Old Railway Goods Shed

Statement of Significance

The place has historic value for its association with the Busselton Railway Station and the railway line which was so important to the economy of the town through linking its role in the port and servicing the community. The place has social value as it was the venue for many dances and events during the 1960s which are likely to have been well attended and well remembered by the community.

Physical Description

This simple rectalinear shed has a pitched roof clad with contemporary metal sheeting, zincalume. The walls are clad with vertical lapped timber boards and large roller doors clad with the same material are located at one of the ends of the building. In the gable above the roller doors are four narrow louvre windows and the same timber treatment unifies the whole building. A paved area is located at this end of the building to enable access by vehicles to the interior of the building. At the other end of the building is a stone chimney laid in a random manner from what appears to be a local granite stone.

History

This shed was originally located at the Busselton Railway Station and was used as a Goods Shed for the storage of a wide range of items. The Busselton Railway Station was in operation from 1894 until 1985. Alongside the station were service buildings for the railway line, such as this goods shed. With the closure of the Busselton Port in 1972 there was even further reason to minimise the facilities in the town. This shed was relocated from the Busselton Marshalling Yards (Railway) in the early 1960s by Edward (Ted) Lilly and was used for barn dances. Ted who was a saw miller by trade, owned the shed until 1965 and it appears the shed was re‐clad in Jarrah weatherboards. The height and length of the shed may have been changed from the original. It was owned by Charles Smith from 1965‐1997. In the 2020s, the shed underwent some restoration with the recladding of the exterior in vertical timber boards, and a chimney was constructed alongside the rear of the shed. It is now used as a display and sales facility for agricultural products.

Integrity/Authenticity

Low Degree/Moderate Degree Integrity Notes: Low – used for farm storage and relocated from original site Authenticity Notes: Moderate.

Condition

Good

Uses

Historic Themes

Creation Date

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