Yarra Glen railway station has received a $200,000 heritage grant, Minister for Consumer Affairs Michael O’Brien and Member for Seymour Cindy McLeish recently announced.
Mr O’Brien said the grant was one of 13 community projects around Victoria to preserve and protect significant heritage places and objects, with $500,000 of a total $1.13 million provided by the Victorian Property Fund.
He said the restoration works would revive the heritage station building, facilitating its use as an operational railway station, community focal point and tourist activity centre, and providing extensive community benefits for Yarra Glen and surrounds.
Ms McLeish said Yarra Glen Railway Station was built in 1914, though the site was first established in 1888.
It is a substantial timber building with a distinctive cantilever platform verandah and large passenger waiting area. The building, site and branch line are listed on the heritage overlay.
She said the project, to be managed by the Yarra Valley Railway Inc, will restore the building, which is currently in a dilapidated state and was unusable.
The restoration works will include repairs to the roof, floor, internal and external walls, and the replacement of windows and doors.
“The restoration project is part of a comprehensive tourism development re-using heritage rail assets, generating economic activity to an area that has experienced a significant downturn of visitor numbers and patronage due to the Black Saturday bushfires,” Ms McLeish said.
“Significant funding and in-kind support is also being contributed from local community organisations.”
She said the works would enable the Yarra Glen building to be used in the extension of the railway tourism service, contribute to the growth of the town and provide a refurbished venue for community events.
Mr O’Brien said Victoria’s Heritage Grants supported local communities to care for and manage the state’s rich and diverse heritage.
The grants recognise and support the enthusiasm and commitment of many dedicated volunteer organisations which work to preserve and safeguard our shared history.
Mr O’Brien said the grants would assist in keeping heritage places in use for community needs.
“Local communities rely on these heritage places as vital centres for local organisations and volunteer activities,” Mr O’Brien said.
