The Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria (Newport Workshops) Proposal December 1999 Contents Project Description Executive summary ................................................................................................................. 1 1. Preface .................................................................................................................................... 2 2. Background ........................................................................................................................... 3 3. The opportunity ................................................................................................................... 6 4. The benefits ........................................................................................................................ 12 5. The formal proposal (request) .................................................................................... 13 6. A suggested way ahead .................................................................................................. 14 7. Acknowledgements .......................................................................................................... 18 Illustrations Appendix A: Inspection of Buildings Appendix B: Project Plan – RHCV Establishment Appendix C: Proposed Tour Itineraries Project Description • Executive summary and preface • Background • Opportunity • Benefits • Proposal Centre of Victoria A proposal for the establishment of a Railway Heritage Centre at Newport Workshops Executive summary The redevelopment of the existing Newport Workshops and the financial return it provides for the State Government presents a very favourable opportunity to develop a Victorian Railway Heritage Centre. The historic 1880s buildings demonstrate, by their size and flamboyant architectural style, the importance of railways to the Colony at the time of their construction. It is impossible to understate the importance of the contribution that the railways made to the development and the wealth of Victoria, and the Railway Heritage Centre would enhance and exemplify this. The development of the Railway Heritage Centre will require support and funding from the State Government in order to develop a detailed business plan and implementation strategy. Once established, funding would be sought from a number of different sources. We see the proposed development as an excellent use for these heritage listed buildings in an important historical area of Melbourne. The Railway Heritage Centre location is close to other major museum and tourist centres in the area. The 150th anniversary of railways in Victoria (and Australia) in September 2004 is seen as a most significant date worthy of celebration with a grand opening of the fully restored Railway Heritage Centre. Section 5 of this proposal details our formal request for the establishment of the Railway Heritage Centre with support from the State Government and the wider community. When completed, this Railway Heritage Centre will achieve worldwide recognition and status of which all Victorians can be well proud. It will be a permanent valuable asset for all future generations. 1 Railway Heritage 1. Preface The major significance of railways in the economic and social development of most countries in the world is now universally acknowledged. Here in Australia, the development of railways dates back to September 1854, when the first train ran from Flinders Street station to Sandridge (now Port Melbourne). From this time, railways have played a major role in the industrial, commercial and social history of Victoria. Volunteers in our State have accepted responsibility for the preservation of railway heritage, with various organisations participating in the maintenance of railway artefacts, buildings, locomotives and rolling stock. The State Government has generally supported these efforts. The operation of tourist railways, with preserved track and rolling stock, helps to ensure vital elements in Victoria’s heritage are carefully maintained for the benefit of future generations. The historic Newport Workshops were built initially in 1884–1888. They are shortly to become totally available, and we believe that they would form an appropriate setting for the Railway Heritage Centre of Victoria. The management structure for such a centre could take various forms. We believe it desirable that RHCV becomes part of Museum Victoria, thereby taking advantage of the considerable expertise and experience of that body. The combination of a railway museum, working railway activities, rail connection to the current railway system, and a fire engine museum within the setting of these historic buildings would form a museum complex of international significance. 2 Centre of Victoria 2. Background In order to fully appreciate the nature of this proposal, it is useful to consider the current status of the Newport Workshops site, and the nature of the various heritage related activities taking place at this location. 2.1 The existing Railway Museum at North Williamstown 2.1.1 Location and size The current site has been home to the Railway Museum for 38 years since its inception. Its size currently limits any further development for new exhibits and further display of artefacts. 2.1.2 Exhibits The many exhibits (more than 45) including locomotives, carriages and other rolling stock are currently maintained and displayed to a very high standard, but the outdoor marine environment has a major impact on their long-term preservation. 2.1.3 Need to vacate the current site It is understood that the current site will have to be vacated for the redevelopment of the whole Workshops area. This pressing need provides the catalyst for the relocation of the existing museum. The East Block will enable the collection to be better protected, preserved and presented. A move to the East Block at Newport Workshops will also provide additional space for the large amount of museum material currently stored at other locations. 2.1.4 Long recognised need to place exhibits under cover It has been recognised for many years that adequate shelter is required for the exhibits, considering that some items are over 100 years old and require constant remedial work. The salt air in the Williamstown area makes the move to a covered location all the more important. An under cover display will make a visit to the museum an all year round activity providing an attractive winter proposition, allowing for increased patronage. 2.2 Rail Works activities The whole of the operations undertaken in this area is seen as a necessary and essential part of railway heritage preservation and presentation to the community. The groups involved work in harmony and have considerable skills and abilities to assist each other in their similar endeavours to reach common goals. 2.2.1 Constituent parties The groups currently using the West Block building and surrounding area are responsible for the preparation and maintenance of locomotives (steam, diesel and electric) and heritage passenger carriages which, together with rail motors and suburban electric trains, are regularly used for heritage rail tours. 3 Railway Heritage The separate parties in the West Block are represented by Rail Works (an incorporated body). They comprise: • Steamrail Victoria; • 707 Operations; • Elecrail; • Rail Motor Group; and • Fire Services Restoration Group. The activities of these groups are summarised as follows: Steamrail Steamrail is an incorporated organisation that has been in existence for 34 years. It plays a very important role in the restoration of locomotives and rolling stock, mainly passenger carriages for operation in special trains. Its restoration and maintenance facilities and activities make it the major presence in the West Block including the Tarpaulin Shop and surrounding area. Steamrail is widely known in Victoria for its train operations (both vintage and more modern) and the display of operating railway heritage vehicles throughout both metropolitan and country Victoria. Steamrail has the ability to organise, promote and operate its own excursions and also provides trains for hire to any interested party. 707 Operations This group has its origin in the Locomotive Engineman’s Union and comprises mainly present and former railway staff. Its primary function is the restoration of locomotives to operating condition. It has been regularly participating in vintage train operations in Victoria over the last twenty years. 707 Operations hold little rolling stock with which to run their own trains, but offers motive power for most kinds of train operations. It occupies its own allocated restoration and maintenance area within the West Block. Elecrail Elecrail is an affiliate of Steamrail. It restores, maintains and operates historic Swing Door (‘dog box’) and Tait (sliding door) suburban electric trains. They also operate mainline electric locomotives on special excursion trains. Their operations cover the whole of Victoria’s electrified rail network. Rail Motor Group This group has the specific responsibility for the restoration and operation of rail motors. It is a more recent occupant in the West Block and, like the others in this precinct, makes its vehicles available for excursions, operations and hire. 4 Centre of Victoria Fire Services Restoration Group This is a volunteer body comprising people interested in the restoration of Fire Services road vehicles. It is currently located in the Centre Block, an extended annex behind the Administration Building