THE future of Mount Gambier’s heritage-listed railway station building remains a mystery, however City Council has earmarked external renovations to restore the iconic site could start as early as next month.
The structural improvements – which will include water-proofing and strengthening – will be funded by a $371,000 allocation in the 2019/20 budget as council prepares the building for future use.
Council infrastructure general manager Nick Serle said tender was expected to go out to building contractors over the next few days, with work on the building to start next month.
“The work will be happening in March, so the community can expect to see some activity around the building at that time,” he said.
Speaking from the site on Wednesday, Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said the community can expect a stark visual contrast once the works are complete.
“You will see a new roof and the external appearance will be improved, so I think it is really exciting that people will be able to see a visible difference in this beautiful building,” Ms Martin said.
“It will look much more gracious within The Rail and improve the whole amenity of the area.”
Ms Martin said council was focused on maintaining assets within the city and the station building had become a top priority.
“There would certainly be tourists who use The Rail, who might look over at the building and think it is a bit disrepaired, so it is important we complete these works to improve the overall appeal of this space,” she said.
“We are always exploring options and trying our absolute best to improve the overall outlook of the city, which is something we are proud of.”
While more maintenance works are expected to be included in the next budget, Ms Martin said there had been no further discussion about how the building would be used.
“We have not discussed what the space will be used for in the future, but it is safe to say the opportunities are endless,” she said.
“Something to complement the rest of The Rail, which is just a magnificent space that has come so far in such a short amount of time and is now utilised by so many people within our community.”
Phil Ackland, who owns Reflexion Health and Fitness studio adjacent to the rail lands, believes the building would make a great cafe or eatery.
“There is plenty of outdoor space for a cafe of some kind and I think it would be great to tie in some of the history of the area,” he said.
“That would obviously be dependent on someone who is willing to take it on.”
A regular user of The Rail precinct through his fitness business, Mr Ackland said it would be good to see the building “tidied up”.
“There has been conversations before among my clients about what the space could be used for, but I suppose the community talk in recent times has turned to the works that need to be undertaken,” he said.
“It seems to be taking a little while but I have heard it is work in progress and it will be great when it is tidied up.”
Mr Ackland said a new feature to The Rail precinct would only add to the vibrant area.
“The main hub of The Rail trail is utilised regularly and since they extended the trail I know for a fact that it is used by walkers, runners and riders all the time,” he said.
“The development of the area has been amazing because if you look at an old satellite imagery, you will see a dormant unusable space, which is in complete contrast to what we have now.”
