When the line was converted to electric traction in 1936 part of the building became a substation, providing the trams with electric current.

    Assessment Against Criteria

    FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION - Assessment Against Criteria

    Criterion

    The Former Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House and Tram Substation is of historical, architectural and archaeological significance to the State of Victoria. It satisfies the following criterion for inclusion in the Victorian Heritage Register:

    Criterion A Importance to the course, or pattern, of Victoria's cultural history

    Criterion B Possession of uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of Victoria's cultural history

    Criterion C Potential to yield information that will contribute to an understanding of Victoria's cultural history

    Criterion D Importance in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural places and objects

    The Former Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House and Tram Substation is significant at the State level for the following reasons:

    The Former Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House, with its Tram Substation, is historically significant for its association with the development of Melbourne's transport system in the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries. The building demonstrates two of the major stages in the development of Melbourne's tram system: the cable tram system developed from the 1880s and the electric tram system which replaced it from the 1920s. The cable tram system played an important role in the development of Melbourne and its suburbs and was one of the largest and most complex in the world. The substation is associated with the electrification of the old cable tram routes from the 1920s. Its installation within the former engine house, rather than in a new free-standing building, is a reflection of the financial constraints imposed by the 1930s Depression, during which the Brunswick line was electrified. (

    Criterion A)

    The Former Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House is a rare and relatively intact surviving element of Melbourne's cable tram system, which was converted to electric power in the early twentieth century. It is the only example of the reuse of an existing engine house adapted for use as an electrical substation, thereby demonstrating two major stages in the development of Melbourne's tram system. (

    Criterion B)

    The Former Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House is archaeologically significant for its potential to contain significant nineteenth century archaeological remains relating to the cable tram system. (

    Criterion C)

    The Former Brunswick Cable Tram Engine House is architecturally significant as a largely intact example of the engine houses constructed by the Melbourne Tramways Trust from the 1880s to power Melbourne's cable trams. Those in more prominent locations tended to be grand architect-designed structures designed to impress, but this one, in a less visible location, is an architecturally more modest example of its kind. (

    Criterion D)

    Permit Exemptions

    FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION - Permit Exemptions

    General Exemptions:

    General exemptions apply to all places and objects included in the Victorian Heritage Register (VHR). General exemptions have been designed to allow everyday activities, maintenance and changes to your property, which don’t harm its cultural heritage significance, to proceed without the need to obtain approvals under the Heritage Act 2017.

    Specific exemptions may also apply to your registered place or object. If applicable, these are listed below. Specific exemptions are tailored to the conservation and management needs of an individual registered place or object and set out works and activities that are exempt from the requirements of a permit. Specific exemptions prevail if they conflict with general exemptions.

    Find out more about heritage permit exemptions here.

    Specific Exemptions:

     It should be noted that Permit Exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.38 of the Heritage Act). Permit Exemptions can also be applied for and granted after registration (under s.92 of the Heritage Act).
    
    Under s.38 of the Heritage Act 2017 the Executive Director may include in his recommendation categories of works or activities which may be carried out in relation to the place or object without the need for a permit under Part 5 of the Act. The Executive Director must not make a recommendation for any categories of works or activities if he considers that the works or activities may harm the cultural heritage significance of the place or object.
    
    The following permit exemptions are not considered to cause harm to the cultural heritage significance of the Former Cable Tram Engine House and Tram Substation.
    
    General Conditions 

    • All exempted alterations are to be planned and carried out in a manner which prevents damage to the fabric of the registered place or object. 
    • Should it become apparent during further inspection or the carrying out of works that original or previously hidden or inaccessible details of the place or object are revealed which relate to the significance of the place or object, then the exemption covering such works shall cease and Heritage Victoria shall be notified as soon as possible. 
    • All works should ideally be informed by a Conservation Management Plan prepared for the place. The Executive Director is not bound by any Conservation Management Plan, and permits still must be obtained for works suggested in any Conservation Management Plan. 
    • Nothing in this determination prevents the Heritage Council from amending or rescinding all or any of the permit exemptions. 
    • Nothing in this determination exempts owners or their agents from the responsibility to seek relevant planning or building permits from the relevant responsible authority, where applicable. 

    Specific Permit Exemptions
    General
    Minor repairs and maintenance which replaces like with like. 

    • Repairs and maintenance must maximise protection and retention of fabric and include the conservation of existing details or elements. Any repairs and maintenance must not exacerbate the decay of fabric due to chemical incompatibility of new materials, obscure fabric or limit access to such fabric for future maintenance. 
    • Works or activities, including emergency stabilisation, necessary to secure safety in an emergency where a structure or part of a structure has been irreparably damaged or destabilised and poses a safety risk to its users or the public. Note: The Executive Director, Heritage Victoria, must be notified within seven days of the commencement of these works or activities. 
    • Repair to or removal of non-original items such as air conditioners, antennae and aerials and associated pipe work, ducting and wiring. 
    • Maintenance and replacement of existing contemporary fire services of the same size and in the same location. 
    • Maintenance to the currently operational electrical equipment including the silicon diode rectification equipment . 
    • Painting of previously painted external and internal surfaces in the same colour, finish and product type provided that preparation does not remove all evidence of earlier paint finishes or schemes. Note: This exemption does not apply to areas where there are specialist paint techniques such as sign-writing or oiled or varnished surfaces. 
    • Cleaning including the removal of surface deposits or graffiti by the use of low-pressure water (less than 300 psi at the surface being cleaned) and neutral detergents and mild brushing and scrubbing with plastic not wire brushes. 

