FAIRFIELD RAILWAY STATION SIGNAL BOX

It has historic, aesthetic, technical and social importance.

It is historically important (Criterion A) as the earliest surviving signal box of its type in the metropolitan area and the equal oldest of its type in the State, comparing in this respect with the Creswick signal box. Whilst this distinction applies to the characteristic hipped roof form with which tappet locking is associated, this type of locking appears to have been introduced slightly earlier in 1910 and incorporated at that time in boxes with the standard gable roof The Fairfield box, therefore, is the equal oldest surviving example of the hipped roof standard design associated with tappet locking: a combination which dominated signal box design from 1913 until the early 1960s. The Fairfield box is historically important also for its capacity to indirectly recall the status of Fairfield Park as the junction station for the Outer Circle railway. Whilst the signal box post dates the closure of this line, Fairfield Park's status as a junction originates with this railway and was perpetuated during the life of the present Fairfield box by the Australian Paper Manufacturers' siding opened on a small section of the old Outer Circle railway right of way.

It is aesthetically important (Criterion E) as a key and visually prominent element of the substantially intact Fairfield station complex of 1911, marking the point of entry to the Fairfield shopping centre from the south. In this respect it demonstrates a past urban form characterised by the once ubiquitous elevated signal box controlling the movement of road and rail vehicles at grade crossings. The elevation of the structure on an exposed cross braced frame recalls such nineteenth century industrial architectural forms as coal screens and mining head frames and was not commonly used with signal boxes. This importance is enhanced by the level of integrity of the place which extends to the surviving balustrade remnant, probably unique since the demolition of Flinders Street B box and the use of strutted eaves associated with the earliest form of this hipped roof design. Its rarity, however, (Criterion B), as a survivor of a once commonplace structure on the Victorian railway system enhances its value.

It is technically important (Criterion F) as an example of a machine having its origins in nineteenth century forms of railway safe working using mechanical interlocking and now superseded by digital technology.

It is socially important (Criterion G) for the value placed on it by the local community and on the railway station complex generally, as is demonstrated by the recent adaptative works.

Group

Transport - Rail

Category

Signal Box