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Tram Shelters - St Kilda Road

Location Cnr Dorcas Street, Cnr Lorne Street, Cnr High Street,, MELBOURNE VIC 3004 - Property No B6853 File Number B6853 Level State

[1/2] B6853 Tram Shelters St Kilda [2/2] B6853 Tram Shelters St Kilda

Statement of Significance

These three tram shelters, the first one designed by F. Stapley in 1917 for the Tramway Board, and the later two exactly matching examples constructed about 1927, are of social, historic, architectural and aesthetic 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 and aesthetically, these three shelters are delightful picturesque pavilions, displaying an interesting mix of architectural motifs and materials. Details such as the prominent pointed end barge boards, propped overhanging gable ends, terracotta shingles, shiplap weatherboarding, and multipane, arched head windows provide an architectural significance greater than their small size would suggest.
Historically, the earliest shelter (Dorcas Street) is important as one of the few tangible reminders of the Tramways Board, the short-lived precursor of the M & MTB, and was built when cable trams still ran on St Kilda Road. The other two shelters were built just after the conversion of St Kilda Road to electric tram service.
Classified: 03/04/2000

See also B3312, B4747, B5346, B7039, B7040, B7041, B7050
See also Heritage Victoria: H1867 (Cnr Lorne Street) & H1868 (Cnr High Street)