- Minister for Transport Infrastructure
The Andrews Labor Government announced today that it is supporting a major expansion of Bendigo Heritage Attractions, a centre for excellence in heritage rolling stock restoration and the leading provider of tram restoration services in Australia.
Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan joined Bendigo Heritage Attractions today to see the plans and discover how the expansion will support Bendigo's economy and contribute to the preservation of Victoria's heritage rolling stock.
The $11 million Bendigo Tramways Development Plan includes creating new workshops enabling Bendigo Heritage Attractions to store and restore some of Victoria's historic W-Class trams being moved out of the Newport Workshops.
The project will also enhance the visitor experience at Bendigo Tramways, which is the hub for the popular tourist tram operations.
The expansion will support approximately 20 highly skilled manufacturing jobs in central Victoria and create 10 new ongoing positions, which will help Bendigo Heritage Attractions respond to increasing demand for their specialist restoration services.
As part of the expansion, Bendigo Heritage Attractions will expand their premises onto land to the south of their current site. The land has environmental issues due to its historic use as a fuel depot and so the project will involve rehabilitation works, including around the Bendigo Creek.
Bendigo Heritage Attractions is renowned nationally and internationally for its heritage rolling stock restoration services and is an iconic part of Bendigo's tourism offering and a major driver of economic activity and employment in central Victoria.
The organisation provides restoration services for a range of clients, including Yarra Trams for W-Class trams servicing the City Circle and private clients domestically and internationally.
Works on the expansion are set to begin next year. For more information, please visit victrack.com.au
As stated by Minister for Transport Infrastructure Jacinta Allan
"Bendigo Heritage Attractions is the leading provider of tram restoration services in the country, and a huge contributor to the economy and tourism in central Victoria."
"Their workshops are currently at capacity, and this expansion will enable them to take on more staff and ramp up their operations, providing jobs for local people and an improved tourist destination in the heart of Bendigo."
As noted by the Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
"This exciting project is a critical part to the resurgence of heavy manufacturing in Bendigo, and a great way of protecting the rich heritage of our trams."
