VICTORIAN SHOPS

The Victorian shops at 351-359 Canterbury Road, Canterbury and Surrey Hills, are significant. They were built in 1892-93 for two owners: butcher William Tacey (the pair 351-353), and electrician Thomas Hyde (pairs at 355-357 and 359 as part of a pair with 361). The shops at 351-353 and 359 have timber parapets, the construction of the parapets at 355-357 is rendered brick. All shops have brick party walls and retain largley timber-framed shopfronts. The shopfronts at 351, 355, 357 (half), and 359 are largely original.

While No. 361 was built as part of this row, due to extensive alteration, it is not included in the Heritage Overlay extent of this place.

How is it significant?

The row of shops is of local historical and architectural significance and rarity value to the City of Boroondara.

Why is it significant?

The shops illustrate the pattern of nineteenth-century commercial development after Canterbury Railway Station opened in 1882. Businesses were established along Canterbury Road to the east and west of what was then a level crossing. It was only after 1910 that retail and commercial development began along Maling Road, eventually eclipsing the Canterbury Road shopping strip. (Criterion A)

The timber shops at 351 & 353 and 359, Canterbury Road are very rare survivors in the City of Boroondara. Timber shops were the first to be built in new suburbs and shopping areas in the 19th century, but were gradually replaced by more substantial brick buildings, leaving few of this building type in the Melbourne metropolitan area. (Criterion B)

The shops demonstrate the typical characteristics of early retail buildings in Boroondara, with simple unadorned facades and simplified versions of Boom-style parapets. The surviving whole or partial shopfronts at nos. 351, 355, 357 and 359 demonstrate the typical 19th-century timber-framed display and highlight windows with lamb's tongue mouldings, a solid stallboard, and recessed entry. (Criterion D)

Group

Commercial

Category

Shop