Newport Substation Under Construction 1915
The Newport Substation was constructed in 1915-16 as part of the massive project by the Victorian Railways to electrify the Melbourne suburban railway network. The site was selected in 1913 and by June 1915 the building was two-thirds complete.
Completed by June 1916, the substation was designed to house three 1500kW rotary converters, which were not installed until 1919. The building was designed so that larger units could be easily fitted if required. It began operation when electric services were extended to Williamstown on 27 August 1920. From its commissioning in 1920 to its decommissioning in 1967 the substation was an integral component of the Melbourne metropolitan electrified railway system.
It became redundant when its function was replaced by new buildings erected at Yarraville and Williamstown in 1967. After ceasing operations the building was used for a short time as the railways upholstery workshop and in 1969 was locked up.
In 1996 it was identified as a possible home for a community arts facility and a 25 year lease was secured by a local community arts association. Restoration works commenced in 2001 and are continuing.
Take a virtual tour here: LINK
The Newport Substation was constructed in 1915-16 as part of the massive project by the Victorian Railways to electrify the Melbourne suburban railway network. The site was selected in 1913 and by June 1915 the building was two-thirds complete.
Completed by June 1916, the substation was designed to house three 1500kW rotary converters, which were not installed until 1919. The building was designed so that larger units could be easily fitted if required. It began operation when electric services were extended to Williamstown on 27 August 1920. From its commissioning in 1920 to its decommissioning in 1967 the substation was an integral component of the Melbourne metropolitan electrified railway system.
It became redundant when its function was replaced by new buildings erected at Yarraville and Williamstown in 1967. After ceasing operations the building was used for a short time as the railways upholstery workshop and in 1969 was locked up.
In 1996 it was identified as a possible home for a community arts facility and a 25 year lease was secured by a local community arts association. Restoration works commenced in 2001 and are continuing.
Take a virtual tour here: LINK
The Newport Substation was constructed in 1915-16 as part of the massive project by the Victorian Railways to electrify the Melbourne suburban railway network. The site was selected in 1913 and by June 1915 the building was two-thirds complete.
Completed by June 1916, the substation was designed to house three 1500kW rotary converters, which were not installed until 1919. The building was designed so that larger units could be easily fitted if required. It began operation when electric services were extended to Williamstown on 27 August 1920. From its commissioning in 1920 to its decommissioning in 1967 the substation was an integral component of the Melbourne metropolitan electrified railway system.
It became redundant when its function was replaced by new buildings erected at Yarraville and Williamstown in 1967. After ceasing operations the building was used for a short time as the railways upholstery workshop and in 1969 was locked up.
In 1996 it was identified as a possible home for a community arts facility and a 25 year lease was secured by a local community arts association. Restoration works commenced in 2001 and are continuing.
Take a virtual tour here: LINK