Early development in the industry was in the hands of a number of private companies and the situation was complex because the metropolitan area comprised fourteen separate local authorities.

Two engine sets from Countess Street were transferred to a building in Logan Road to provide for a feeding point for the system on the south side of the river.

At the conclusion of the First World War there was general support for the notion that the tramway system be owned and operated by a public authority rather than a private company.

Three small obsolete power stations generated energy for trams and electricity for Ithaca and Toowong and the supply for all other suburbs was purchased in bulk from CEL under 10 year agreements.

In 1926 the Greater Brisbane Council, anxious to control the city's electricity supply, decided to build its own powerhouse at New Farm, under the supervision of the BCC Tramways Department.

Although they were robust utility buildings, generally small in scale, elegant proportions and such details as finely crafted brickwork distinguished them.

Prior to 1940, their design was the responsibility of BCC Tramways Department architect and construction engineer, Roy Rusden Ogg.

In conjunction with the tramway's chief engineers Nelson and Arundell, he designed at least 10 Brisbane substations between 1926 and 1936 and the first two stages of the New Farm powerhouse.

[1] The metal clad roof is concealed by a stepped parapet and engaged piers form shallow decorative panels in the brickwork.

Finely detailed sheet metal rainwater heads and downpipes are prominently placed on the north and south elevations and contribute to the verticality of the design.

The western side, facing Norman Avenue, features a large steel roller shutter protected by a curved metal hood.

The original travelling crane remains, running north south for the entire length of the building and supported on steel rails resting on corbelled brickwork.

[1] The former Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 was listed on the Queensland Heritage Register on 5 August 2003 having satisfied the following criteria.

The former substation contributes to the streetscape, its quality of design and materials enabling the prominently placed building to successfully combine function and a pleasing appearance.