Brandling Street, Alexandria: History Of Your Street
The peace of this tranquil residential street belies its location right in the heart of inner-city Sydney.
Just four kilometres south of Sydney’s CBD, Brandling Street, Alexandria is surrounded by leafy green parks and sporting grounds, as well as the many urban attractions of Alexandria and nearby Redfern and Erskineville.
Brandling Street, Alexandria
This wide and quiet leafy street, which runs between Henderson Road and Allen Avenue, forms part of the sought after “Golden Triangle” area of Alexandria, which is bordered by Henderson and Mitchell roads and Copeland Street. These three major thoroughfares of the area offer plenty of buzz and attractions. Walking down Brandling Street certainly doesn’t feel like being in the city, however; this pleasantly tree-lined suburban street features charming weatherboard cottages and luxuriously renovated Victorian terrace homes.
History
The Parish of Alexandria was established in 1835. It's naming, and that of surrounding Waterloo, honours British Empire military and naval victories over Napoleon. Alexandria separated from Waterloo and became its own municipality in 1868 and by 1943 was Australia’s largest industrial district, once known as ‘the Birmingham of Australia’. In recent years, the area has become increasingly residential, as savvy buyers have sought its proximity to the city.
The Inhabitants
Local residents of Brandling Street and surrounds today are a blend of first-time homeowners, young families, professionals and empty nesters.
Nearby Parks and Public Transport
Brandling Street is within walking distance of Alexandria Park and Erskineville Oval, as well as three train stations (Erskineville, Redfern and Green Square stations).
Significant Buildings
39 Brandling Street, Alexandria – The historic Eveleigh Locomotive Workshops, adjacent to this site, had a major locomotive depot for the storage and servicing of running steam locomotives. For such depots, it was normal practice to have a nearby "barracks" building to accommodate engine drivers between shifts. In 1902, the Railway Commissioners built a large two-storey building at 39 Brandling Street to be used as such dormitory accommodation for ‘running staff’ on rail lines. The former engineman’s rest house was known as ‘Eveleigh Rest House’. Today, 39 Brandling Street is a beautifully four-bedroom private residence that retains many of its original heritage features. The two-story Edwardian mansion features late Victorian or Federation architecture and is surrounded by gardens with verandas on three sides. It is the largest of the few surviving railway barracks buildings in NSW.
Nearby Eateries
Alexandria is a food lovers hub, with many great pubs, bars and cafes. On the doorstep of Brandling Street are:
Fratelli Fresh – This popular eatery is a gathering hub for local lovers of great Italian food and wine. Stop in to enjoy some excellent pasta, pizza and desserts. 52 Mitchell Road, Alexandria.
Bitton Gourmet – Locals can also get their French fix at this gourmet grocery and café, which offers the Bitton Gourmet range of handmade jams, chutneys, oils and more. It’s very child-friendly with outside tables and a play area for kids. Or take coffees and sandwiches or pastries to the park across the road. 37A Copeland Street, Alexandria.
Recent Sales
45 Brandling Street, Alexandria – 3 bedrooms, 3 bathrooms, 1 parking. Sold for $2.5 Million. At an enviable Golden Triangle address, this impressively renovated three bedrooms, three bathrooms, one parking terrace was intelligently redesigned to provide high-end contemporary luxury.
If you’re interested in learning more about Alexandria’s fascinating history or lifestyle today, talk to us at Brad Gillespie – we’re local experts in the neighbourhood.
