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Tram Shelter

Location south west Cnr Hawthorn Road & Dandenong Road Median,, CAULFIELD NORTH VIC 3161 - Property No B7040 File Number B7040 Level State

[1/1] B7040 Tram Shelter

Statement of Significance

The tram shelters, designed by L J Flannagan for the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust, and built in 1912, are of State historic, architectural and social significance.
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.
Historically, this is the oldest tram shelter remaining in Melbourne, and was possibly the first such structure built. It is a prominent reminder of the former Prahran & Malvern Tramway Company, a municipal enterprise set up in the early years of this century which became the largest independent electric tram network in the suburbs.
Architecturally, it is an interesting rustic Edwardian design, featuring expressed post and beam construction, timber shingles and diagonal boarding, unusual diagonal red cement sheet roof tiles, and the original built-in seats, which face all four directions.
Classified: 03/04/2000