Historic Maldon Railway Station restored
Wednesday, 06 July 2011
The $590,000 rebuilding and reconstructuion works to the the heritage-listed Maldon Railway Station are now complete after having been gutted by fire in late 2009.
With the completion of these heritage works the home of the Victorian Goldfields Railway has been restored to its former glory. These major reconstruction works have restored the much-loved state-listed Maldon Station for present and future generations to enjoy.
Victoria has a rich rail history, and the Government strongly supported these works and the ongoing operation of the Victorian Goldfields Railway.
The Victorian Goldfields Railway will continue as a major tourism link between Castlemaine and Maldon, bringing large numbers of visitors into the townships.
The Maldon station required substantial repairs to most of the station building, including its roof, ceilings, kitchen and station master's office. The works included structural works, installation of new slate roofing and repairs to windows and doors, interior works, plumbing and electrical works.
VicTrack worked closely with heritage partners to deliver further works to refurbish the station building verandah, completing a full restoration of the building. These works were also able to include additional refurbishment of the station verandah, making the entire building as good as new.
Paul McDonald, President of the Victorian Goldfields Railway, welcomed the completion of works.
"On behalf of the Maldon and Castlemaine townships we welcome the completion of works to restore the Maldon Station building," Mr McDonald said.
"Our beloved Maldon station, the home of the Victorian Goldfields Railway, has been brought back to life by the dedicated work and support of the State Government and expert staff."
"Victorian Goldfields Railway volunteers and tourist railway passengers alike will be thrilled by the completion of these works.
"Maldon residents will also be thrilled to have "their" station back, even better than it was before the fire.
"We are grateful for the assistance of the Mount Alexander Shire Council, Heritage Victoria, the State Government and VicTrack to bring our railway history back to life," Mr McDonald said.
The 1888 heritage-listed station building is a significant part of the Victorian-era railway heritage dating from the great railway building program in the 1880s to service a prominent mining centre.
Works were carried out by an experienced heritage restoration contractor, Castlemaine-based Vic. Restorations Building.
A community celebration to officially re-open the restored station building is planned for the end of August 2011.
