Archer Park Rail Museum’s restoration wins prestigious award

Published on 05 June 2018

Cr-Swadling-at-Heritage-Awards

A major restoration of Rockhampton’s iconic Archer Park Rail Museum has been recognised as one of the state’s most outstanding conservation projects at last week’s prestigious National Trust Queensland Heritage Awards. 

Each year, the National Trust of Australia (Queensland) acknowledges and celebrates the quality of heritage work that is carried out across the state. The Archer Park Rail Museum project received a High Commendation in the 2018 Agency Conservation Programs category at the state awards ceremony in Brisbane. The category celebrates excellence in planning, conservation, interpretation and promotion of heritage.

Rockhampton Regional Council worked with the Australian Heritage Specialists Pty Ltd to restore the former Archer Park Railway Station, built in 1899, which is home to the one-of-a-kind Purrey Steam Tram.

Chair of Community Services Councillor Rose Swadling attended the ceremony in Brisbane to receive the award. Cr Swadling thanked the State Government’s Works for Queensland Round One program for allocating $500,000 toward the restoration which has given the museum a new lease of life.

“The station has historic and social significance, reminding us of how Rockhampton began.

“Late last year we watched the Archer Park Rail Museum come back to life with a new roof, a full repaint and replacement of old rotted timber that was in desperate need of attention.

“This is yet another project that would not have been possible to have been delivered so soon without the State’s Works for Queensland program, and let’s not forget our volunteers who make this incredible attraction a wonderful place to explore.”

Australian Heritage Specialists Principal Consultant Benjamin Gall said it was an honour to be recognised by the National Trust Queensland for the careful planning and attention to detail that went into the project, which is of state significance.

“Archer Park Railway Station is an important part of the evolution of the central Queensland railway network as well as a significant component of Rockhampton’s civic centre and transport history and a prominent community landmark,” Mr Gall said.

“The building has a significant amount of original elements and we were careful to ensure the heritage values of the building were conserved, including correcting the colour scheme that was the result of painting carried out in the 1990s.

“We’re thrilled with the outcome of the project which ensures the building can continue to function as a museum and community space for generations to come.”