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Preston Tramways Workshops

Other Name

Tram Workshops

Location

St Georges Road,, PRESTON VIC 3072 - Property No B6682

File Number

B6682

Level

National

Statement of Significance

The Preston Tramways Workshops are of architectural, historical and social significance at the National level. They are historically significant as the major facility for the construction and maintenance of Melbourne tramways rolling stock for the Melbourne and Metropolitan Tramways Board (MMTB) and the home of the "W" Class tram, many hundreds of which were built here from the 1920s to 1950s. They played a pivotal role in the development of the Melbourne Tramways as a result of the forward thinking and planning of the Tramways Board in the 1920s by providing a facility which could meet the needs of a rapidly expanding and modernising public transport system which soon became the most extensive in the world.
They are of architecural significance as a purpose disigned facility that reflects the state of the art in industrial manufacturing and maintenance facilities of the period in a stylistically cohesive group of monumental brick buildings. Key elements of the architectural scheme include the stripped classical administration block distinguished by its stuccoed facades, heavily pedimented porch and columns, bracketed eaves and frieze mouldings. The amenities hall repeats these motifs in a less formal style, complemented by the intact interior featuring hammer beam roof trusses and ceiling, panelling, and proscenium arched stage with the original decorative colour scheme. The industrial buildings of the complex demonstrate the utilitarian and functional character of the spaces within. The traverser is a unique item, reflecting the integrated production design ideas of the period.
Socially the works are significant as the symbolic heart of the tramways system, where many got their start in apprencticeships and went on to a lifelong career in the Tramways. The amenities hall is the most telling reflection of this as the venue for indenture ceremonies, Christmas parties, company balls, special entertainments such as concerts and theatrical performances put on by the Tramways Social Clubs, and even weddings.
The workshops are also of significance as the home of Melbourne's important fleet of W-Class trams, where many hundresd were designed, built, maintained and repaired. The W-Class trams also demonstrate the high level of craftsmanship employed at the Preston Workshops, as evidenced in their fine timber joinery.
Classified: 08/08/2001

Group

Transport - Tramways