Bowning residents and the Bowning Progress Association (BPA) had the opportunity to tour the renovated and restored Bowning Railway Station on Wednesday, January 17.
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Michael Irons from the Australian Rail Track Corporation (ARTC), which owns the building, opened the doors for residents to view inside.
The building recently underwent significant renovations by the ARTC to remove asbestos and white ant damage.
It also included a new roof, internal painting, electrical rewiring and a new stormwater drainage system.
Cyril Cox, president of the BPA, said the restoration meant community use may now occur.
“It’s a beautiful building. My understanding is that they’re [ARTC] ready to lease it to someone,” he said.
“The locals would like to work with the ARTC to make full use of the building.
“It’s such a big building in a such a small village, too. The historic value alone is worth preserving it,” Mr Cox said.
It is understood the ARTC will now seek to collaborate with residents and the council in determining how to use the building for non-residential purposes.
Bas Bolyn, general manager of corporate affairs, said ARTC would discuss opportunities for the site with the BPA about any potential community uses.
“Based on that engagement, we would then consider seeking expression of interests from the wider community,” Mr Bolyn said.
The investment in the works by ARTC took about four months and was around $250,000.
Yass Valley mayor Rowena Abbey, who also inspected the building, said the works were positive.
“They’ve done a great job in bringing it back to life, so it’s fantastic,” Cr Abbey said.