MOUNT Gambier’s disused railway station building is in-line for a makeover with City Council allocating $371,000 towards external works at the historic site, which sits vacant at the city’s popular rail lands precinct.
The funds, allocated in council’s 2019/20 draft budget, will be used for a number of water-proofing and strengthening upgrades with council looking to prepare the structure for future use.
It is understood internal improvements could be budgeted for in the 2020/21 financial plan, which would be followed by the procurement of a tenant to transform the central site into a vibrant part of the central parklands.
If endorsed by council, the works budgeted for in the 2019/20 financial year will include new roof cladding for water proofing, strengthening for roof maintenance and water proofing of the building.
Council has also proposed to fix down pipes and windows and remove asbestos from the heritage-listed building.
“The building is a heritage building and we are being careful to maintain that heritage side of the building while also updating its look and allowing it to be a part of the railway lands,” council infrastructure general manager Nick Serle said.
“It really is the last piece of the jigsaw puzzle and we have had comments and queries about when it will be updated, but now is the time.”
Redevelopment of the building was not budgeted for during council’s makeover of the former rail yard site when discussion picked up in 2013, with council opting to preserve the building and focus on activating the public space through initiatives such as the rail trail.
With the rail trail project now in full swing, council has decided to shift its focus to works needed for the building.
“The amount of money allocated to the 2019/20 financial year is to fix up the exterior and then council will look at refurbishing the inside,” Mr Serle said.
“The planning has been in the works since the rail lands were in place and now council is at the point of fixing up the building.
“It is a relatively straight forward project, but with the exception that it is a heritage building some of the stone work needs skilled tradespeople to ensure we stay true to the heritage of the building.”
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said she looked forward to the maintenance upgrades and was glad council had decided it was time for the external works.
“It will certainly add to the attractiveness of the railway lands and just looking at the lands now it is looking magnificent and has come a long way since 2013,” Mayor Martin said.
“The railway lands really does create a great space and the old railway ticket office really is a significant part of the town’s heritage and I believe it does need to be preserved.
“It can only enhance the ambience of the railway lands as a whole.”
