 Improved transportation with the opening of an electric tramline down Brunswick Street in 1897, and industrial development, such as the CSR Refinery) in 1893 and the first Teneriffe Wharf in 1907, made New Farm a popular residential area.The establishment of schools was considered an essential step in the development of new communities and integral to their success.Locals often donated land and labour for a school's construction and the school community contributed to maintenance and development.