Historical information

These photographs, taken by The Advocate in 1990, were published in response to a campaign by St Albans traders who were concerned about growing traffic congestion in the centre of St Albans and the resulting loss of business to competing shopping centres such as Deer Park, Keilor Downs, and even Highpoint City.

The images document the appearance of Main Road East, looking west towards the railway line crossing. Main Road East is one of St. Albans principal commercial streets and they capture the character of the town centre during a period of ongoing change and development.

The images capture various business including the Turkish Take Away Food Shop, Australian & Continental Butcher, Hot Bread & Cakes, Commonwealth Bank, Fruitmart and Liquorland.

Main Road East, formerly Boundary Road, served as the municipal boundary between the City of Sunshine and the City of Keilor. The south side of the roadway fell within the City of Sunshine, while the north side belonged to the City of Keilor.

Following the statewide restructuring of local government in 1994, both sides of Main Road East were brought under a single municipality, the newly formed City of Brimbank.

Significance

These photographs are significant for documenting Alfrieda Street, one of St. Albans principal commercial streets, during the early 1990s. They provide a valuable record of the appearance, layout and activity of the town centre at a time of ongoing change and development.

Physical description

Digital scans of black and white negatives

Inscriptions & markings

6837.01 - Main Road East St. Albans 1990 Photographs (Advocate 473.3).JPG

6837.02 - Main Road East St. Albans 1990 Photographs (Advocate 473.3).JPG

6837.03 - Main Road East St. Albans 1990 Photographs (Advocate 473.3).JPG