Tenders open for station makeover

PREPARATIONS are being made for Harcourt Station to undergo a total restoration and be transformed into a new space for visitors and locals to enjoy.

The State Government has opened tenders for works that will include structural repairs, a new kitchenette and accessible toilets to allow for community events and meetings.

Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards said the works will activate a lost space.

“The restoration of the Harcourt Station building will give local people much needed spaces to meet, work and learn and will also bring the beautiful historic building back to its former glory,” she said.

“I particularly want to encourage local contractors to come forward and apply to deliver the works so these projects can also support our local economy.”

Mount Alexander Shire council will be the head tenant of the space and it will be managed by the Harcourt Progress Association as a community house with room for meetings, training and performances.

The station has been official closed since 4 October 1981, however the platform buildings remain, with one most notably housing Goldfields Community Access Radio between 1982 and 2006.

A heritage expert will help deliver the project, to ensure the historic value of the building and surrounding region is not lost.

Local contractors interested in working on the project are encouraged to apply via the Buying for Victoria website, tenders.vic.gov.au.