     Specific Permit Exemptions
     Safety and Security
    • The erection of temporary security fencing, scaffolding, hoardings or surveillance systems not attached to the building or objects integral to prevent unauthorised access or secure public safety.
    
    Interiors 

    • Works to maintain existing bathrooms and kitchens. 
    • Removal or replacement of window furnishings, carpets and/or flexible floor coverings light fixtures and the like. 
    • Installation, removal or replacement of electrical wiring. Earlier wiring should be retained in situ. If earlier wiring is currently exposed, it should remain exposed. If it is fully concealed it should remain fully concealed. 
    • Removal or replacement of smoke and fire detectors, alarms and the like, of the same size and in existing locations. 
    • Removal or replacement of electric clocks, public address systems, emergency lights, exit signs, luminaires and the like 

    Interiors of 261-263 Brunswick Road: 

    • All interior works above floor level to the shop next to the original engine house building on Brunswick Road and the offices and warehouse at the rear of the engine house building and substation. Works must not impact potential archaeological evidence below floor level, the ceilings or alter the external structure of the buildings. 

    Landscape 

    • Weed control in carpark area. 

    Permit Exemption Policy

    FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION - Permit Exemption Policy

     Preamble
    The purpose of this information is to assist owners and other interested parties when considering or making decisions regarding works to a registered place. It is recommended that any proposed works be discussed with an officer of Heritage Victoria prior to making a permit application. Discussing proposed works will assist in answering questions the owner may have and aid any decisions regarding works to the place.
    
    The extent of registration of the Former Cable Tram Engine House and Tram Substation in the Victorian Heritage Register affects the whole place shown on Diagram 2332 including the land, all buildings (exteriors and interiors), all fixtures attached to the building at the time of registration, archaeological remains and fixed and non-fixed objects integral to the place. Under the Heritage Act 2017 a person must not remove or demolish, damage or despoil, develop or alter or excavate, relocate or disturb the position of any part of a registered place or object without approval. It is acknowledged, however, that alterations and other works may be required to keep places and objects in good repair and adapt them for use into the future.
    
    If a person wishes to undertake works or activities in relation to a registered place or registered object, they must apply to the Executive Director, Heritage Victoria for a permit. The purpose of a permit is to enable appropriate change to a place and to effectively manage adverse impacts on the cultural heritage significance of a place as a consequence of change. If an owner is uncertain whether a heritage permit is required, it is recommended that Heritage Victoria be contacted.
    
    Permits are required for anything which alters the place or object, unless a permit exemption is granted. Permit exemptions usually cover routine maintenance and upkeep issues faced by owners as well as minor works or works to the elements of the place or object that are not significant. They may include appropriate works that are specified in a conservation management plan. Permit exemptions can be granted at the time of registration (under s.38 of the Heritage Act) or after registration (under s.92 of the Heritage Act). It should be noted that the addition of new buildings to the registered place, as well as alterations to the interior and exterior of existing buildings requires a permit, unless a specific permit exemption is granted.
    
    Conservation management plans
    It is recommended that a Conservation Management Plan is developed to manage the place in a manner which respects its cultural heritage significance.
    
    Aboriginal cultural heritage
    If any Aboriginal cultural heritage is discovered or exposed at any time it is necessary to immediately contact Aboriginal Victoria to ascertain requirements under the Aboriginal Heritage Act 2006. 

    
    

    Other approvals
    Please be aware that approval from other authorities (such as local government) may be required to undertake works.
    
    Archaeology
    Ground disturbance may affect the archaeological significance of the place and requires a permit.
    
    Substation equipment still in service as at 2019
    Substation equipment still in service as at 2019 is not included in the objects integral to the place. Maintenance of this equipment will be allowed to ensure the continued operation of the substation.
    
    Cultural heritage significance
    Overview of significance
    All of the place including all of the buildings internally and externally and all of the fixed and non-fixed objects listed in the inventory at Attachment A. The whole of the place has the potential to retain significant nineteenth century archaeological remains relating to its original use as a cable tram engine house, including deep brick lined pits; cable races that spanned the length of the building, chimney foundations and equipment. The shop next to the original engine house building on Brunswick Road and the offices and warehouse at the rear of the engine house building and substation are later additions. 
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• Public contributions

  Tours involving this place See all tours

  site visit 1

  14/08/19

  RESIDENCE - FORMER BRUNSWICK MARKET - BRUNSWICK FIRE STATION AND FLATS - IRON HOUSE - FORMER BRUNSWICK GAS & COKE COMPANY RETORT HOUSE - UPFIELD RAILWAY LINE PRECINCT - FORMER CABLE TRAM ENGINE HOUSE & TRAM SUBSTATION - CHRIST CHURCH - COTTAGE - FORMER WESLEYAN CHURCH AND MODEL SUNDAY SCHOOL - FORMER HOFFMAN BRICKWORKS - FORMER FERRY TERRA COTTA AND ENAMELLED BRICKWORKS OFFICE - FORMER AUSTRALIAN LICORICE FACTORY CHIMNEY AND FIRE TUNNEL REMAINS - IRON COTTAGE - IRON COTTAGE - IRON COTTAGE - FORMER PRESBYTERIAN CHURCH BUILDINGS - WHITBY HOUSE - FORMER MELVILLES GRAIN STORE - CRAIG & SEELEY OFFICES AND SHOWROOM - FORMER HOOPERS STORE - MOYLE PIPE ORGAN-ST LINUS ANGLICAN CHURCH - LYNDHURST HALL - FORMER BATES BUILDING - BRIDGE - FAWKNER MEMORIAL PARK