A HISTORIC heritage-listed Gawler railway canopy could be relocated to Port Adelaide, rather than being reinstated at its previous location at the Gawler Railway Station.
Built in 1870 by James Martin & Company’s Phoenix Foundry, the former train shed and passenger shelter was dismantled in 2012 to make way for the $615 million electrification of the Gawler line, which is scheduled to be completed in late 2020.
It is currently being held in storage, with the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure last year confirming it was still being considered for reintegration at the local station, amid concerns it may be demolished.
However, local advocate Brian Thom, who is also chairperson of the Gawler History Team, received correspondence from state transport minister Stephan Knoll earlier this month, indicating the historic item could be relocated to Port Adelaide, rather than being returned to Gawler upon the completion of the electrification works.
“I am advised the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure is exploring all options available regarding the Gawler heritage shed,” Mr Knoll stated.
“These options include reinstating back into the corridor, establishing within the station carpark, or rebuilding at the National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide.
“There are many complexities associated with all of these options, most notably the cost to ensure we comply with Australian Standard structural requirements if the shed is reinstated within the corridor.”
Mr Thom said while structural changes would be needed to cater for the electrical wiring above the track, it would “not be rocket science to make the canopy taller and capable of accommodating the required infrastructure underneath it”.
“Obviously, the old pillars, etcetera, may need replacement and made taller and stronger, but such challenges should not be insurmountable to state engineers,” he said.
“I see no justification for even thinking about an installation over a nearby carpark or even thinking about sending the canopy to Port Adelaide.
“I see no reason why the canopy cannot be adapted to embrace current logistical circumstances…and be put back as the historical Gawler icon that it has been at Gawler Railway Station.”
Gawler mayor Karen Redman echoed Mr Thom’s sentiments about ensuring the canopy is retained in Gawler.
“It’s got nothing to do with Port Adelaide,” she said.
“I know Port Adelaide has a great maritime museum, but that’s not the place for it.
“My understanding is that the Gawler community was promised that it would be reinstated.
“It’s a beautiful canopy.”