Official Opening of the restored Bridgetown Railway Station

This article is taken from the speech given at the opening by Bridgetown-Greebushes Shire President Jenny Mountford.

“Designed by legendary WA engineer CY O’Connor and opened on October 7th 1898, this busy little Railway Station continued in use for 90 years until it closed in 1988. When I say little, it was the largest station on the Donnybrook-Bridgetown Railway line, which finally ceased service completely in 2005. Today it is one of two surviving stations on the line.

Since the ceasing of services, locals watched the decline of the building with great sadness and a strong desire to see her restored. The journey to that restoration by the Shire began as far back as 1999. The first milestone achieved was it’s heritage listing in 2001.

Discussions around the building being fitted for use as our Visitors Centre first began in 2014. The timing wasn’t right then, and it continued to be utilised for office space and for a time as an artists’ exhibition space.

With the station condition deteriorating badly, the Shire recognised the need to access funding and reignite the process of restoration. This was one of Council’s Growth Strategy Projects and was identified by the community as being of high importance during consultation in 2019. In 2021 the Shire engaged Stephen Carrick Architects – who specialise in heritage works – to commence the conservation and adaptation works. Local builder Bridgetown Residential Contractors was contracted in that same year.

With a renewed desire to upgrade tourist services in Bridgetown, Council began re-considering the station’s use for that purpose. Being an iconic attraction in itself, and with the long-term view to develop the Railway Reserve as a Cultural Precinct for the town, we could see it made perfect sense to have it once again become a place for travellers, the time was now right for the Visitor Centre to be relocated here.

The large amount of funding needed was secured with both State and Federal Government grants. Complemented by funds from Lotterywest, Talison and a small contribution of Shire funds, together this gave us the just over $1 million required to bring the Railway Station back to it’s glory – and what a result has been achieved!

It was always Council’s desire to give the building a use that would allow all of the community to enjoy and engage with it. It is – as it began – now a public building. The two beautiful little galleries are a key element, allowing us to showcase local artists, exhibit the work of artists from beyond our Shire and to continually have on show the extensive Shire collection of local art in an ever-changing exhibition.

Congratulations to the many people who have helped bring her back. The architects, designers, building and trades people, Shire staff and the funding bodies. I’m sure you will agree she looks as good, if not better, than new.

It warms my heart to see her restored and so well prepared for her next 100 years of service to the community.”