THE FUTURE of the dilapidated 140-year-old West Tamworth Railway Station has been a thorn in the side of the local council, rail authorities and the state government for years.
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Now, Tamworth Regional Council's (TRC) heritage working group has taken matters into its own hands after a site visit to the railway station and the old station master's house on Bourke Street.
The group was joined by a Transport for NSW heritage consultant and ULG representatives, which has taken over the country regional rail network from John Holland for the next decade.
The ultimate goal is to save the two heritage sites and make sure the assets aren't lost, Cr Juanita Wilson said.
"There was a real acknowledgement that the sites were relevant, but we were realistic in the assessment of their condition - particularly the West Tamworth Railway Station is not in good condition," she said.
"What would be most beneficial is limited input to and attention to the roof to give us time.
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"That precinct will be interesting into the future, when industry goes it will become a residential and business hub and the station could be a key community facility."
The station master's house is in better condition and could become a community hub.
Cr Wilson said the community could be involved in the restoration.
"Perhaps we could have community groups in there, or artists' in residence," she said.
"TFNSW subdivided that block and it hasn't been sold, we think it would be a fine gesture toward the community to direct finance from the blocks to the restoration."
TFNSW has said it is working with Council and the community to consider sustainable adaptive uses for West Tamworth Station and the Station Master's cottage.
"We are considering a number of options and will update the community as decisions are made," a spokesman said.
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