Heritage Group
The Camberwell Shopping precinct is one of the oldest shopping strips in Melbourne.The area developed as the population of Melbourne grew and gentlemen farmers went in search of land. In 1853 an inn was erected on the corner of several converging roads and named The Camberwell Inn as it reminded the owner of Camberwell Green in London. The area took the name of Camberwell and the busy intersection of streets known as Camberwell Junction.
When the railway line was extended to the area in 1882 the opportunity for commerce created the businesses along Burke Road. Easy access to the city encouraged further residential development and the shopping precinct supported this growth.
Some of the types of businesses operating then are still needed in the shopping strip today though most have changed locations and operators many times over the years. The Camberwell Traders Association established the Camberwell Heritage Group to recognise that many businesses in Camberwell have managed to continuously trade successfully in a challenging industry through some difficult retail periods for more than 20 years. This page has been created to reward them for their contribution to the Camberwell Shopping Centre.
- Ulms for hair
- Camberwell Centre Newsagency 1933
- Dickory Dock Corsetry Salon 1947
- Stephen's & Miller Jewellers 1945
- The Chocolate Box 1935
- Young's Auctions 1930
- Fratelle Hair Studio 1981
- Camberwell Secretariat 1977
- Dunns's Leathergoods 1960
- Steve's Hair Design 1971
- Body world Gymnasium 1958
- Fine Art Linen Co. 1956
- La Figure Lingerie 1945
- Camberwell Fresh Food Market 1930s
- Player's Snooker & Pool Room 1922
- W.L Brown Jewellers 1922
- Rivoli Cinemas 1921
- The Palace Hotel 1888
Ulms for hair
Opened in 1978 this creative hair salon was first located over the road and also carried a range of stylish women's wear. However it now specialises in the latest fashion styles, professional hair care and a unique range of French skincare and make -up.
Camberwell Centre Newsagency 1933
628 Burke Road
The newsagency business now known as Camberwell Centre Newsagency
has been operating in Camberwell since 1933 though it was
originally located a few doors along Burke Road and moved to this
location and into a store 3 times the size of the old one, in 1994.
The current owners renamed the business when they purchased it
recently, for the previous 15 years it was known as Shannon's
Newsagency.
Dickory Dock Corsetry Salon 1947
945 Burke Road
The Steele family have run this same store, in the same location
since 1947. Specialising in corsetry and lingerie the shop is run
in the fashion of the 40's with a small salon setting and
specialist fitters working with the customer to determine the most
suitable items. They also have an extensive range of lingerie
suitable for women who have had a mastectomy.
Stephen's & Miller Jewellers 1945
2 Prospect Hill Road
The business started in Mayston Street and moved to the current
location in 1956 and was started by businesses partners Frank
Stephens and Albie Miller. Current owner Cliff Stephens has been a
partner and now sole owner since 1977
The Chocolate Box 1935
761 Burke Road
The original chocolate shop was called "Smile Away" and
opened in this location to service the popular Rivoli cinema that
was originally located in Burke Road. In 1958 Mr and Mrs Richard
Adler took over the small business and changed the name to The
Chocolate Box. With the help of their children, as they became old
enough to be included in the business, The Chocolate Box grew to a
chain of stores throughout Australia and includes their own range
of chocolates "Adler's". Over the years the
Camberwell store has been renovated at least 10 times and in 1979
grew to include and arcade of shops known as The Chocolate Box
Centre. Located in the heart of the Camberwell Junction centre this
became a popular place to meet and an icon for the precinct. The
arcade changed again recently when Border's moved in but the
Chocolate Box store remains and was totally refurbished.
Young's Auctions 1930
229 Camberwell Road
Ernie Young started this auction room in 1930 and the business
continues to conduct a weekly Auction every Friday with old wares
and great finds. The business is still in the family with third
generation, David & Ian Young still at the helm.
Fratelle Hair Studio 1981
740 Burke Road
This family business started in Riversdale Road in 1981. The
current business is still owned and operated by family members and
they have also opened a salon in Wheelers Hill.
Camberwell Secretariat 1977
Level 1, 19 Cookson Street
Located in a quiet laneway off Cookson Street this business has
continually operated a secretarial service to the local customers
and businesses in Camberwell for over 26 years. With the
proliferation of home computers the business has expanded to
include computer training and business bookkeeping services.
