Bathurst Station’s historic sandstone façade has been restored to help preserve one of the state’s most significant historical railway stations.
Minister for Regional Transport and Roads Paul Toole said work included the repair of the sandstone exterior of the station building and platforms.
“The sandstone was lime washed while the existing ochre coloured wall paint was cleaned and moss was also removed from the roof. Custom-made lead flashing was also used to protect the parapet and window sills,” he said.
“As well, the station’s original chimneys were replicated in keeping with this original heritage-listed building that opened in 1876. “The project has restored the charm of yesteryear, and has been delivered with great skill and expertise.” Mr Toole said specialist local trades have been carrying out the work since last December, including a heritage architect, structural engineer, stonemasons using sandstone quarried in the Southern Highlands, and a local apiarist who relocated a beehive from inside one of the chimneys.
“Bathurst residents have immense pride in their historical buildings, so it’s exciting to see the upgrade of one of our town’s greatest landmarks cross the finish line,” he said.
Sydney Trains Chief Executive Matt Longland said railway heritage and restoring local landmark to their former glory was important to Sydney Trains. “Across NSW, we have restored and preserved historic railway buildings to help celebrate the history of the railways and attract visitors to our services and the communities we serve,” Mr Longland said. NSW TrainLink Chief Executive Pete Allaway welcomed the completion of the upgrade. “Railway buildings have historically played a major role in the communities we serve, often taking pride of place in towns big and small,” Mr Allaway said.
“We’re delighted to see this restoration complete and I know our customers and staff will also be impressed by this work.”
The work was funded through a $790,000 investment from the NSW Government, through the Sydney Trains Major Periodical Maintenance Program. Bathurst is a central hub on the NSW TrainLink network, with multiple train and coach services per day to destinations across the state.
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