Back to search results » Back to search page »   Print 

Williamstown Railway Station Complex

Location

Hanmer Street WILLIAMSTOWN, Hobsons Bay City

Level

Incl in HO area contributory

Statement of Significance

What is Significant?

The Williamstown Railway Station complex, comprising the station buildings constructed in 1859, the Ann Street footbridge and the Thompson Street road bridge, at Hanmer Street, Williamstown.

How is it Significant?

The Williamstown Railway Station complex is of local historic, social and aesthetic significance to the City of Hobsons Bay.

Why is it Significant?

Historically, it is significant as the oldest railway station in Victoria to survive relatively unaltered and is now one of the earliest groups of timber public buildings in Victoria. It forms part of a valuable complex of early railway elements, which includes road and pedestrian bridges and fencing. The first surviving public building to be completed in Williamstown and symbolic of the town's importance as a deep-water port. (AHC criteria A4 and D2)

Aesthetically, it is significant as a relatively intact example of a very early station, which was specially designed for its location and is notable for its unique elements that include an uncommon attached hipped roof platform canopy. It is the focal point of a valuable complex of early railway elements that also includes the road and pedestrian bridgesandfencing. (AHC criteria B2, E1 and F1)

Note: Included on the Victorian Heritage Register as VHR H1599.

Group

Transport - Rail

Category

Railway Platform/ Station