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Cargo Shed - No.9

Other Name

Goods Shed No 9

Location

South Wharf Road,, SOUTHBANK VIC 3006 - Property No B6121

File Number

B6121

Level

State

Statement of Significance

The remains of No 9 Shed, South Wharf, are significant as the oldest surviving in situ shipping shed east of the Charles Grimes Bridge. As such, this structure recalls the earliest phase in the development of these wharves by the Melbourne Harbour Trust and also recalls their use for overseas shipping during the nineteenth and first half of the present century. It compares with the contemporary and slightly earlier Nos. 1-2 sheds (1882-1891) but of course is different to the extent that its gabled roof contrasts with their bowstring truss roof.
The shed design is also different to nearby sheds 4-8 which are of a later design with roller shutter doors and angle iron roof trusses. A comparison with sheds 8 and 15 at Victoria Dock (the earliest sheds at this dock, c.1915) is instructive, showing trusses of later design with steel straps instead of tie rods in the lower chords, and variations in timber details consistent with the periods of construction.
The No. 9 shed and wharf are therefore significant to the extent that they facilitate contemporary interpretation of nineteenth century shipping and its geographical relationship with Melbourne at the time. They also offer insights into the founding years of the Melbourne Harbour Trust. See also B1313 (part 3)
Classified: 01/10/1990
Revised: 03/08/1998

Group

Transport - Water