Transformation begins on train station

By Lachlan Ellis

It’s full steam ahead at Lal Lal, with works on the old Railway Station beginning last week for a new community hub at the site.

As with works on many old buildings, the first step is the removal of asbestos, which is being carried out on behalf of VicTrack by Direct Property Building Services.

Member for Buninyong, Michaela Settle, said it was an exciting time for the Lal Lal community, who have campaigned for funding for the project for over a decade.

“Restoration of the historic bluestone station is an amazing opportunity for the Lal Lal community. Once restored, the station building will be used as a community hub, neighbourhood house and tourist information centre,” Ms Settle told the Moorabool News.

“The beautiful bluestone station will be restored for tourists to visit and be a place for the locals to meet, learn new hobbies and build connections. It will make Lal Lal an even better place to live.”

Detailed architectural and engineering drawings for the hub are being developed, and will be shared once finalised.

After the designs have been agreed to and final planning approvals received, it is expected that the works will be complete by mid-next year.

Last July, Ms Settle joined Central Ward Councillor Paul Tatchell and members of the Lal Lal community, to announce funding under the State Government’s Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program.

Lal Lal is one of 10 former railway stations that are being brought back to life as part of the Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings program, which was allocated $9m in the 2020/21 State Budget.

To read the full story – Simply click on the following link

https://issuu.com/themooraboolnews/docs/mn_2022-03-22/12

in the 22 March 2022 edition
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pick up a paper around your town.