A FUNDING commitment by the State Government included in the 2020\/21 budget to turn Lethbridge Station into a community hub has been confirmed.<\/p>\n
While the total cost of the works is yet to be revealed, the money is coming from a $9 million statewide package known as the Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program and spread across 10 buildings.<\/p>\n
Works at Lethbridge Station will include structural repairs and renovation, a new kitchenette, as well as a new accessible toilet so the building can be used for community events and meetings.<\/p>\n
Built in 1862 as part of the Geelong-Ballarat line, the station has been abandoned for years.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe Lethbridge Station building is of great historical significance to the area and the restoration of this beautiful bluestone building will turn it into a real asset for the community,\u201d said Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle.<\/p>\n
\u201cI look forward to seeing the building restored to its former glory and brought back to life after many years of being vacant.\u201d<\/p>\n
The capital works are expected to turn the site into a local hub with the Lethbridge Community Group set to be the key tenants and look after the space once the renovation is completed.<\/p>\n
Golden Plains Shire mayor Cr Helena Kirby said the announcement was a long time coming.<\/p>\n
\u201cThis project has been a number of years in the making, and council is pleased to be able to partner with the Lethbridge Community Group to lease the building for community use,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\u201cCouncil welcomes this funding commitment from the Victorian Government to restore the historic Lethbridge Station building and transform it into a space for the local community.\u201d<\/p>\n
Planning work for the project is ongoing and being looked after by VicTrack and involves a specialist heritage architect. Construction is expected to take place next year.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
A FUNDING commitment by the State Government included in the 2020\/21 budget to turn Lethbridge Station into a community hub has been confirmed. While the total cost of the works is yet to be revealed, the money is coming from a $9 million statewide package known as the Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program […]<\/p>\n