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Former Tottenham Bulk Stores

Other Name

Former DAS Site

Location

Beachley Street BRAYBROOK, MARIBYRNONG CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/3]
HO189(1) - Former Tottenham
[2/3]
HO189(2) - Former Tottenham
[3/3]
HO189(3) - Former Tottenham

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

Group