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BRUNSWICK FIRE STATION & FLATS
24 BLYTH STREET,, BRUNSWICK VIC 3056 - Property No 86422
Blyth Street

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Statement of Significance

The Fire Station and Flats in Blyth Street, Brunswick, are of state architectural and historical Significance. The complex, a good example of the innovative work of the architectural firm Seabrook & Fildes, is a notable early example of Moderne architecture in Victoria. Of particular Significance to the Moreland area is the use of large areas of cream brick, which was first developed by Brunswick brickmaker John Glew in the 1860s. Whilst cream bricks had been used in several notable buildings in the locality from at least the 1860s, the Moderne movement brought them back into favour. The complex is also a relatively late example of on-site staff accommodation at fire stations.
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    • Physical Description 1

      BRUNSWICK FIRE STATION & FLATS - Physical Description 1

      The fire station, containing offices and fire truck bays, is situated at the corner of Blyth and Burchett Streets, and the remaining block of flats, to the south, at the corner of Burchett and Barningham. Both buildings are of two storeys, constructed of red and cream brick, in a Moderne style. Characteristic of the style, the buildings are asymmetrical compositions of cubic forms with metal framed windows and roofs concealed behind brick parapets. Ground floor openings have cantilevered concrete porch canopies, and, on the fire station building, the fire truck bay openings are separated by slender cream brick fins. On both buildings, long vertical strip of windows indicate internal stairwells. The gently stepped facade of the flats also employs a curve in plan, another popular Moderne device, as is the flagpole is affixed to the front of the fire station with metal hoops.

      The fire station yard has been extended, occupying the site of the demolished flats (c.1995). A new fence, in non-matching cream and red brickwork, marks the Burchett Street side boundary.


      Key Architectural Elements: bold red and cream brick Moderne composition
      typical Moderne elementsnarrow vertical slot openings, low horizontal window bands, corner windows, flagpole
      cantilevered concrete window and porch canopies and parapet cappings
      steel-framed windows

      Conservation Guidelines: preferably remove red and cream brick fence (c.1990s) along Burchett Street frontage

      Principal Historic Themes: provision of essential services and urban infrastructure (power, transport, fire prevention, water, lights, sewerage) (AHC 41)

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Heritage Study and Grading

      Moreland - Keeping Brunswick's heritage: A Report on the Review of the Brunswick Conservation Study

      Author: Context Pty Ltd
      Year: 1990
      Grading: Local

      Moreland - City of Moreland Heritage Review

      Author: Allen Lovell and Associates
      Year: 1999
      Grading:

Public contributions

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