SARA GILLIGAN

A HISTORIC heritage-listed railway canopy could be relocated to the National Railway Museum in Port Adelaide despite community calls to have it reinstated at Gawler.

Built in 1870 by James Martin & Company’s Phoenix Foundry, the former Gawler railway train shed and passenger shelter was dismantled in 2012 to make way for the $615 million electrification of the Gawler line.

Member for Light Tony Piccolo recently raised the matter in State Parliament’s Public Works Committee and was advised by departmental officials that the State Government was investigating other site locations.

“We are still investigating all possible options with whether that will stay on the site or be relocated elsewhere due to its heritage value,” the Department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure (DPTI) spokesperson said.

“That is still under assessment. When that assessment is completed, we will be able to inform the committee of its final decision.

“It is a range of options we need to investigate with heritage advice of where it can be either installed on the site or elsewhere.

“There was one discussion about the National Railway Museum also, so it is fair to say that those discussions are still continuing, and when we have a final decision of where that will be located, we are happy to return to the committee.”

Mr Piccolo said the heritage value of the canopy was due to it being manufactured, constructed and installed in Gawler, where it “should be reinstated”.

“I would have thought its heritage value would be on that site, because that is where it was in the first place,” he said.

“Locating the canopy at the National Railway Museum would be wrong, as it has no connection to that locality.

“While the electrification of the line might prevent it from being reinstalled over the platform, the canopy should be rebuilt on an appropriate spot on the Gawler Railway Station site.”

Chairperson of the Gawler History Team, Brian Thom, echoed Mr Piccolo’s concerns.

“There are many of us in Gawler who would prefer to see the railway canopy (of some 140 years of age and a Gawler heritage item) returned to its original position,” he said.

“With appropriate allowance for the required wiring for railway electrification, the canopy would, in that position: 1. Make a real statement that we respect our heritage and 2. Provide much needed protection from the sun and rain. At present there is zero protection for railway travellers.”

Adrian Shackley, of the Gawler Environment Heritage Association (GEHA), said the canopy was a significant Gawler landmark.

“Its curved roof was part of an innovative design and a rare example of such buildings in the state,” he said.

“The rail shelter is part of the state heritage-listed complex, including the main station buildings and the goods shed. The signal box lost in a fire a few years ago was also state heritage listed, but  was lost due to a lack of protection.

“State heritage listing brings an obligation on the State Transport Department and State Government to maintain the building and its heritage integrity.

“It is the time to produce a plan as to what is to occur with the shed.”