377:) while middle- and working-class suburbs generally received much simpler, functional buildings. Designs tended to be reused, sometimes with only minimal variation. There are also marked stylistic differences between substations constructed by government as opposed to those constructed by the Electric Light and Power Supply Corporation (ELPSC) throughout the first half of the 20th century. The ELPSC substations tend to be functionalist brick boxes with only the slightest degree of architectural detailing or ornamentation, whereas the substations constructed by municipalities, while often reusing the same underlying design with minor variation, tend to be more finely detailed and in many instances are designed to match the architecture of the surrounding area. This may reflect the different nature of the competing priorities of a private as opposed to a government enterprise. A number of former ELPSC structures exist within the EnergyAustralia network.
493:
to this area. Electricity Zone
Substations are the critical backbone of the electricity network and serve as the points where the high voltage power supplied from the generation system is received and transformed for distribution to the network of small distribution substations and thence to customers. Auburn Zone Substation No. 167 was the major high voltage distribution point for this area of Sydney during the 1920s and was a key piece of infrastructure in the expansion and development of industry in the Auburn area in the mid to late 20th century. This zone substation is the largest piece of electrical infrastructure that was built by the Municipal Council of Sydney in western Sydney. Auburn Zone Substation No. 167 has been continually upgraded over the intervening years and continues to serve its original function as an item of critical infrastructure within Sydney's electricity network (2007).
31:
330:(SCC) with broad responsibility for electricity supply across the Sydney region. There was rapid expansion in the electricity distribution network with 40-50 substations constructed annually. The scale of SCC's operations consistently made it the largest local authority in Australia throughout the second half of the 20th century. In 1991 the SCC was reconstituted as Sydney Electricity (a statutory authority). In 1996 Sydney Electricity merged with the Hunter regional electricity authority Orion (formerly Shortland Electricity) and was corporatised as
362:
had little or no input into the architectural style of the substation chamber, merely supplying technical requirements which influenced the location and size of the substation within the new building. This trend also saw smaller older-style substations demolished in some areas and replaced with new chamber substations incorporated into a new development. This style of construction is commonplace today, particularly in high density urban areas. EnergyAustralia's older substations range from very finely detailed to very plain and functional.
207:
540:), is another smaller example of the style which was originally of a similar design to Auburn Zone Substation No. 167. No. 129 has, however, been considerably altered, including the demolition of a two-storey portion of the building on the front facade which has been replaced with a brick wall. Both Zone Substations No. 80 and No. 129 have been assessed by EnergyAustralia for its s. 170 Heritage and Conservation Register as having local significance.
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It was substantially and sympathetically extended in 1929 (by MCS City
Architect WF White) to become the largest of its style of substation built by the Municipal Council of Sydney. The Auburn Zone substation is a brick and cement render structure. The lower storey is finished in tuck-pointed face brick, and the upper storey is finished with a smooth cement render. The MCS logo and "ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION" are embossed in large lettering on the
346:
need for cost-effective construction methods, the reduction in size of electrical equipment and the speed with which substations needed to be constructed to keep pace with demand. While early substations were often purpose-designed and built for a specific location, by the late 1920s the trend was for standardised designs built to a similar size and generally designed to fit on a standard suburban subdivision block, typically 100-200 m2.
519:
the largest of this style of substation constructed by the
Municipal Council of Sydney, a style that was typically characterised by much smaller buildings. The high standard of electricity substation design of the 1920s and 1930s demonstrates the undertaking of the Municipal Council of Sydney (and later the Sydney County Council) to apply architectural design to utilitarian structures.
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essentially invisible, through incorporating them into larger buildings, placing them wholly underground or within anonymous small steel boxes which tend to be ignored in urban environments. The exception to this continues to be the zone substations and high voltage switchyards, which continue to require large buildings or areas of land to house equipment.
510:(1930), both of which were prestige structures in the Mediterranean/Spanish Mission styles designed to complement the building stock of these suburbs. Further research should reveal additional surviving substations built by the Municipal Council of Sydney and Sydney County Council that can be attributed to WF White.
