Back to search results » Back to search page »

Power Generating System & Former Tram Sheds

Location

75 Hargreaves Street &4 Lansell Street,, BENDIGO VIC 3550 - Property No B3633

File Number

B3633

Level

Regional

Statement of Significance

The overriding importance of the power house is derived from its close proximity to and functional relationship with the Bendigo tramway system. This system is unique at the national level as the only surviving intact operating provincial tramway system in the country. It is of international importance as the home of the Birney Safety car and currently operates the vehicles belonging formerly to such cities as Melbourne, Geelong and Adelaide.
As the powerhouse source for this system from its inception, the building contributes substantially to the intactness of the system, a fact brought home dramatically by its situation in view of the tramway depot. Its presence, therefore, enhances the visitor's interpretation of this depot site which, as noted above, is important from an industrial and social history standpoint at the local, state, national and international levels.
Inside, the architecture of the power generation room is of note, the use of arcading in low relief and tuckpointed brickwork being an unnecesary cost to the Electric Supply Company and one, therefore, which speaks volumes for the degree of technoligical advancement of the plant at the time of construction and of the prestige arising therefrom. The asbence of the equipment itself is a significant loss.
Classified: 28/11/1988

Group