About Cremorne

Cremorne is perhaps one of the lesser-known areas of Yarra. Part of the reason is the limited access to Cremorne, due to the raised railway embankment to its north and east, the Yarra River to the south, and Punt Road to the west.

The area now known as Cremorne – bordered by Hoddle, Church and Swan Streets, and the Yarra River – was divided into long and narrow six allotments, purchased between 1846 and 1849. These fronted Swan Street and ran down to the Yarra River.

The flat area beside the Yarra River was first developed into large villas and gardens. Over time these were sold and used for industrial purposes or subdivided for workers' cottages.

Cremorne Gardens Amusement Park

Henry Ginn purchased crown allotments three and four in June 1846 and built a large villa. This land was sold to James Ellis in 1853 and became the Cremorne Gardens Amusement Park.

The gardens were based on contemporary English amusement parks set in landscaped grounds. They included a band stand, dance floors, a lake, a menagerie, maze, theatre, river gondolas, and firework displays. People came to the gardens by steamboat or train from Melbourne. The gardens were bounded by Balmain, Cubitt and Cremorne Streets.

Private lunatic asylum

The Cremorne Gardens were sold in 1863 and adapted for use as a private lunatic asylum. In 1884 the asylum was purchased and subdivided for residential purposes.

Manufacturing

Unemployment was a large problem for Richmond in the 1860s. This saw the repealing of the Yarra Pollution Act of 1855 (which banned industry from discharging waste into the river), which made Cremorne and Burnley attractive for manufacturing. These primarily residential and farming areas being transformed into industrial areas in the 1870s.

Notable industrial complexes

Notable industrial complexes include the former Richmond Power Station, the Bryant and May and Rosella factory complexes, and the Richmond Maltings site (with the Nylex sign on top).

As the area became more industrial and housing standards declined, it was declared a slum. The area is now being revived as industry is replaced with office and residential uses.