Newtown Heritage Study Review 2008 - City of Greater Geelong

Newtown Heritage Study Review, July 2009 – Volume 1
An undated sales plan (most likely to be c. 1889) of Geelong Town Properties
indicates land sales in Aberdeen Street (between Pakington Street and
Frederick Street (now Cumberland Street) and land in Skene Street (Figure
2.04). This plan indicates “Fittons Cottage” located on the south-west corner
of Aberdeen Street and Frederick Street and “St James School” on the
opposite corner (east side of Frederick Street), southern side of Aberdeen
Street. The allotment on the south east corner of Frederick Street and
Aberdeen Street was shown on a Robert Balding map of the Geelong, South
Barwon and Newtown in 1864. The Balding map of the Borough of Newtown
and Chilwell c. June 1864, shows Aberdeen Street, George Street,
Cumberland Street and an unnamed road south of Eureka Street (north side
of Aberdeen Street) parallel with George Street and Skene Street (Figure
2.05) 7 . No physical evidence of these buildings appear to survive today.
Subdivision plan LP8891 dated 1922 indicates the subdivision of seven
allotments in Aberdeen Street west side of Frederick (Cumberland Street)
(Figure 2.06).
Aberdeen Street Heritage Area
It was from the early 20 th century when dwellings in this precinct were
constructed. The first house in the area was constructed in 1908 at 141
Aberdeen Street, with other houses constructed prior to World War 1. Yet, it
was after the war when residential activity increased with 14 houses
constructed between 1923 and 1931. The area is closely situated to
Newtown State School No 1887 in Aberdeen Street which may have given
further impetus for residential development. The increase in population may
also have resulted from the opening of the tram route along Aberdeen Street
in 1912. Aberdeen Street was also a major traffic route from the City centre
to Fyansford and beyond to the Western District and Ballarat.
History of Street Names 8
Aberdeen Street
Aberdeen Street was named by Alexander J. Skene, District Surveyor, who
was born in Aberdeen, which is close to Skene- the native home of the Skene
clan. It was previously called Great Western Road.
Cumberland Street
Cumberland Street was named after the English county North End. It was
previously known as Frederick Street and the name was changed on 21
November 1956.
Building Owners and Construction Dates
A table of the original construction dates of the dwellings and the original
owners is given as follows. This data has been collated from various
Directories, Geelong Water and Sewerage Trust Field Books and Rate Books.
These relate to the historical evolution to the era including Victorian,
Federation/Edwardian and Interwar dwellings.
7 Map of the Town of Geelong, Boroughs of South Barwon and Newtown and Chilwell 30 June
1864.
8 Compiled from W Morrow and I Wynd Street Names of Geelong, unpublished database.
Prepared by City of Greater Geelong 34