Historical information

Subdivision plans are historically important documents used as evidence of the growth of suburbs in Australia. They frequently provide information about when the land was sold on which a built structure was subsequently constructed as well as evidence relating to surveyors and real estate and financial agents.

Significance

The numerous subdivision plans in the Kew Historical Society's collection represent working documents, ranging from the initial sketches made in planning a subdivision to printed plans on which auctioneers or agents listed the prices for which individual lots were sold. In a number of cases, the reverse of a subdivision plan in the collection includes a photograph of a house that was also for sale by the agent. These photographs provide significant heritage information relating house design and decoration, fencing and household gardens.

Physical description

A subdivision in what is currently Balwyn, but which was advertised as being in Camberwell North. The subdivision included six allotments facing Buchanan Avenue and Houghton Street. The subdivision was to the east of the Pointed Firs Estate (1936). In addition to the intrinsic value of this subdivision plan, it also reveals information about the development of transport infrastructure in this area. The subdivision plan notes that the Tramways Board has approved the extension of the tram route past the current terminus at Balwyn Road.