492:
Auburn Zone
Substation No. 167 is significant at state level both for its association with a significant historical phase, in the expansion of electricity provision to outlying areas of Sydney in the 1920s, and as demonstration of the continuity of historical activity in the provision of electricity
416:
The Auburn Zone substation is a large and impressive two storey structure . It is prominently located at a major corner intersection and acts as a local landmark. Built in 1924, it was designed by the City
Architect of the Municipal Council of Sydney (Mr Broderick) in the Interwar Art Nouveau style.
357:
By the 1950s the trend towards architecturally designed and detailed substations was exhausted. From that point on, the freestanding metal kiosk-style substation was progressively introduced, while buildings, where they were constructed, tended towards strictly functional unadorned brick enclosures.
353:
The number of substations constructed in the Sydney region exploded from the late 1920s, with dozens of substations being constructed in any one year to cope with expanding demand. While in the early years of network construction many substations had unique characteristics and were sited in response
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Designs did keep pace with architectural trends and it is possible to identify a number of different and distinct architectural styles of substations. One-off designed substations did continue to be built well into the mid-20th century though these tended to be restricted to what the SCC referred to
345:
The style and nature of substation construction became progressively more standardised as the electricity network expanded. While the earliest substations tended to be large, well-ornamented public buildings, as they became more commonplace, substations became smaller and simpler. This reflected the
527:
Auburn Zone
Substation No. 167 is significant at state level as the largest and most intact of the zone substations constructed by the Municipal Council of Sydney in the Interwar Art Nouveau style. It shares stylistic similarities with two other similar period and style zone substations, but is the
361:
Substation design was also influenced by the general changes in
Australian building construction in the mid-20th century. The trend towards larger steel and concrete buildings saw "chamber"" style substations incorporated directly within new buildings. In such circumstances the electricity provider
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had been given statutory authority in 1896 to produce and distribute electric light and power to central Sydney, including areas outside the council boundaries. From 1904 until 1935 the council's electric department, as both an electricity generation and distribution authority, constructed hundreds
518:
Auburn Zone
Substation No. 167 is significant at state level for its size and style. Electricity zone substations were considerably larger structures than ordinary substations. No. 167 is a large and attractive structure which features Art Nouveau and Art Deco detailing to the street facade. It is
468:
Auburn Zone
Substation No. 167 was the most substantial piece of early electrical infrastructure constructed in western Sydney in the 1920s and is the only one which remains in service for its original purpose. It was integral to the development of the Auburn area as a major industrial area in the
365:
The early government-run electrical authorities were aware of the need to make substations in residential areas attractive and in keeping with the surroundings, and an architect joined the substation design area of Sydney County
Council in 1936. By contrast, the modern trend is to make substations
286:
The substation was substantially and sympathetically extended c. 1929 in response to increased demand for electricity driven by the rapid growth of the Auburn area. Its development marks the extension of the Municipal Council of Sydney's role as a regional electricity supplier to, what were in the
501:
Auburn Zone Electricity Substation No. 167 is significant at state level for its association with the work of Walter Frederick White (ARIA) from c. 1924 to 1947 at the City Architect's Office, Municipal Council of Sydney and its successor organisation, Sydney County Council. While White did not
464:
It is representative of the Municipal Council's extension of its role as a regional electricity supplier to what were then outlying areas of Sydney. Auburn marks the western extent of the Council's network, with power further west being supplied from a private company based in Parramatta.
472:
Auburn Zone Substation No. 167 is significant at state level as a large and attractive industrial structure which features Art Nouveau and Art Deco detailing to the street facade. Stylistically, the substation is a grand example of this type of substation architecture, which is generally
548:
Auburn Electricity Substation No. 167 is significant at state level as typical, in scale and function, of the high voltage substations built throughout Sydney in the 1920s and 1930s for the expansion of the electricity network. It is the largest and most intact example of its style.
287:
1920s, outlying areas of Sydney. Substation No 167 was integral to the development of the Auburn area as a major industrial area in the mid to late 20th century. The site was substantially upgraded in 2007 to extend its operational life for the foreseeable future.
