Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No. 9 |
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Structure in 2015
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| Location | 97 Wynnum Road, Norman Park, Queensland, Australia |
| Design period | 1919 - 1930s (interwar period) |
| Built | 1935 |
| Architectural style(s) | Classicism |
| Official name: Brisbane City Council Tramway Substation No 9 (former) | |
| Type | state heritage (built) |
| Designated | 5 August 2003 |
| Reference no. | 602410 |
| Significant period | 1935-1969 (historical) |
| Significant components | crane / gantry, substation - tramway, platform, views to |
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The Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No. 9 is a building with a rich history. It is located at 97 Wynnum Road in Norman Park, Queensland, Australia. This building used to be an electrical substation for Brisbane's tram system.
It was built in 1935. Today, it is protected as a heritage site. It was added to the Queensland Heritage Register on August 5, 2003.
Contents
History of Brisbane's Trams
Early Tram Systems
Trams first started running in Brisbane in August 1885. These early trams were pulled by horses! An English company called Metropolitan Tramway and Investment Co. Ltd. ran them.
Later, in 1897, electric trams arrived in Brisbane. The Brisbane Tramways Company bought the old horse-drawn system. They changed it to use electricity and made the tram lines longer. A special power station was built in Countess Street to supply electricity for these new trams.
Growing Electricity Needs
As the tram system grew, the Countess Street power station wasn't big enough. More power was needed, especially for the south side of the river. Electricity from the tram system even powered some local businesses like butcher shops.
In 1922, the Brisbane Tramway Trust was created. This group took over running the trams. Then, in 1925, the Brisbane City Council was formed. This new council wanted to control all electricity services for the city.
New Farm Power Station and Substations
The 1920s and 1930s were a time of big growth for Brisbane's trams. The Brisbane City Council decided to build its own large power station. This was the New Farm Power Station, which opened in 1928.
The New Farm Power Station sent electricity to a network of 11 smaller buildings. These buildings were called tramways substations. They were placed in important spots along the tram lines. Substation No. 9 in Norman Park started working in 1935.
Designing the Substations
A lot of thought went into designing these substations. Even though they were practical buildings, they looked elegant. They often had beautiful brickwork.
Roy Rusden Ogg was the main architect for the Brisbane City Council Tramways Department. He designed many of these substations. He also designed the New Farm Power Station and the Tramways Head Office building.
The Substation's Later Life
Substation No. 9 kept working until Brisbane's trams stopped running. This happened in the late 1960s. In 1969, the tram line closed down. All the electrical equipment was taken out of the substation.
After that, the building became a depot for the State Emergency Services. Some changes were made inside for this new use. For example, a new floor was added. Today, the building is leased by Metro Arts. It is now used as studios for artists.
What the Substation Looks Like
The former substation is a two-storey building. It is made of dark, shiny bricks. It sits on a corner block, with its longest side facing away from Wynnum Road.
The roof is hidden by a stepped wall at the top. The brickwork has shallow decorative panels. The building has a smooth, flat base. The tall windows have concrete tops and bottoms.
You can see the metal rainwater pipes on the north and south sides. They add to the tall look of the building. On the side facing Norman Avenue, there is a large steel roller door. It has a curved metal cover over it.
The southern end of the building has a small extension for a toilet. This part has different brick patterns. There are also old concrete and brick pieces nearby from other past structures.
Inside the Building
The inside of the building has been changed. This was done to make it suitable for the State Emergency Service. A new floor made of steel and wood was put in. The lower part of the original floor is now used to park a rescue boat.
A special crane is still inside the building. It runs along the length of the building on steel rails. All the bricks inside have been painted white. There is also a garage made of metal and concrete blocks near the substation.
Why It's a Heritage Site
The former Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No. 9 was added to the Queensland Heritage Register in 2003. This means it is an important part of Queensland's history.
Demonstrates History
The substation shows how Queensland's industries grew. It is also linked to how Brisbane's suburbs expanded in the 1920s and 1930s. It also tells us about the development of the city's electricity system.
Rare and Unique
This substation is now a rare example of Brisbane's old tram system. Trams stopped running in 1969. Much of the old tram infrastructure has been removed.
Shows Key Features
The substation shows the main features of Brisbane's tramway substations. This includes its design, size, and materials.
It is also a great example of the work of tramways architect Roy Rusden Ogg. He designed many useful and well-built structures for the city.
Beautiful Design
The substation looks good in the streetscape. Its quality design and materials help it to be both useful and pleasing to look at.
Linked to Important People
The substation is a fine example of Roy Rusden Ogg's work. He was an important architect for the Brisbane City Council Tramways.
Images for kids
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Upper floor, 2015
