General News
1 October, 2024
Creative Space at station in the works
The future of a proposed creative space at the Maryborough Railway Station is being sketched into reality after the project recently received $150,000 in funding.
Secured as part of the State Government’s Creative Neighbourhood Infrastructure Support Program, the grant will be utilised towards a courtyard and co-working space at the station.
It will complement the $100,000 grant received in June for the same facility, located next to the main platform.
With the required capital in hand, council will deliver disability access into the space, flexible staging and seating for performances, digital projection facilities, equipment and amenities for working with wet materials, and digital creation and presentation.
According to Central Goldfields Shire manager tourism events and culture Rosalie Hastwell, the new development will ensure the station is used to its full capacity.
“The station is a [major] attraction — it tells the story of an important part of Maryborough’s past when it was a central rail junction between Wimmera, Geelong, Ararat, Warrnambool, Ballarat, Bendigo and Melbourne,” she said.
“The transformation of the magnificent Queen Anne-style red brick station and station master’s residence, is central to creating a vibrant visitor, creative and community hub.”
A one-of-its-kind creative space in the station will also elevate the tourism profile of the town.
“Council has developed a long range vision and plan for the activation of the iconic Maryborough station,” Ms Hastwell said.
“Already we have seen a fantastic uplift in the usage, visitation and tourism profile through the transformed state-of-the-art Visitor Centre, and the Station Café.
“The Creative Space and Courtyard at the opposite end of the station will further enhance the attraction for both visitors and the local community.”
Ms Hastwell added that arts and culture are a key interest for many tourists coming into Maryborough.
“We have seen growing visitation as state grants and council’s own investment have resulted in the transformation of the Central Goldfields Art Gallery and now the garingalang gatjin wii garden next door to the gallery,” she said.
“The station and gallery are within easy walking distance and connected through the centre of Maryborough.
“Artists and creatives working at and presenting at the station will make this an even more interesting and unique place to visit.”
Once the facility is complete, Ms Hastwell expects the space to be easily accessible to the community.
“The focus of the creative space and courtyard will be to support, present and enjoy a wide range of interesting arts and cultural performances and activities that strengthen the local visitor economy and our local creative industries,” she said.
“The community will benefit through being able to access a diverse program of activities.
“We know that young people in particular are keen to develop their skills and enjoy the benefits of the arts, and this will be a space that offers opportunities for creatives and community of all ages.”
Council’s general manager community wellbeing Emma Little said with the south end of the station bustling, it was time to focus on bringing the other end back on track.
“The south end of the station is really buzzing now with VLine, The Station Café Restaurant and Bar and the Visitor Centre. Our focus is now on activating the northern end of the precinct — specifically the Creative Space and Courtyard,” she said.
“This latest grant gives us the funds we need to add a range of flexible infrastructure so that a wide range of creative events, performances, workshops and other activities will be available for community and visitors, while also supporting the development of our local artists and creative industry.
“The earlier grant supports us with activation and soon we’ll be appointing a project officer to engage with our community around what they want the space to be used for and to develop a model and pilot program.
“We look forward to seeing the north end of the station brought to life.”
The project is expected to be completed by July 2025.