Part of the existing Mooroolbark Station has been successfully relocated to the Lilydale campus of the Box Hill TAFE to be refurbished before going to its new home on the Yarra Valley Railway.
During last month’s intensive period of works to remove the Manchester Road level crossing and build a new station, 2 semi-trailers transported part of the existing building to Box Hill TAFE.
Over 60 students will work on the station over 18 to 24 months to restore it to its original 1887 condition, providing students with an opportunity to learn restoration, construction work and planning, as well as how to re-create decorative timbers and joinery, which will prepare them for careers in the construction and building industries.
Paul Newnham from the Institute said that this project is a great opportunity to immerse students in the community and the history of their local area.
'The project introduces them to being a volunteer in the community and showcases their skills as our future tradespeople,' he said.
Once the refurbishment is complete, the station will be trucked to the Yarra Valley Railway, where it will become the new Tarrawarra Station.
Brett Whelen, President of the Yarra Valley Railway said the station being refurbished and relocated was a win-win for all the organisations involved in the decision.
'It’s massive. It’s been a fantastic partnership between us, Box Hill Institute, LXRP, VicTrack and Yarra Ranges Council' he said.
'I’m passionate about vocational education and this is just an amazing training outcome. Especially in the Greater Dandenong Ranges area, we have a high youth unemployment rate, and this kind of thing is what can make a difference.'
We heard from the community in 2019 that the station was important to Mooroolbark locals, and worked closely with key community groups, Yarra Ranges Council and other stakeholders to find a new home for part of the building.
The Manchester Road, Mooroolbark level crossing will be removed, and the new station open by Monday 25 October this year.
The new multi-deck car park opens in 2022, doubling passenger parking to 900 spaces.
