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Former Cable Tram Engine House

Location 1 Bridge Road,, RICHMOND VIC 3121 - Property No B3892 File Number B3892 Level Demolished/Removed

[1/1] B3892 Fmr Cable Tram Engine

Statement of Significance

Description and Current Condition - This substantial brick building faces Bridge Road. The facade has been altered by treatment of windows to the western end and the eastern doorway.Elements of the original are well presented by the predominance of romanesque form of windows and the central door, the rendered cornices and the three triangular brick gables. The interior no longer offers significant evidence of original use, but appears to be structurally sound and available for restoration. A two storey brick building has been added to the rear. This is in poor structural condition. The original chimney stack no longer exists.
History and Function - The engine house opened in 1885 to power the cable tramway running from the city centre to the cable tram shed at the terminus, corner of Bridge Road and River Street, Richmond. It ceased to function when the cable tram system terminated in 1927. As with the tram shed, the engine house was an essential component of a change in public transport, providing power for mechanisation of the tramway system, replacing use of horses.
Significance - Whereas the engine house is one of several surviving in Melbourne, it was the first to be built. Its linkage with the contemporary and inaugural cable tram shed enhances its significance.
Classified: 11/08/1977
See also Former Cable Tram Engine House B4138, 649 Bridge Road, Richmond. See also Tramway Buildings General B5309.