Raglan Railway Station Restoration Committee is set to host a small celebration next Tuesday to celebrate the 130th anniversary of the NSW State Heritage Registered structure.
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The event, to be held at the end of Nile Street near the station from 5pm Tuesday, will operate under COVID-safe procedures and provide attendees with updates on the building's draft strategic plan for restorative works.
Bathurst Heritage Action Network convenor Sandy Bathgate said the event will be an opportunity for interested parties to have their questions answered.
"It's a chance to brief people on where we're at with the draft strategic plan and for anyone to raise ideas on how to further approach the restorative process," Mr Bathgate said.
A draft strategic plan went before Bathurst Regional Council and John Holland Rail [JHR] in January outlining a series of works required to restore and preserve for future generations.
Mr Bathgate said the plan has generated a generally positive response from council, though the latter has indicated further restorative works are a matter for JHR, who manages the site.
"Council has provided funding for the development of an interpretive pamphlet regarding the history of the station, which is in development for display at the Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, Bathurst Rail Museum and online," he said.
"They have also indicated funding will be provided for interpretive signage at the site provided JHR approves."
However, Mr Bathgate said JHR, in a recent statement, has indicated they are unlikely to commit further funding towards restorative works at the station.
"I understand JHR's need to prioritise the some 600 heritage assets they manage across the Country Regional Network [CRN], but it doesn't make it any less disappointing," he said.
"However, JHR has indicated they are happy to work with us further should we provide the funding, which means we'll have to seek funding ourselves."
JHR spent around $20,000 securing and stabilising the outside of the building in 2019, which has bought time to a structure that was in danger of disintegrating within the next decade.
Mr Bathgate said the committee is seeking further discussion with JHR on the matter.
The Save Raglan Station Facebook group has over 350 followers.
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