Thirroul Railway Station: Platform 2/3 Building Restoration - May 2015

Thirroul Station Platform 2/3 building

The weatherboard building on Platform 2/3 of Thirroul Station dates to the initial 1887 construction of the Illawarra line. This building was then extended in 1915 when the line was duplicated, with further building modification in 1938 as part of the conversion to an island platform.
Timberwork termite damage

Recent inspections observed extensive termite damage to the timberwork. After detailed fabric analysis, conservation works started in 2014 and included:

• careful recording, removal and storage of sound original or early flooring and joinery elements for re-use.
• where new weatherboards were needed the profile matched original or early profiles.
• recent non-significant intrusive elements such as aluminium security screens and interior sheet linings were removed.
• subfloor ventilation and termite protection was installed.

Reinstated colour scheme

Repainting in appropriate early colour scheme resulted from detailed paint investigation. Works also presented an opportunity to reinstate a known earlier configuration of the building. This included the removal of a later external door, removal of a later internal partition wall and reconstruction of double door entry to the waiting room.

Restoration works were complete in May 2015 and the waiting room is now open to the public. It represents one of the largest railway restoration and conservation projects of recent years.