Upgrade project
The upgrade of the Rail Heritage Centre at Thirlmere commenced in November 2008 as part of the NSW Government's commitment to conserving the state's rail heritage.
The Sustainable Rail Heritage Management Strategy, adopted in by the NSW Government in 2006, builds on the commitment of thousands of volunteers who cared for our rail heritage assets.
The extensive upgrade, due for completion in 2010, will enhance the already unique rail heritage experience. When fully transformed, the Centre will be a showcase of rail history - a major NSW attraction providing visitors with an exciting mix of heritage train rides, guided tours, displays and hands-on exhibits.
The upgrade will provide improced heritage train maintenance facilities; improved display spaces and interpretation; and flexible venues for events – all in a safe and accessible environment.
The upgrade represents a new era in rail heritage conservation and tourism in NSW.
The upgraded Centre
The upgraded Centre will have three distinct precincts for visitors to explore.
Heritage precinct
The heritage precinct, containing historic Thirlmere Station, re-creates an authentic 19th-century railway experience and serves as a gateway to the Rail Heritage Centre. It contains
- the station platform and building
- the stationmaster's residence
- the co-op shed
- a landscaped courtyard.
The heritage precinct contains space for outdoor exhibitions, and an amphitheatre on the site of the old turntable.
» Thirlmere's quaint platform and station building are well-preserved
» The heritage precinct contains a number of smaller buildings
» The stationmaster's residence gives insight into the lives of those who worked on the railway
Exhibition precinct
The exhibition precinct includes the existing large Display Hall and a new multifunctional Exhibition Building, now under construction.
The new building will provide a flexible, energy-efficient space for exhibitions as well a new home for the bookshop, café and administration facilities. Rails will run into the building on the two different floor levels, to permit easy replacement of exhibited rolling stock.
A covered walkway, lined with display cabinets, will connect the new building with the existing Display Hall.
» A state-of-the-art Exhibition Building will be a local landmark
» The new building will feature a bookshop and café
» The Exhibition Building's space is flexible, allowing for a range of possible uses
Operations precinct
The centrepiece of the new operations precinct is the new Roundhouse and the relocated 105 foot turntable. Together, these will provide a more efficient working environment for the maintenance of heritage rolling stock.
The Roundhouse provides visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at the conservation and maintenance work performed at the Centre.
» The new roundhouse will provide visitors with a behind-the-scenes look at our conservation work
» The relocated turntable has now been installed
» Locomotive 4916 enjoys the new facilities
» Locomotive 4916 enters the new roundhouse for the first time
» The new roundhouse has a striking, modern design