Dunns's Leathergoods 1960
777 Burke Road
Over 43 years ago Gerald and Mary Dunn opened their business on the
corner of Burke Road and Burke Avenue called ‘Farmer’s’ and sold a
range of handbags and suitcases. The business is now known as
Dunn’s Leathergoods and is still operated by members of the same
family offering a great range of handbags, suitcases and other
travel goods.
Steve's Hair Design 1971
Rear 614 Burke Road
Steve Garofallou has operated as a hairdresser for over 34 years in
a small store facing the Harold Street car park. His faithful
customers still come in for a regular haircut from Steve though he
has handed the running of the business over to his son-in-law Gino
Falcone. The business is now called Falcone haridressing.
Body world Gymnasium 1958
849 Burwood Road
Originally known as Findlay's Gym this business started in the
city in 1933. Frank Findlay was well known as the trainer of great
tennis players and the current gym still specialises in traditional
body building and strengthening rather than dancing classes or mat
work. New owners took over in the 70s and again in 1982, the
current owner Bruce Grey has had the gym for six years.
Fine Art Linen Co. 1956
Originally opened by his father in 1956 this shop hasn't changed much over the years and that is its charm. Beautiful Irish Linen tea towels are stacked in old style display cases and quality hand stitched napery is laid out on tables. Well into his eighties before he handed the management over to his son and daughter in law, the proviso must have been kept things the same; the same old fashioned appeal, the same old fashion service.
La Figure Lingerie 1945
489 Riverdale Road
This shop has been at the corner of Camberwell and Riversdale Road
in the busy junction site since the end of world war one. They
still offer traditional lingerie, specialising in corsetry fitting
and swimwear for more mature women. In 1971 the family also opened
a store at 658 Burke Road to introduce a younger, more fashion
oriented lingerie and swimwear range.
Camberwell Fresh Food Market 1930s
515 -521 Riversdale Road Camberwell
This site war originally a horse carriage factory and in the 1930s
became a produce market to service the outlying market gardens of
the area. In 1992 a major fire damaged most of the market and
stallholders operated from temporary premises while the market was
rebuilt. Another refurbishment in 2002 allowed for a fresh new look
and opened the rear wall to the car park offering easier access.
Traders include 4 delis, 2 fishmongers, 2 florists, 2 chicken
stores, 3 fruit and veg stalls, 2, butchers, 2 cafes, juice bar,
sushi bar, dried fruit and nuts, wine store, discount cosmetics and
shoe repair.
Many stall holders in this traditional style market are second or third generation and all are family run businesses.
Player's Snooker & Pool Room 1922
Level 1 487 Riverdale Road
Located upstairs of a corner site right at the junction this pool
hall has operated since 1922 and is still a popular spot for
snooker and pool enthusiasts.
W.L Brown Jewellers 1922
Shop 8 600 Burke Road
William Leslie Brown started the business in the Camberwell Arcade
in 1920. This First World War soldier bought his son Leslie Alfred
Brown into the business after he returned from the Second World
War. The current owner is third generation Brown and started in the
business in 1973.
Rivoli Cinemas 1921
200 Camberwell Road The original single cinema was located at 570 Burke Road but a new cinema was built on its current site in 1940. Architects Taylor and Soilleux incorporated the best art deco features as was the height of fashion in this era. In 1968 the cinema was divided into two [the upper level becoming cinemas one and the stalls cinemas two]. This became the first twin cinema in Australia. In 1999 Village took 12 months and $16 million to refurbish and extend the Rivoli to a total of 8 cinemas. The original art deco features were faithfully restored in Cinemas 1 & 2 and copied in foyer areas, Village worked with Heritage Victoria and Society Art Deco to ensure authenticity. However, state of the art sound systems, high tech projection equipment and plush new seating ensure modern comfort and first class viewing.
The Palace Hotel 1888
893 Burke Road
Officially opened by the then Lord Mayor of Hawthorn on July 30
1888, the Palace Hotel has dominated the Camberwell skyline sitting
high on Burke Hill since the area was first established. The
building still looks similar to when it was first built on the
outside but has undergone many transformations on the inside over
the years. Recently a new refurbishment included the addition of
Taberet room and bottle shop, while upstairs has private function
rooms.
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