Auckland railway station on the move

Media release

Newmarket Business Association

Friday 7 March 2008

Auckland railway station on the move

The last sections of the century-old Newmarket railway station and heritage signal box will be taken off site this weekend, making way for the construction of a new $70million Newmarket railway station and junction. The Newmarket Business Association supports the move but hopes the historic station won't languish in storage for too long.

"This weekend is history in the making. Up until now the old Newmarket railway station was one of Auckland's last untouched Edwardian railway stations on the main trunk line. As Auckland's main junction station, where the Western line meets the Southern, it has long been a living reminder of a bygone age. We will miss it, but the good news is bigger and better facilities are on the way," said Cameron Brewer, general manager of the Newmarket Business Association.

The Newmarket Railway Station (1908) was designed by New Zealand Railways architect George Troup, who also designed the Dunedin Railway Station - one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. Also being relocated is Newmarket's heritage signal box which was installed a couple of years before the old rail station.

"We are hopeful that after the brand new Newmarket station is built, the old signal box will be relocated back into Newmarket. That would be a nice touch and a visible reminder of our rail heritage.

"We now encourage Auckland's rail authorities to find a new home for the Newmarket railway station. Because it's a classic period piece we would hate to see it languish in storage for ever in a day at taxpayers' expense. The Government has allocated $5million towards it relocation and restoration for the enjoyment of future generations, so we are hopeful this promise will be delivered," said Mr Brewer.

ENDS

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