In pictures: How Melbourne was built up from the ground

THE modern Melbourne began construction in the 1830s and never really stopped. We dip into the archives to bring you a selection of snapshots depicting our great city’s progress.

Workers at the corner of Spencer St and Flinders St during bridge construction in 1925. Picture: State Library of Victoria

UNLIKE frozen yoghurt stores, a city like Melbourne doesn’t just pop up overnight.

Since narrowly dodging the name ‘Batmania’ in the 1830s, Melbourne has gradually come up from the ground to become the world’s most livable — and best — city.

From grand old structures such as the GPO, to modern monoliths including Eureka Tower, the city remains constantly under construction.

The Herald Sun Department of Internet dips into the archives to bring you a selection of snapshots from this great endeavour.

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Tram tracks are laid in Sturt St, South Melbourne in May 1925, compared to the 2015 streetscape. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Google.

The State Library of Victoria’s domed reading room being built circa 1913, and as it is now. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, David Iliff.

The Melbourne General Post Office being built in 1865, and how it looks today. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

The Supreme Court on Lonsdale St under construction circa 1875, and as it is now. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

Building works on the West Gate Bridge in September 1970, and after completion. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

The rail overpass at Spencer St and Flinders St during bridge construction in 1928, and after completion. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Public Records Office of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

The Melbourne Town Hall under construction circa 1869, and as it is now after the front facade was extended. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

Bases are constructed for the Bolte Bridge in 2001, and a yacht navigates under the bridge after completion. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

Land excavation and structural work for the Sidney Myer Music Bowl in 1958. Pictures: State Library of Victoria

The Sidney Myer Music Bowl’s construction and after completion. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

A steam train on the Echuca-Moama Bridge shortly after construction in 1879, and the bridge in modern times. Pictures: State Library of Victoria, Herald Sun archive

Eureka Tower under construction in 2004, and today.

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