Project overview
Prior to the 2016 fires, the Yarloop Railway Workshops Complex was included on the State Register, in recognition of its importance as the largest privately owned railway workshop remaining in Australia.
The Yarloop Timber Mill Workshops Redevelopment and Interpretative Project proposes a range of developments over a three-staged process with a focus on community development, tourism and respect for the past and future of the site. The redevelopment will tell multiple stories about its industrial history, timber milling history, the people, and the fire.
The design stage for the facility is complete and includes changes and recommendations made during extensive community consultations and workshops. The Master Plan for the redevelopment of the Railway Workshops destroyed in 2016 was approved for progression by Council early in 2020.
Stage 1
The first stage of the project will focus on the rebuilding of the steam workshops, a men's shed and landscaping, restoration of the existing vault, as well as headworks and services supply to the site. Construction is anticipated to be completed within the 2023/2024 financial year.
Stage 2
The second stage of the development will focus on the reconstruction of the southern portion of the workshops building. This building will house the model railway, salvaged artefacts, restored equipment and a variety of interpretive exhibits.
Stage 3
The third stage will involve the construction of the remainder of the workshops building footprint to house a family friendly food and beverage outlet.