| Back to search results » | Back to search page » |
|
EAST PRESTON TRAM DEPOT
Location211- 243 Plenty Road, PRESTON VIC 3072 LevelIncluded in Heritage Overlay |
|
Statement of Significance
What is significant? The tram sheds and offices and associated infrastructure constructed by 1955 are significant. Later additions and/or alterations to the complex are not significant. How is it significant?
The East Preston Tram Depot was officially opened on 26 June 1955 by the Minister for Transport. The new Depot replaced the old Preston Depot on the corner of St Georges Road and Miller Street and its role was to operate the new electric tramways from Bourke Street to Preston as well as the route from Collins Street to Northcote. The complex comprises covered tram storage roads, a wheel grinder and three uncovered storage roads as well as offices.
The East Preston Tram Depot is of local historic significance to Darebin City.
Historically, the East Preston Tram Depot is significant as a representative example of a suburban tram depot, which is associated with the electrification and extension of the tram system in the 1950s. The construction of the Depot demonstrates the additional infrastructure that was required to serve a network that was expanded to serve the growing suburban areas of East Preston. The significance of the place is enhanced by its high degree of intactness. The East Preston Tram Depot is also significant as tramway infrastructure built during the chairmanship of the MMTB by Sir Robert Risson, who, against much opposition to trams from many sections of the community, ignored calls for the system's closure, and, instead, extended the system. (AHC criteria A.4, D.2, H.1)
Group
Transport - Tramways
Category
Tramway Depot - urban