“When the railways were electrified there were many switching rooms and substations built at the same date to a similar design. The substations at Glenroy, Caulfield, Mentone, Seaford, East Camberwell and Deer Park are similar to the North Fitzroy station. However, the relationship to the open space of Park Street makes it possible to view the North Fitzroy substation in its entirety. The building, constructed in 1915 by Swanson Bros. has a strong impact on the surroundings and the monumental design can be appreciated in this location. This building is therefore considered of local and state wide significance. In addition the design of Fitzroy is better emphasised because it combines brickwork and render – many other substations are completely rendered.
Internally there is a dramatic use of space. The main hall, where heavy electrical equipment was brought in by a railway track with an overhead gentry is vast and spectacular. It is brightly lit by a series of vertical windows. These are metal glazed with arched heads and are 6.4 metres by 2.1 metres wide. They produce a bright almost cathedral like effect and are of particular interest in the context of industrial architecture. The floor of this area is broken up into different bays and levels by concrete walls. In contrast to the extravagant use of space in the main machine hall, the switch rooms on the south are a series of concrete cells served rather dangerously by a series of steel ladders. A recessed balcony on the first floor level with a simple cast iron baluster crossed with a circle motif provides an intriguing refinement for this extraordinary building. (North Fitzroy Conservation Study 1978, p.90 and Contract Book Vic. Rail lists 20 drawings of this substation, however only 6 were located and consulted. Contractor: Swanson Bros. signed 16 June 1915). (Glossary)
