Brisbane Tramways substations

As the tramway company increased both the number of trams and the length of routes, the power supply rapidly became inadequate.

With the takeover of the system in 1922 by the Brisbane Tramways Trust (and subsequently the City Council) considerable investment was made in many areas including power generation and distribution.

A larger powerhouse was built in New Farm which commenced generation in 1928 and was sufficient for both the needs of the tram system and other consumers.

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 10 Brisbane substations between 1926 and 1936 and the first two stages of the New Farm powerhouse.

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

The listing for Brisbane Tramways Substation No.8 (Kedron) meets Criterion E of the Queensland Heritage Act 1992 - that "The place is important because of its aesthetic significance."

The listing states that "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.

It was demolished along with the old City Electric Light Company Stanley Street Substation (which was located next to the Ship Inn).

Modern heritage protection did not exist in Queensland until 1992,[24] with some limited heritage protection first introduced in the Brisbane City Council 1987 Town Plan[25] Brisbane City Council has a good collection of photos showing what much of the South Bank site looked like prior to Expo 88.

The tramway powerhouse and workshops complex in Countess Street, seen from the east, with rail lines into Roma Street station in the foreground
New Farm Powerhouse, as seen from the Brisbane River, 2015
Aerial view of Annerley in the mid-1930s, shortly after Tramways Substation No.10 was constructed
View of Tramways Substation No.10 from Annerley Road.
Close up view of Tramways Substation No. 10. Looking at the side of the building, the modern extension can be seen, with one third of the building modern yellow brick rather than the original reddish-brown "Burnt Sienna" brick.
The Brisbane Tramways Substation No. 11 Coorparoo. Former tramways substation, now re-purposed as a retail shop.
The Brisbane Tramways Substation No. 16 Holland Park - former substation, now re-purposed as a commercial property.