Brisbane City Council Tramway Substation No 9

In 1935, amidst the hum of Brisbane’s expanding tramway system, the Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 quietly came to life. This unassuming yet elegant structure at 97 Wynnum Road, Norman Park, played a vital role in powering the city’s electric trams. Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 wasn’t just a building. It was a symbol of progress. It was a testament to the city’s commitment to modern public transport. The substation, designed by Roy Rusden Ogg, the Brisbane City Council Tramways architect, reflects the architectural style of the era, a blend of classicism and functionality. The dark, glazed bricks, the stepped parapet concealing the metal-clad roof, and the concrete render around the high window openings all speak to Ogg’s attention to detail. Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 pulsed with the energy that kept the city moving. It converted the alternating current from the New Farm Power Station to the direct current needed for the trams. This allowed the trams to extend further into the suburbs, fueling the city’s growth. The 1920s and 30s were a time of significant expansion for Brisbane’s tramways, after the Brisbane City Council took ownership from the Brisbane Tramways Trust in 1925. Substation No 9 was part of a network of substations strategically placed across the city to power these trams. Each played a crucial role in the network. Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 served the city faithfully until the late 1960s. The decline of Brisbane’s tram system, a trend mirrored in many cities worldwide, led to the closure of the tramway and the substation’s decommissioning in 1969. The electrical equipment was removed, but interestingly, the overhead traveling crane remains. The Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 then found a new purpose. It became a State Emergency Services Depot. The interior was modified to accommodate this new function. A mezzanine floor was added. The lower floor was extended to house a rescue boat. A single-story garage was also added to the northern side. Even with these alterations, the building retains its original character and charm. Today, Brisbane City Council Tramways Substation No 9 has been reborn yet again. Since 2007, it has been home to Metro Arts, providing studio space for artists. This new life has brought a renewed vibrancy to the building and the surrounding area. It’s a fitting evolution for a building that once powered the city’s movement, and now fuels creative expression. The substation stands as a silent witness to Brisbane’s history, a reminder of the city’s embrace of public transport and its continuous evolution.