A community group long dismayed by long-term maintenance issues at privately leased Malmsbury train station is preparing a business case in the hope of securing the site when the existing contract ends in September.
Malmsbury Historical Society secretary Mike Todd confirmed the group was liaising with Macedon MP Mary-Anne Thomas as it prepared plans for an arts, tourism and history hub at the site, unused for many years after being leased to a private tenant by VicTrack.
As reported by Star Weekly, the group recently secured the support of Macedon Ranges council in its fight for better maintenance of the precinct, with Cr Jennifer Anderson lashing out at the condition of the station’s historic buildings and surrounds.
Mr Todd said the condition of the 1862 station had been a problem since it was closed in 1978.
The group believes the station, which remains an active stop on the Bendigo line, should be upgraded as a shelter or community hub. Having discovered the most recent lease extension was for just 14 months, Mr Todd said Save Malmsbury Station supporters were preparing to make a play.
‘‘We’re pretty excited,’’ he said. ‘‘We had thought the lease was locked in for 10 more years.’’
Ms Thomas, who has previously made representations to the government over the maintenance issues, has promised to present the group’s business case for consideration.
Funding sought
Government, heritage and some philanthropic funding is likely to be sought for a centre focused on the arts, tourism and local history. The business plan will include potential uses for land surrounding the station.
‘‘The station complex has, unusually, quite a large parcel of land as well,’’ Mr Todd said.
Mr Todd said money could be available under VicTrack’s formal policy of handing over vacant stations for community use.
‘‘Large amounts would be required, especially considering the condition of the station’s buildings,’’ he said. ‘‘There’s going to have to be some ongoing money for the running of it … but we’ve got one or two income possibilities that we will reveal in the plan.’’
