The Andrews Labor Government is investing in major works to transform Maryborough’s historic railway building into a modern hub.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett today visited the site to mark the beginning of the $2 million redevelopment of the 1890s building, which will soon feature more attractions for visitors, contemporary co-working spaces, and improved facilities for commuters.

The project is supported by $1.8 million from the Labor Government’s Regional Infrastructure Fund. 

To mark the start of the project’s construction, a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony was conducted by Dja Dja Wurrung Traditional Owners. 

Australian Indigenous-owned company Barpa has been contracted to deliver the construction works. This project is expected to create up to 15 jobs during the construction phase, while another five ongoing jobs are expected to be created once the Maryborough Railway Station upgrade is complete.

The station is already an important commuter hub for locals travelling on V/Line services between Melbourne and Ballarat. When complete mid-year, the red-brick Railway building will be home to artists’ studios, co-working spaces, a cafe and bar, and an upgraded Visitor Information Centre.

The upgraded Visitor Information Centre will feature interactive digital storytelling screens that will include stories about the region’s role in the Victorian Goldrush.

A sculpture courtyard will complement a large studio space where creatives can work and exhibit. The existing co-working space will be expanded to include booths and meeting spaces to encourage more business activity.

The station’s existing Railway Cafe and Tracks Bar will expand into the building’s Chandelier Room which will be refurbished, increasing the venue’s capacity and flexibility for events.

Upgrades throughout the heritage building will make areas accessible for people of all abilities. Parking will also be improved, with spaces  to be available for caravans and recreational vehicles.

The Regional Infrastructure Fund is part of the Labor Government’s flagship Regional Jobs and Infrastructure Fund which helps businesses create jobs in regional Victoria, supports community projects and backs councils to build the infrastructure that locals and visitors need.

The fund is central to the Government’s record investment of more than $36 billion in rural and regional Victoria since 2015. For more information go to rdv.vic.gov.au/rjif. 

Quotes attributable to Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

“I’m delighted to announce Australian Indigenous-owned company Barpa will deliver the construction of Maryborough Railway Station’s redevelopment.”

“This project is another example of how the Regional Infrastructure Fund is helping Victoria attract more visitors to the region.”

“We are backing Maryborough’s tourism potential which in turn will support the local economy to grow for years to come.”