300:
of small distribution substations throughout Sydney, many of which are still in service. The MCS supplied electricity to retail customers around the inner city, inner west and lower north shore and provided bulk power to outer western and northern suburbs such as
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and simpler plant entrance to the other. The street facade features Art Nouveau and Art Deco detailing. The style of Federation Arts and Crafts is evidenced by elements of Art Nouveau including the lettering style, treatment of the facade, a curvilinear
399:
The site had a major upgrade from 2007 designed to continue its operational life into the future. The internal crane was recorded and removed to allow for equipment upgrades and installation of a new crane. In 2008-09, 2 new transformer
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The original roof, gutters and downpipes have been replaced. Gutters and downpipes are sympathetic in style. Two entrance doors have been replaced with steel roller doors. Later chain wire boundary fences have been added to the site.
354:
to a particular need, from the late 1920s standardised designs were generally used and expansion was based on a need to establish and expand the electricity grid rather than in response to localised or site-specific issues.
388:
It was connected to Substation #72 at Five Dock on 11 October 1933. On 15 August 1934 it was decided that a new Merz Price Balanced Voltage System was to be installed once the Clyde Engineering Works substation was online.
282:
Electric Company. Auburn Zone substation No. 167 was constructed as the main high voltage electricity distribution point for this part of Sydney and was the largest electrical facility built in western Sydney at that time.
476:
The building was substantially and sympathetically extended in the late 1920s by the Municipal Council of Sydney in response to the rapid growth of the Auburn area and increased demand for electricity.
460:
Auburn Zone Substation No. 167 is significant at state level as the main high voltage electricity distribution point for this part of Sydney when constructed in 1924 by the Municipal Council of Sydney.
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The MCS initially competed against a number of private electricity supply companies. These were mostly small-scale operations which the MCS had acquired by 1914. The exception was the
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characterised by smaller buildings. It is the largest of this style of substation and externally retains its character as an early 20th century industrial building.
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design the original building, he was responsible for its 1929 extensions. Other electricity substations that White is also known to have designed are No. 269,
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The place has a strong or special association with a person, or group of persons, of importance of cultural or natural history of New South Wales's history.
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Electricity distribution substations were generally built as modest 1 or 2 storey buildings, with Zone Substations considerably larger in scale.
319:(ELPSC), established in 1909, which was the one major private player in the Sydney electricity market until 1955 when it was nationalised by the
544:
The place is important in demonstrating the principal characteristics of a class of cultural or natural places/environments in New South Wales.
532:(1923) is a smaller example of the style which has had a greater degree of modification than the Auburn Zone Station. Zone Substation No. 129,
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The place is important in demonstrating aesthetic characteristics and/or a high degree of creative or technical achievement in New South Wales.
274:. The zone substation is located at the border between the area supplied by the Municipal Council of Sydney and that supplied by the private
254:, with the City Architect being responsible for the design. It is also known as #167 'AUBURN' 33KV ZONE SUBSTATION. The property is owned by
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It has been reported to be in generally good condition, excepting that the timber windows required painting and minor graffiti existed.
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The Auburn Zone substation No. 167 is a purpose designed and built structure dating from 1924, constructed by the Municipal Council of
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Historically, better quality buildings tended to be reserved for what the MCS referred to as "high class" suburbs (particularly
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The substation has been substantially altered internally over its life, including the replacement of most internal equipment.
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The place is important in demonstrating the course, or pattern, of cultural or natural history in New South Wales.
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The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.
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There has been some internal and external modification but the building is fundamentally intact.
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published by the State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) 2018 under
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Text is licensed by State of New South Wales (Department of Planning and Environment) under
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Electricity Substation No. 167; #167 'AUBURN' 33KV ZONE SUBSTATION; 'ELECTRICITY SUBSTATION'
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City Architect; Municipal Council of Sydney (Mr Broderick; 1924. 1929 extensions; WF White)
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446:. The two entrance doors are later modifications and are a steel-roller shutter type.
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713:. Vol. XVII, no. 20. New South Wales, Australia. 13 July 1935. p. 12
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Energy Australia Heritage & Conservation Register Review Project, Final Report
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In 1935 the functions of the MCS Electricity Department were taken over by the
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Transformer yard and equipment has been upgraded and replaced multiple times.
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Electricity Substation No. 167, 93 Parramatta Road, Auburn, New South Wales
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In 1904, the first power station in Sydney commenced operations. The
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lined with a brick facade were added, with new equipment installed.
