Central Goldfields Shire Council is now advertising the project tender for Stage Two of its Maryborough Railway Station Activation Project.
Building on initial improvement works to the Station in Stage One of the project, Stage Two will transform the Maryborough Railway Station into a visitor and activity hub that will accommodate a mix of tourism, commercial transport and community uses.
Stage Two is jointly funded with $1.8 million from the Victorian Government’s Stronger Communities Program and $200,000 from Council.
Stage Two of the project features:
- Refurbishment of the information centre’s interior – along with new entrance doors from the platform
- Installation of digital infrastructure and interpretative experiences (separate tender to be advertised at a future date)
- Upgrades to the co-working spaces
- Provision of artist studio spaces for talks, exhibitions classes and an artist hub.
- Improvements to accessibility and landscaping
- A sculpture garden
- Other refurbishment and upgrade works
The Maryborough Railway Station Activation Project is one of Council’s priority projects and a key feature in both the tourism and events and economic development strategies.
Central Goldfields Shire Mayor, Chris Meddows-Taylor, said Council’s vision is to transform the iconic Maryborough Railway Station Activation precinct into a vibrant visitor hub.
“Stage Two will see the Station become a welcoming hub of activity in the centre of the wider Goldfields Region, telling the rich stories of the Goldfields in dynamic, contemporary ways and nurturing creative enterprises,” Mayor Meddows-Taylor said.
“It will mean we can increase visitation by providing immersive, engaging and incredibly exciting contemporary experiences that promote further exploration of our Shire and the entire Goldfields region.
“This will help our tourism and hospitality sector leverage off the opportunities that emerge from the Victorian Goldfields World Heritage bid as it evolves. We will tell that exciting story showing why the Central Victorian Goldfields is unique in the history of the world.”
Central Goldfields Shire Council Acting Manager Strategy and Economic Development, David Leathem, said there are many exciting elements to come in Stage Two, once Heritage permits are received and the stage tender is awarded.
“As the station is a heritage listed building Heritage Victoria, permits are required for all the works and designs – community feedback on these plans was recently advertised and we are expecting permits to be granted in the coming month,” Mr Leathem said.
“Consideration and respect to the heritage of the building has and continues to be front of mind throughout the project.
“We encourage potential contractors to submit a tender application for the project – also contractors looking for additional information are encouraged to participate in our upcoming tender information session.
“Potential tender applicants should note that the ‘installation of digital infrastructure and interpretative experiences’ component of the project will be a separate tender advertised at a future date.”
