Former Hawthorn Tramways Trust Depot

-It is important for its association with the Trust, which developed into the second most important municipal electric tramway undertaking in Melbourne. The Trust's tramways were responsible for the development of large areas of the south eastern residential suburbs during the First World War and in later decades. Wattle Park also survives as a significant legacy of the Trust's enterprise. The Trust was the first tramway undertaking to operate electric trams in the City of Melbourne.

-The original depot complex, designed by the notable architect, Leonard Flannagan, is an imposing application of the American Romanesque style to an early tramway building. Its commanding elevational treatment is an expression of the civic status of the Trust at its inception.

-Although Flannagan designed many buildings for the contemporary Prahran and Malvern Tramways Trust, Hawthorn depot represents the best example of his use of this architectural style for a tramway building.

-The building complex is distinguished by its unique siting on steeply sloping ground, and by its gently curved and rhythmic contribution to the streetscape.

-It has historical significance for its long term association with the central driver training school and the uniform clothing workshop established by the Tramways Board in 1925 and 1940 respectively.

-The separate structure comprising the former stable and overhead wagon shed recalls the means by which specialist maintenance, peculiar to an electric tramway, was carried out in the pre-motor vehicle era.

Group

Transport - Tramways

Category

Tramway Depot - urban