Local Government
Northampton
Region
Midwest
There no heritage location found in the Google fusion table.
Location
Adjac Third Av & Gwalla St Northampton
Location Details
This place is also part of P12059 Geraldton-Northampton Railway Precinct but is also to be assessed as part of P4226 Gwalla Precinct.
Construction Date
Constructed from 1879
Demolition Year
N/AStatutory Heritage Listings
| Type | Status | Date | Documents | More information |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Heritage List | Adopted | 15 May 2020 |
Heritage Council Decisions and Deliberations
| Type | Status | Date | Documents |
|---|---|---|---|
| RHP - To be assessed | Current | 29 Apr 2011 | |
| RHP - Assessed - Below Threshold | Current | 15 Dec 2006 |
Other Heritage Listings and Surveys
| Type | Status | Date | Grading/Management | More information | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Category | Description | ||||
| Municipal Inventory | Adopted | 19 Apr 1996 | Category 1B |
Category 1B |
|
Statement of Significance
The Gwalla Railway Station site has very high historic, social and scientific significance for Northampton
and the State in relation to the development of railways and the town generally.
Physical Description
An information board marks the site of the former Gwalla Railway Station. A few stone wall remnants from
platforms and small buildings remain amongst the undergrowth on the old station site. Some cuttings along the
track alignment and abutments still remain nearby of the former railway bridge across Nokanena Brook located
adjacent to Gwalla Street (Lot 459) - see Site No 135.
History
The Gwalla Railway Station was the termination point of the first Government Railway in the state. Completed in
1880, it operated as such until 1912 when the more centrally located Mary Street Station (Site No. 77) was
constructed along with the extension of the line to Ajana.
Nurse Morrison used the building as a private hospital c1915. The building was then occupied by H. Grant, a bank
inspector c1919, George S. Gillies c1921 and John Rohrs c1925.
It is believed the original cantilevered roof trusses from the station were reused omthe service station/hardware
shop in Mary Street (Site No. 72).
Chronology Entries
1859 While establishing the Gwalla Mine, Joseph Horrocks organised an appeal to have a railway line buiit
from Geraldton to The Mines', as Northampton was then known.
1860 A group of promoters headed by prominent colonist Walter Padbury proposed the construction of a
railway from Champion Bay to the Mines District.
1872 Tenders were called in the Government Gazette for an engineering survey of a proposed railway liris from
Geraldton to Northampton, a distance of about 50km. A large number of tenders were received with
James Major of Melbourne being the successful tenderer. The route chosen was based on mineral leases
situated within 32km of the proposed railway as well as analysis of Custom House returns.
22/10/1874 Governor Weld turned the first sod of soil for the first government railway running from Gsraldton to
Northampton.
1875 W. D. Lovell from South Australia was appointed Consulting Engineer on the proposed Garaldton-
Northampton railway after the death of James Major. Mr Lovell recommended significant changes to the
line which resulted in an increase in the estimated final cost of construction. Work was suspended for
some time because of disputes between the Government and the contractor.
1877 The first 28km of the Northampton Railway was opened.
26/07/1879 The Geraldton-Northampton Railway was completed and officially opened by Governor Orel.
1962 The Geraldton-Northampton railway line was removed.
Source
Geraldton Guardian
Integrity/Authenticity
Integrity: Not Applicable
Orig'l Fabric: Ruin.
Condition
Site
References
| Ref ID No | Ref Name | Ref Source | Ref Date |
|---|---|---|---|
| Considine and Griffiths Architects Pty Ltd, "Gwalla Precinct, Northampton Conservation Plan". | Shire of Northampton, | 2000 | |
| GHS0991 | Photograph; "railway station". | Northampton Historical Society Inc. | 1890 |
| BL Acc 816 B/B 498- 499 | Photograph: "the old railway station at Northampton,,". | Battye Library | 1929 |
| "Tender for completion of Railway Station". | Victorian Express | 03/03/1880 | |
| "Tender for erection of Railway Station". | Victorian Express | 02/07/1879. | |
| BL Acc 2157 B | Photograph: "the old railway station,e". | Battye Library | |
| BL Acc 2664 B | Photograph: "Northampton Railway Station on the day of the opening". | Battye Library | 1879 |
| GHS1561 | Photograph; "railway station". | Northampton Historical Society Inc. | Undated |
| GHS3956 | Photograph; " sign marking site" | Northampton Historical Society Inc. | Undated |
State Heritage Office library entries
| Library Id | Title | Medium | Year Of Publication |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4485 | Gwalla precinct Northampton : conservation plan. | Heritage Study {Cons'n Plan} | 2000 |
Place Type
Historic Site
Uses
| Epoch | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Original Use | Transport\Communications | Rail: Railway Station |
| Present Use | VACANT\UNUSED | Vacant\Unused |
Architectural Styles
| Style |
|---|
| Victorian Regency |
| Federation Free Style |
Construction Materials
| Type | General | Specific |
|---|---|---|
| Wall | STONE | Other Stone |
Historic Themes
| General | Specific |
|---|---|
| TRANSPORT & COMMUNICATIONS | Rail & light rail transport |
Creation Date
17 Jul 1997Publish place record online (inHerit):
ApprovedLast Update
30 Apr 2021Disclaimer
This information is provided voluntarily as a public service. The information provided is made available in good faith and is derived from sources believed to be reliable and accurate. However, the information is provided solely on the basis that readers will be responsible for making their own assessment of the matters discussed herein and are advised to verify all relevant representations, statements and information.