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RAILWAY FOOTBRIDGE (RAILWAY PLACE WEST)

Other Name

Review

Location

RAILWAY PLACE WEST, FLEMINGTON, MOONEE VALLEY CITY

Level

Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/1]
Railway Place West,

Statement of Significance

What is significant?
The Railway Place West railway footbridge constructed in 1890 by D. Watson, builder of most of the footbridges on the Essendon line, is significant. The bridge is built predominantly of iron, (frame, balustrading, brackets), with some timber (treads and deck). On the web of some iron is marked the Darlington Iron Company Limited. Another mark on the web that has 'VR', indicates the iron was specifically produced for the Commissioners of the Victorian Railways. The deck of the footbridge spans two tracks and has a lattice balustrade. Higher diagonal iron elements extend above the balustrade, and these support lamp brackets at each end of the deck (lamps removed). The steps extend to the east and west of the deck, and from a landing return to the north (west side of railway line) and to the south (east side of railway line). The balustrades of the steps are also lattice, of a design that is consistent with that of the deck. Further enhancing the character of the bridge are iron brackets with scroll detailing and a capital-like element towards the tops of the iron columns. The view of the footbridge, which closes the vista when looking east along Dover Street is also significant.

Non-original alterations and additions to the footbridge, which include the bluestone blocks at base of the steps, asphalt surfacing of the deck, tubular steel handrails and corrugated galvanised steel sheeting to the balustrades are not significant.

How is it significant?
The Railway Place West railway footbridge is of local historic, architectural and social significance to the City of Moonee Valley.

Why is it significant?
The footbridge is historically significant as evidence of the development of the suburban railway network in Moonee Valley and also associated growth in population that created a need for safe crossing places along the railway between stations. The footbridge is historically and socially significant as a manifestation of the land boom era in Essendon and the associated social prospects and as aplace with a long history of community use. In its ornamental form, the footbridge is a reminder of the important role of the railways in transport around the 19th century metropolis and shows a significant association with the social expectations and ways of the period (Criteria A & G).

The footbridge is architecturally significant as the most complete example of a distinctive arched footbridge on the Essendon line. It has aesthetic significance as a finely ornamented structure, which contributes to the historic nineteenth century character of the railway and its environs. The view of the footbridge looking east along Dover Street is notable (Criteria D & E).

Group