The Allan Labor Government has expanded the iconic Bendigo Tramways – Australia’s leading provider of tram restoration services – creating regional jobs and growing regional Victoria’s role in restoring historic rolling stock.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards today announced the Labor Government’s $10.7 million expansion of the Bendigo Tramways has been completed.
The expansion has created extra space for trams, allowing Victoria’s classic Melbourne W-Class trams currently in storage to be relocated to Bendigo for future restoration.
Bendigo Tramways is not just a major tourist attraction for visitors to the region but a centre for excellence in heritage rolling stock restoration.
With the expansion now complete, Bendigo Tramways will be able to preserve even more of our iconic trams using their world-renowned skills.
The upgrades also make the Tramways an even better place to visit thanks to the new Tram Café, housed in a refurbished 1916 N-Class Tram, and a renovated museum.
The redevelopment also included upgrading the workshop equipment that is used to restore heritage rolling stock, which will help to meet the increased demand for tram restoration for many years to come.
The expansion project was delivered in partnership between the Labor Government, the City of Greater Bendigo and Bendigo Heritage Attractions.
As stated by Premier Jacinta Allan
“We’ve invested to expand the Bendigo Tramways, so they can take on even more ambitious restoration projects – and even more local workers.”
As stated by Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards
“This project has transformed the area around Bendigo Tramways, boosting the local community and revitalising formerly vacant industrial land in the heart of Bendigo.”
As stated by Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney
“With the works being delivered by a local construction company, the project has already created employment opportunities in Bendigo. As a pivotal regional tourism attraction, it will create ongoing jobs for years to come.”
As stated by City of Greater Bendigo Mayor Andrea Metcalf
“The City of Greater Bendigo was delighted to be able to manage the project locally and be part of a project to improve an iconic Bendigo tourist attraction.”