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250:, Australia. It was designed and built from 1924 to 1929 by the
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421:. The facade is asymmetrical with an elaborate entrance and
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Municipal Council of Sydney Electric Lighting Act (1896)
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on 2 May 2008 having satisfied the following criteria.
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above the main doorway surmounted by stylised rendered
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This Knowledge (XXG) article was originally based on
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Location of Electricity Substation No. 167 in Sydney
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528:best example of the type. Zone Substation No. 80,
480:Electricity Substation No. 167 was listed on the
971:Electric power infrastructure in New South Wales
291:Electricity Provision in Sydney, 1904 to present
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768:: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (
317:Electric Light and Power Supply Corporation
18:Historic site in New South Wales, Australia
981:Buildings and structures completed in 1929
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721:– via National Library of Australia.
350:as "high class" suburbs in Sydney's east.
29:
20:
754:Wilkenfeld, G & Spearritt, P (2004).
656:Department of Planning & Environment
966:Energy infrastructure completed in 1929
956:New South Wales State Heritage Register
802:New South Wales State Heritage Register
779:Sydney Electricity Section 170 Register
651:New South Wales State Heritage Register
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482:New South Wales State Heritage Register
260:New South Wales State Heritage Register
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777:Schwager Brooks and Partners (1994).
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338:Substation design, 1904 to present
172:Electricity Transformer/Substation
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130:New South Wales Heritage Register
976:1929 establishments in Australia
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646:"Electricity Substation No. 167"
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404:of precast concrete panels and
798:Electricity Substation No. 167
232:Electricity Substation No. 167
24:Electricity Substation No. 167
1:
705:"Why I Smiths Publish Weekly"
321:Electricity Commission of NSW
811:, accessed on 29 May 2018.
800:, entry number 01790 in the
849:Greater Metropolitan Sydney
469:mid- to late-20th century.
297:Municipal Council of Sydney
252:Municipal Council of Sydney
188:Municipal Council of Sydney
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731:The Auburn Review, 1/7/08
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961:Auburn, New South Wales
381:Modifications and dates
238:at 93 Parramatta Road,
180:Utilities - Electricity
258:. It was added to the
148:State heritage (built)
328:Sydney County Council
236:electrical substation
234:is a heritage-listed
506:(1928) and No. 349,
82:33.8442°S 151.0424°E
44:93 Parramatta Road,
756:Electrifying Sydney
425:to one side, and a
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536:(1928, located in
244:Cumberland Council
161:Reference no.
87:-33.8442; 151.0424
50:Cumberland Council
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262:on 2 May 2008.
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739:Bibliography
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715:. Retrieved
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660:. Retrieved
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534:Hunters Hill
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862:Substations
855:, Australia
787:Attribution
538:Gladesville
423:hipped roof
412:Description
85: /
73:151°02′33″E
61:Coordinates
56:, Australia
950:Categories
910:Paddington
895:Crows Nest
565:References
276:Parramatta
156:2 May 2008
153:Designated
70:33°50′39″S
919:Randwick
880:Balgowlah
870:Annandale
806:CC-BY 4.0
764:cite book
675:CC-BY 4.0
530:Chatswood
436:pilasters
371:Woollahra
280:Granville
106:Architect
890:Cammeray
658:. H01790
553:See also
508:Randwick
185:Builders
177:Category
41:Location
928:No. 349
923:No. 341
809:licence
678:licence
559:Ausgrid
440:dentils
432:cornice
427:parapet
406:columns
306:Hornsby
302:Penrith
266:History
256:Ausgrid
118:Ausgrid
935:Ultimo
915:Pymble
875:Auburn
717:1 June
694:(NSW).
662:29 May
419:facade
375:Mosman
272:Sydney
240:Auburn
46:Auburn
905:Manly
885:Bondi
504:Bondi
444:gable
310:Manly
114:Owner
98:Built
770:link
719:2018
664:2018
402:bays
373:and
308:and
278:and
169:Type
164:1790
145:Type
847:in
952::
851:,
766:}}
762:{{
707:.
654:.
648:.
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Text is available under the Creative Commons Attribution-ShareAlike License. Additional terms may apply.
