The depot stored coal from Newcastle that arrived at Town Pier to fuel the ships. Though not built until 1872, this handsome, classified bluestone building is a reminder of the many warehouses that sprang up around this beach, together with the ships’ chandlers, manufactories and ubiquitous pubs to be found in a port town. Along both Beach and Bay Streets the village of Sandridge grew slowly, bounded on the east by a lagoon and on the west by the sandhills that gave it its name. Then with the 1851 discovery of gold in Victoria, the handful of settlers at the Beach abruptly swelled to nearly 3,000. In 1860 the village gained independence and proudly proclaimed itself the Borough of Sandridge. It took the name of Port Melbourne in 1884 and became a City in 1919, but is still referred to by long-time residents as ‘the Borough’. Port’s VFL footy team carries on the name.
by PMHPS on April 29, 2016Please login to comment on this item