The Ballarat Branch is advocating for the restoration of the station building and interlocking railway gates to preserve the station's architectural and historical significance to Ballarat.
In April 1862 the train line from Geelong to Ballarat opened. Originally only the Bluestone Goods Shed and the North Platform and its associated offices were constructed and it was not until 1889 that the southern portion of the station and its tower was completed. This coincided with the opening of the direct line to Melbourne.
The Ballarat Railway complex has been described as one of Victorias finest examples of a grand nineteenth century railway station and is listed on the Victorian Heritage Register.
In 2014 a Masterplan for the site was launched which included the restoration of the Goods Shed, the construction of a multi-deck carpark and the building of Quest Apartments. As a result of these works much of the original infrastructure including multiple railway lines have been removed. The Station building is badly in need of maintenance and there is still no disabled access between platforms. The interlocking railway gates were damaged due to a train accident and have not yet been returned. It is hoped that a decision on having them restored and operating again will occur in the near future.
Notwithstanding the need for more works the station is not only an architecture gem but is an important part of Ballarat’s history and well worth a visit.
