Description

Established over a century ago to power Melbourne’s suburban rail system, The Substation building is a landmark in the industrial history of the inner west. Made in the Edwardian-Baroque style, The Substation boasts the 'Type A' design used for the first five substations constructed as part of the electrification of the Melbourne metropolitan network. The building was designed the Victorian Railways Way & Works in conjunction with electrical engineering firm Merz & McLellan, and built in 1915.

After ceasing operation in the 1960s and falling into disrepair for three decades, in 1996 local residents Nigel Edwards and Darren Williams successfully led a campaign to restore and adapt the building for artistic use as the Hobsons Bay Community Arts Centre. Today, as an international destination for contemporary and experimental arts, The Substation both celebrates and transcends its original context in Newport as the nation’s leader in multi-arts and experimental practice. Connecting diverse local communities in Naarm’s west to the world through a program of international, national and local opportunities, The Substation's programming inspires us to refigure problematic histories, imagine possible futures and forge new connections.

What's On

Experience the unique story of The Substation and its sustained connection to community. On Saturday, join a guided tour lead by one of The Substation’s history buffs and learn about The Substation's original use, its refurbishment and its use today as a cutting edge experimental contemporary art space. Or over the weekend, choose your own adventure by taking a self-guided tour. The Substation will provide a map for you to follow and a guide outlining points of interest throughout our building.

You can also watch an archival film that will allow you to take a glimpse into the past and experience The Substation's rebirth through footage from the late 1990s-2000s.

Or connect with The Substation family, peek behind the curtain of experimental art with CEO Nuala Furtado and meet the local community reference group working to maintain the site's future in Newport.

Children's Activities

The Substation was once used to help power Melbourne's railways. From the 1960s to the 1990s it was abandoned until the local community reimagined what the building could be and created an art space for dance, music, theatre, performance and visual arts.

In this creative design activity for kids, we'll ask you to imagine you are a designer working to bring The Substation back to life. What would you include in your design for artists, dancers and musicians? Perhaps a swimming pool, roller coaster or even a rainforest surrounding the building? Bring your Substation to life by creating your design in a drawing, collage or sculpture using recycled materials.