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Tram Shelter (4)

Location Camberwell Road and Riversdale Road,, CAMBERWELL VIC 3124 - Property No B7041 File Number B7041 Level State

[1/1] B7041 Tram Shelter

Statement of Significance

These four tram shelters, possibly designed by L J Flannagan, and built in c1917 for the Hawthorn Tramways Trust are of historic, social and architectural significance at the State level.
Socially and historically, these shelters are part of a group of 16 early tram shelters that survive in inner city and the middle ring suburbs, that are together considered the most important, and enjoyed items of historic street furniture in Melbourne. They are widely regarded as an essential part of the character of Melbourne as a 'tram city', and important historic elements of the tram system. They have provided shelter to many commuters over the years, and provided delight to the thousands of passers-by.
Architecturally, they are simple but interesting and pleasing timber structures, with some rustic or Edwardian era design qualities. They all feature an expressed post structure, with weatherboard, vertical boarding, or timber shingle walls and pitched roofs, with overhanging eaves and projecting gable ends.
Historically, the shelters are important as almost the only tangible reminders of the Hawthorn Tramways Trust, along with the Depot building at Wallen Road. They are particularly important for identifying part of the route of this relatively small but important system, allowing an understanding of the fragmented nature of the development of the electric tram system in the early years of this century.
1. Riversdale Road, outside Camberwell Tram Depot, East Hawthorn
2. Riversdale Road, S.E. cnr Highfield Street, Camberwell
3. Camberwell Road, Fordham Gardens, Camberwell
4. Camberwell Road, S.W. cnr Bowen Street, Camberwell
Classified: 03/04/2000