Back to search results

Albion VR, D.C. sub station
Talmage Street, ALBION VIC 3020 - Property No 3

All information on this page is maintained by Brimbank City. Click below for their website and contact details.

Brimbank City

2048 - Brimbank City Council Post-contact Cultural Heritage Study 1999

Site 003 - Albion VR, DC sub station (2).jpg

Site 003 - Albion VR, DC sub station.jpg

On this page:

Statement of Significance
Timeline browser

Statement of Significance

Of State historical and architectural significance, the Victorian Railways Substation represents a period in railway development in Victoria which was marked by large scale developments and an expression of grandeur in building design. The electrification of the system played an important role in provision of relatively economic suburban train services and was itself a measure of the optimistic embracing of new technology as the country moved into the twentieth century. When completed, this first stage of the rail network's electrification, as symbolised by this building, was among the longest electrified railways on the world. The building is also of significance to Sunshine for its brief association with the McKay harvester works as a supplier of power.

Show less

- Physical Description 1
  
  Albion VR, D.C. sub station - Physical Description 1
  
  Description
  
  A monumental building of Renaissance design. Red brick walls are detailed in cement render to arched window heads, cornices and stylized keystones to small rectangular ground floor windows. Some of the latter are bricked in. The structure sits on a concrete plinth. Windows are steel -framed with small panes. A curved pediment with brick parapet above crowns twin windows over the large entrance door to the machine bay, matched with similar treatment at the opposite end. The machinery hall is a huge space open to the full height of the building, but now missing all equipment. Adjoining are the switch rooms divided into three floors, with a recessed, iron-railed balcony on the first floor. Now a Maltese Cultural Centre. Peppercorn trees mark the former fenced area and the alignment of the railway sidings leading into the truck doors.
  
  Physical Conditions
  
  Albion VR, D.C. sub station - Physical Conditions
  
  Condition/integrity
  
  Recently refurbished for use by the Maltese community. Windows have been reglazed and joinery repaired. While the transformers and other fittings have long been removed, the exterior is in very original condition.
  
  Historical Australian Themes
  
  Albion VR, D.C. sub station - Historical Australian Themes
  
  4 Building settlement, towns and cities
  4.2 Supplying urban services
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Heritage Study and Grading
  
  Brimbank - Brimbank City Council Post-contact Cultural Heritage Study
  
  Author: G. Vines
  Year: 2000
  Grading: State
  
  Brimbank - Melbourne Western Region Industrial Heritage Study
  
  Author: G. Vines & A. Ward
  Year: 1989
  Grading:
- Show:
- JOHN DARLING AND SON FLOUR MILL
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H0829
- MASSEY FERGUSON COMPLEX
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H0667
- HV MCKAY MEMORIAL GARDENS AND CHURCH
  
  Victorian Heritage Register H1953
- 1 Brockenshire Street
  
  Yarra City
- 1 Bundara Street
  
  Yarra City
- 1 Forster Street
  
  Hobsons Bay City