SOUTH CAMBERWELL COMMERCIAL PRECINCT

The South Camberwell Commercial Precinct, at 964-984 Toorak Road, Camberwell, is significant. The initial set of shops, at Nos. 964-974, were constructed in 1926-1927 with the remaining shops constructed over the next decade, all within the interwar period.

The shops at nos. 964-982 are graded Contributory to the precinct with the shop at the front of no. 984 graded as Non-contributory. The Non-contributory building at no. 984 was constructed as an addition during the 1980s and is not reflective of the interwar nature of the precinct.

How is it significant?

The South Camberwell Commercial Precinct is of local historical, architectural and aesthetic significance to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

The precinct is of historical significance for demonstrating the development of a secondary commercial hub in Camberwell and reflecting the 'zoning' restrictions of 1920s that led to the grouping of shops in specific areas. Early commercial development was centred around the Camberwell Junction, at the intersection of Camberwell, Riversdale and Burke roads. The opening in 1916 of tram services to Burwood provided impetus for the development of a small shopping centre here, a central position between the junctions of Toorak Road with Burke Road and Camberwell Road. It is representative of the neighbouring residential growth of the South Camberwell area and its typical visual expression as a commercial streetscape. (Criterion A)

The shops in the precinct demonstrate the typical form of interwar commercial/retail buildings, built to the front and side boundaries, forming a continuous street wall, with roofs hidden behind parapets. The complete set of inter war shops demonstrate typical features such as metal-framed windows with top-lights, recessed entrances as well as cantilevered verandas. The set of shops comprises an eclectic mix of features with most sites being developed individually. (Criterion D)

The South Camberwell Commercial Precinct is a fine example of an isolated inter war shopping strip. Styles range from the conservative neo-classical to the Moderne, with exposed brickwork details and features a prominent aspect of each building. Visual cohesion of the shopping strip is created through the geometric parapet shapes. Full width banding in either exposed brick or render also creates a theme across the set of buildings. (Criterion E)

Group

Commercial

Category

Shop