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Grand Union Tramway Junction

Other Name Tramway Crossing Location Balaclava and Hawthorn Road CAULFIELD NORTH, GLEN EIRA CITY Level Included in Heritage Overlay

[1/3] Tramway Crossing, Balaclava [2/3] Tramway Crossing Balaclava and [3/3] Tramway Crossing Balaclava and

Statement of Significance

The grand union tramway junction at the corner of Balaclava and Hawthorn Roads, Caulfield North was opened in 1913 by the Prahran and Malvern Tramway Trust, forming part of its routes to the St. Kilda Esplanade, Glenhuntly Road, and Darling Road. It enabled any tramway vehicle approaching the intersection to turn left or right and was renewed in 1947. It remains complete with overhead power lines today. It is historically, aesthetically and technically significant.

It is historically significant (Criterion A) in that it recalls the work of the Prahran and Malvern Tramway Trust and subsequently the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board as well as the routes which depended on the junction for their operation. It is aesthetically significant (Criterion E) on account of the manner in which the power lines dominate the skyline at the intersection and for the complexity of the track work, both considerations setting this intersection apart from others throughout the metropolis. It is technically significant (Criterion F) on account of the infrastructure required to construct the junction which includes point blades, access covers recalling English manufacturers as well as the former M&MTB, intersecting rails and the complexity of the over head power line installation with associated staunchions. Three similar junctions existed on the Adelaide tramway system, closed during the late 1950s.