Rockhampton Railyards Rejuvenation, Heritage Precinct
The heritage precinct focuses on preserving the site’s rich rail history and restoring the heritage-listed Roundhouse, one of only two remaining full-circle roundhouses in Australia.
Work to preserve the significant heritage value of the Roundhouse is progressing, with structural repair works underway to help stabilise the 112-year-old roundhouse building.
Benefits
- Contributes to economy
- Contributes to regional growth
- Restores damaged infrastructure
Current status
Roundhouse preservation works are underway. Detailed site investigations confirmed that repairs, remediation and strengthening works are required to stabilise and preserve the heritage-listed roundhouse.
These works will address building defects to ensure structures comply with modern building codes and regulations.
We recognise the importance in bringing this unique asset to life in a way that respects, values and preserves the original heritage.
All necessary statutory heritage approvals have been obtained for the remediation and stabilisation works to the roundhouse.
Master plan
We’ve created a master plan to transform the heritage precinct.
In February 2024, we asked key stakeholders and the community for their views on the draft master plan. Our draft master plan identified potential light commercial uses and opportunities for locals and visitors to explore the unique environment and learn the history of the Rockhampton railyards.
The draft master plan is conceptual and proposes:
- a heritage centre
- a family-oriented recreational area
- a multi-use hospitality and events space.
The delivery of the master plan is subject to further funding, detailed design, and heritage and planning approvals.
History of Rockhampton Railyards
The Rockhampton Railyards have been an important part of the community for 150 years. Its rich history demonstrates the evolution of Queensland’s railways from steam, to diesel-electric, to electric trains.
The railyards played a crucial role in rail operations in Central Queensland. As passenger rail services grew in the late 1850s, facilities were needed in Rockhampton to maintain and repair these additional trains.
In 1876, workshops and a partial roundhouse were built to support rail operations. As demand increased, a full-circle roundhouse was constructed in 1915.
The roundhouse was originally used to store and maintain steam trains. It featured a fully rotational turntable in the centre to move trains around the railyards and onto the active rail line. In 1969, the roundhouse closed as a steam train depot in favour of diesel-electric trains, changing the function of the railyards.
Until its closure in 2017, the railyards functioned as a train depot, workshops for wagon and boiler repair and maintenance, a blacksmith shop, and an administration building.
Historic roundhouse facts
- Only one of two remaining intact full roundhouses in the southern hemisphere
- Included 52 stalls for train storage and maintenance
- When first opened, had 20 fitters, 6 boilermakers, 16 shed men, 80 drivers, 70 firefighters and 26 cleaners.
Image gallery
To view a larger version, please click on the image.
Image courtesy of
Queensland Rail.
John Oxley Library, State Library of Queensland Neg No: 196400.
