Tram Shelter (Between 439A & 441 Riversdale Road, Hawthorn East)

The tram shelter constructed in 1917 designed by Leonard J. Flannagan for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust, is significant. The Hawthorn Tramways Trust was established in 1914 through the collaboration of the Cities of Hawthorn, Camberwell, Richmond and Melbourne to establish a continuous tram route across all four municipalities. The tram route extending along Riversdale Road through Camberwell to Wattle Park was completed by the end of 1916. The Hawthorn Tramways Trust was amalgamated with the Melbourne & Metropolitan Tramways Boards in 1920. The tram shelter is one of only four surviving shelters along this route from the period within Boroondara.

The tram shelter is of historical and architectural significance to the City of Boroondara.

Historically, the shelter is important for its association with the Hawthorn Tramways Trust. Along with the Depot building at Wallen Road and the other remaining shelters it serves as a reminder and tells the story of the development of the Trust. As an original tram shelter it is particularly important for identifying part of the route of this relatively small but important system, allowing an understanding of the fragmented nature of the development of the electric tram system in the early years of the twentieth century. The tram shelter is particularly intact to demonstrate this association in its fabric. (Criterion A)

Architecturally, the tram shelter is a simple but interesting and visually pleasing timber structure, with rustic Edwardian era design quality. The shelter’s notable aesthetic characteristics include a distinctive ceiling with vaulted tongue and groove lining and eaves, with gentle arches between timber posts. A high back rest divides the shelter into two separate seating areas. The back of the seating is lined with horizontal tongue and groove boards, with the seats themselves lined with battens supported on diagonal timber braces. The shelter is highly intact, with original iron roofing distinguished by deep corrugations. (Criterion E)