The Restoration of Gunning Station 2021-2023

Gunning Railway Station was officially opened on 9 November 1875. While the Gunning Station platform is still used daily by NSW TrainLink regional customers, the station interiors have not been used for around 30 years and had fallen into disrepair.
Gunning Station was designed by the renowned NSW rail engineer John Whitton at a time of rapid expansion of the network. It was the first of its’ type architecturally in NSW and dozens of similar station buildings were later constructed around the state.
The meticulously planned restoration project was led by a dedicated team from Transport and was done with the assistance of specialist heritage architects and tradespeople.
Period features have been reinstated, including a new decorative verandah built from the 1875 plans, station room signs and replica timber columns to the platform awning.
Timbers recovered from the Sydney Harbour Bridge as part of a recent track renewal program on the bridge by Sydney Trains have been recycled and will be used in the project as the surrounds for the new station gardens. Restoration works also include an upgraded and more accessible bathroom.
During the project, Transport consulted with the community and worked closely with Southern Tablelands Arts on potential future uses for the new multi-use spaces in the nearly 150-year-old buildings.
The restoration of Gunning Train Station on one of several restorations of historic disused rail buildings across the state that will be repurposed for community benefit. Completed as part of the Residual Asset Program, a joint initiative between Transport for NSW and TAHE.
The station is owned by the Transport Asset Holding Entity (TAHE). TAHE Chief Executive Benedicte Colin said it was exciting to see Gunning station given new life.
‘As the owners of many valuable heritage rail assets like these, we are always looking for ways to ensure they are restored and repurposed so they can continue to be used and celebrated by the community,’ Ms Colin said.
Gunning Station was listed on the New South Wales State Heritage Register in 1999 having satisfied the criterion: “The place possesses uncommon, rare or endangered aspects of the cultural or natural history of New South Wales.” It was assessed as historically, scientifically, architecturally and socially rare.