New life for old buildings

BENDIGO construction company BLR Provincial has been contracted for the restoration of the regional heritage sites including the Harcourt Station building and the Newstead Station goods shed.

The two historic buildings will be transformed into new spaces to be used for community events and meetings.

BLR Provincial has previously restored other heritage sites in the district, and upgraded the Bendigo Station waiting room last year.

“We’re now one step closer to restoring the Harcourt Station building and the Newstead Station goods shed, which will not only bring these buildings back to life, but it will also give local people new community spaces,” said State Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards.

The Harcourt Station building will be operated by the Mount Alexander Shire and the Harcourt Progress Association is expected to use the space as a community neighbourhood house with meeting, training and performance spaces.

The Maldon and District Community Bank will be responsible for the Newstead Station goods shed and it will be used by the Redshed Arts Workshop as a community arts space and skills centre.

“The restored goods shed at Newstead will complement the station building that was restored a few years ago, and the restoration of these buildings will increase the opportunities for local people to get together and learn new skills,” Ms Edwards said.

An expert heritage architect will be employed to ensure both restoration projects are “sympathetic to the historic values of the buildings.”

The works are being carried out by the State Government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings program, which has been responsible for restoring 21 buildings in regional areas, with another 10 projects underway.