Historic Gunning railway station restored to former glory

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Transport for NSW is inviting the public to inspect the restored 1875 Gunning Railway Station, which will soon be repurposed as a community facility.

Member for Goulburn Wendy Tuckerman said essential repairs have been completed, and former heritage features reinstated, and Gunning Station’s buildings are almost ready to be used for arts, cultural and community events.

“The Gunning station is a much-loved part of the town’s charm and history, and the community has really embraced this restoration project,” Ms Tuckerman said.

Gunning Station was designed by the renowned NSW rail engineer John Whitton at a time of rapid expansion of the network. It was the first of its’ type architecturally in NSW and dozens of similar station buildings were later constructed around the state.

While the Gunning Station platform is still used daily by NSW TrainLink regional customers, the station interiors have not been used for around 30 years and had fallen into disrepair.

The meticulously planned restoration project was led by a dedicated team from Transport and was done with the assistance of specialist heritage architects and tradespeople.

Period features have been reinstated, including a new decorative verandah built from the 1875 plans, station room signs and replica timber columns to the platform awning.

Timbers recovered from the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of a recent track renewal program on the bridge by Sydney Trains have been recycled and will be used in the project as the surrounds for the new station gardens.

NSW TrainLink customers will also benefit from the restoration works with an upgraded and more accessible bathroom.

During the project, Transport consulted with the community and is working closely with Southern Tablelands Arts on potential future uses for the new multi-use spaces in the nearly 150-year-old buildings.

Transport’s Residual Assets Program is responsible for carrying out essential repairs and restoration work on more than 10 historic disused rail buildings across the state that will be repurposed for community benefit.

The station is owned by the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). TAHE Chief Executive Benedicte Colin said it was exciting to see Gunning station given new life.

“As the owners of many valuable heritage rail assets like these, we are always looking for ways to ensure they are restored and repurposed so they can continue to be used and celebrated by the community,’ Ms Colin said.

An open day at Gunning Station will be held between 11am and 2pm on Saturday May 28. Visitors will be able to inspect the restored station buildings and enjoy live music along with poetry performances by Gunning resident, actor Max Cullen.