Permewan Wright Sheds

STATEMENT OF SIGNIFICANCE

Permewan Wright Sheds
Mount Napier Road

The Permewan Wright Cargo sheds are of local historic and architectural significance as an example of a functional and industrial building. The sheds appear to have been built after 1913 when the land was reserved for the Victorian Railways Commissioners. They stored goods arriving by rail for retail distribution and were closely connected with the department stores and emporia in Gray Street. The carrier firm Permewan and Wright & Co dates from 1876 with its origins even earlier in Ballarat where its founder, John Permewan lived. ([i]) By 1888 the firm had a network of 48 branches in Victoria and New South Wales with agencies at almost every railway station. These sheds are an integral part of the railway yard complex and now represent a past way of life having made way for road transport and containerisation. Their design is uncompromisingly utilitarian and devoid of any ornament.

The building remains significantly intact and in fair condition. It is a dominating element in the railway yards complex.