The historic Harcourt Railway Station building and the Newstead Station Goods Shed are set to be transformed into new community spaces.
Bendigo-based construction company BLR Provincial will carry out works to restore the historic buildings to be enjoyed by locals and visitors alike.
Works to restore the buildings are being carried out through the state government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program, which involves refurbishing vacant station buildings across the state so they can be opened and used by local communities.
BLR Provincial was awarded the contract for the works following a competitive tender process. The company has experience carrying out heritage restorations on many buildings in Bendigo and last year completed works to upgrade the Bendigo Station waiting room.
Works on both buildings are set to get under way early this year, and include carrying out structural repairs and refurbishment, as well as installing a kitchenette and accessible toilet so the buildings can be used for community events and meetings.
Once the works are complete, Mount Alexander Shire Council will be the head tenant of the Harcourt Station building and the building will be managed by the Harcourt Progress Association as a community neighbourhood house with meeting, training, office and performance spaces.
Community Bank Maldon and District will be the head tenant of the Newstead Station Goods Shed and the building will be managed by the Redshed Arts Workshop Inc as a community arts workshop, learning and skills centre.
Both projects will be delivered in conjunction with an expert heritage architect, to ensure the restorations are sympathetic to the historic values of the buildings.
