Heritage rolling stock should stay at Broadmeadow locomotive depot

A motion is to be tabled next week as Newcastle Labor councillors are proposing the council write to the NSW Transport Minister expressing its formal opposition to the removal of heritage-listed rolling stock from the Broadmeadow locomotive depot, which was first opened in 1924. Council is being encouraged to acknowledge the community concern regarding the transfer of the rolling stock to a new central heritage railway item facility in Chullora, citing that any approvals to the move must be made under Section 60 of the Heritage Act.

Additional calls for a master plan to incorporate parts of rolling stock into future redevelopments of the site have been made as the future of the Broadmeadow depot remains undetermined. This is due in part to both the NSW Premier and Transport Minister focusing their attention on improving the Chullora facility.

“The Broadmeadow locomotive depot and surrounds are important landholdings,” a spokesperson said at the time. “Transport for NSW is exploring options for the precinct in the context of medium to long-term plans developed by the NSW government and City of Newcastle.”

Click here to read the full article from the Newcastle Herald (please note this article is behind a paywall).