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Tram Shelter

Location NE Cnr St Kilda & Commercial Roads,, MELBOURNE VIC 3004 - Property No B7043 File Number B7043 Level Local

[1/1] B7043 Tram Shelter

Statement of Significance

The tram shelter, designed by L J Flannagan for the Prahran & Malvern Tramways Trust, is a reconstruction dating from 2001 of the 1915 original (following severe damage in 2000, it incorporates only a small amount of the original material). It is of Local social and architectural significance.
Socially, this shelter is part of a group of 16 early tram shelters that survive in the 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, it is an unusual Edwardian design, featuring diagonal red cement sheet roof tiles, and expressed timber framing. It is similar in form and its 'rustic' style to the three other St. Kilda Road examples, and the Macarthur Street example, all designed later, and may have provided their inspiration.
Though a reconstruction, 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.
Classified: 06/08/2001