MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION

1. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION VICTORIA STREET, MARYBOROUGH RAIA ARCHITECTURE AWARDS 2008 AWARD for HERITAGE

2. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION HISTORY • Completed in 1891 (replaced the undersized 1874 station). • Designed by Railway’s Department, but the architect is claimed to be Philip Kennedy (architect for Shamrock Hotel ,Bendigo, School of Mines Maryborough, St Vincent's Hospital (part)) • Built by D A Swanson of St Kilda (also built City Baths amongst others) • Included on the Victorian Heritage Register (probably of National Heritage Significance) . Continues as a freight terminal and also a popular tourist destination on the Victorian Goldfields route ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

3. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CULTURAL SIGNIFICANCE – VHR #1577 (Reference: Heritage Victoria 2007) “… is architecturally significant as a fine illustration of the Anglo-Dutch Style, of which there are few remaining examples in Victoria or even the Eastern states of Australia, and few rival in scale.” “The face red brick, the rendered and painted cement mouldings, the prominent Dutch gables, and variety of features on the roof line such as tower, square lantern, faceted tall chimneys, and double hung sash windows are characteristic of this style. “The composition however is distinctive and has been deftly handled..” “The Maryborough Railway Station is historically significant as being probably the grandest of the Victorian railway stations built during the second half of the nineteenth century and its construction marks the end of the era of the wave of expansion of the railway system in Victoria. “ ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

4. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN (CMP) • Prepared by RBA Architects & Conservation Consultants (2002) • CMP confirms heritage significance and notes critical deterioration of external and internal building fabric due to poor maintenance procedures. • Many of the recommended conservation works implemented as part of this project. 2 parts over 4 years. Total cost c. $M2 ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

5. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS - ASSESSMENT • First step was to undertake a more detailed forensic survey of existing conditions, • A specialist materials scientist was employed to advise on observed modes of decay and sustainable and viable remediation options (render, slate, glass, lead and faience/terracotta) • Research undertaken in consultation with glass and faience (terracotta) conservation experts (incl. in UK) in relation to unusual replacement materials where necessary • All conservation methods assessed n accordance with the Burra Charter guidelines ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

6. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION EXISTING CONDITIONS - RENDER • Detailed external faience and cement render surfaces all found coated with inappropriate acrylic paint which disguised underlying defects and, by locking in moisture, leads to accellerated decay (spalling and cracking), • Substantial ‘3rd degree’ render failure oberved • Secondary but equally significant issue was the substantial loss of one key component of the original design intent with the complete loss of the original stone coloured (non painted) render skim coat. This impact severely limited an ability to accurately interpret the architectural significance ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

7. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS –Render Colour • Scant, but convincing evidence of the original colored render skim (finish) coat found and sent to materials scientist for analysis • Components found to include stone dust, lime and cement plus ‘fools gold’ and ‘haematite.’ (possibly ox blood) ie the subtle and unique colour was achieved via a complex mixture of locally available materials • Other contemporary examples illustrating beauty of the original finish located in central victoria • A contemporary replica of original mix was developed after a complex series of trials including accellerated aging mechanisms,

8. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS –Render & Moulds • Work with trades to achieve a homogenous finish over large areas. • Detailed moulds of pressed cement orbs and chimney caps constructed to re-produce original detail. • Large amounts of damaged detail render was stripped back to brickwork and replaced entirely using traditional in situ render craftsmanship • New colored skim coat painstakingly applied after training of plasterers ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

9. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION EXISTING CONDITIONS - TERRACOTTA • Original terracotta ridge capping to roof had been removed. • Original terracotta detailing to VR shield and terracotta balustrades had been masked by acrylic paint • Paint finish sealing moisture against terracotta finish and causing accelerated decay ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

10. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS – Terracotta • Detailed assessment and research plus consultation with terracotta conservation experts (incl. in the UK) to resolve conservation strategy of this quite unique installation which was carefully restore d in situ albeit without complete repair of some damage (in lieu of whole sale replacement) • Sourced custom made terracotta ridge capping from interstate small scale suppliers based on original detail, researched and detailed by RBA Architects. ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

11. 6. SCOTTISH HOUSE FACADE RESTORATION EXISTING CONDITIONS – ROOF & ROOF PLUMBING • Extensive Welsh slate roof in very poor condition with several areas exhibiting unsuitable patch repairs. • Cast –iron roof plumbing severally damaged and in need of urgent repair. • Large expanses of detailed lead work found decayed ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

12. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS – Slate roof • Worked closely with slate roofer to achieve homogenous finish using introduced secondhand and salvaged, original slates. • New slates used in less noticeable areas. • Cast iron guttering and downpipes salvaged, repaired and repainted prior to reinstatement, to match original detail ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

13. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS – Cupolas & Clocktower • New lead sheeting hand-beaten to match original profile • Rolled joints and details match traditional lead work and ensure long-term viability. ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

14. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION CONSERVATION WORKS – Various other works • Restoration and digitization of original clock • Traditional lighting protection reinstated to flagpole • Tessellated tiles restoration to entry porch • Restoration of internal lantern to café area, using custom made pattern glass • Extensive underground stormwater rectification works ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

15. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION COMPLETED WORKS ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS

16. MARYBOROUGH RAILWAY STATION RESTORATION THANK YOU ARCHITECTS +CONSERVATION CONSULTANTS