Melbourne In Spires Towers and Turrets

Visitors from around the world often comment that Melbourne has a European 'look' or 'feel'. Many visitors find interest in the city's architecture. This page is nothing more than a "plaything" for the webmaster. It provides the opportunity to practice some photography (I'll get better). It also allows the presentation of some quirky views of our city and its old and new architecture. Over time this page will be updated by the addition of many more intriguing sights. All will feature some of the interesting spires, towers and turrets that can be found in or near to the city centre. All photos are in "thumbnail" form and can open to a larger size.

The building above - in Brunswick Street Fitzroy - is a fine example of a 1880's boom-era speculative building. Comprised of eight shops with residential above, the building was completed in 1888 for the Australian Property and Investment Company having been drawn by architect John Beswicke and completed by the builder Ralph Besant.

The former Nicholson Street Cable Tram Engine House, was built in 1886-1887 for the Melbourne Tramway Trust who leased it to the Melbourne Tramway and Omnibus Company. The building was designed by Alexander Davidson  and built by Martin and Peacock at a cost of 11,137 Pounds. The building was the third, and one of the biggest, of twelve engine houses on the cable system, of which eleven were built for the trust and one for the independent Northcote system. The Nicholson Street building drove three cables and was the last operating engine house in Melbourne , operating until 26 October, 1940. The building is of historical significance as an important surviving element of what was once the world's largest cable tram system, and also as the last operating engine house in Melbourne . The Engine House is a symbol of an important phase in Melbourne 's transport history and the development of the city, a phase which saw mechanical power supersede horse power on Melbourne 's streets and allowed further development of the city's outer reaches. 

The banner photos above present the streetscape of Brunswick St, Fitzroy, The Perserverance Hotel, the Fitzroy Trolley Car building, St Patrick's Cathedral and Park Hyatt, the Windsor Hotel and Tourism Victoria office, the towers of the Town Hall and Manchester Unity Building and St Michaels Church and BHP Petroleum Building.