Image: denisbin of Mount Lofty Railway Station
Plans have been lodged for the transformation of the former Mount Lofty Railway Station, which sits amongst leafy trees in the Adelaide Hills.
The proposed development, spearheaded by Peter and Jane Rowat, seeks to repurpose the historic site into a vibrant hub accommodating a café and a retail space for homewares and garden-wares.
The café, which will have a unique setup, eschews the conventional commercial kitchen for a more intimate experience. Picture this: within the cozy confines of the existing bathrooms, a charming ‘kiosk’ is set to serve freshly brewed coffee and and other mouthwatering treats, with tables and chairs scattered throughout.
The Train Station is steeped in history, opening in 1883. It was the highest railway station between Adelaide and Melbourne, at an elevation of 492 m, but unfortunately decreasing patronage saw the station became neglected and closed in 1987.
During the 90’s the Mount Lofty station was repaired and the interior re-fitted to provide two distinct self catering accommodation areas.
The iconic building, now designated as a Local Heritage Place, features traditional architecture with a gable-end corrugated iron clad roof and verandahs on its southern and northern elevations.
Under the proposed plans, the western half of the building will be transformed into a café, offering people a quaint setting to enjoy coffee and cakes. Meanwhile, the eastern portion will be dedicated to the display and sale of homewares and garden-wares, providing a unique shopping experience in a historic setting.
The outdoor area, currently lush with mature plants and featuring charming remnants of its railway station past, will undergo a transformation. The Applicant plans to restore it into a manicured formal garden, ensuring a delightful experience for visitors. Unlike a typical nursery, only a portion of this space will be used for plant displays, creating a unique ambiance where plants for sale will blend seamlessly with the existing vegetation, walking paths, and garden beds.
Despite the change in use, the character of the site will remain intact, with no external alterations planned for the buildings. The existing car park, accommodating 15 vehicles, will be retained, ensuring convenient access.
“[this new venture] will allow members of the public to experience and appreciate the historic Mount Lofty Railway Station. In this way, the proposed development will maintain the heritage values of the Local Heritage Place while also supporting the existing adaptive reuse of the former Mount Lofty Railway Station,” the plans remark.
The proposed transformation of the Mount Lofty Railway Station represents a thoughtful adaptation of a cherished heritage site into a vibrant destination for the community, planning to open from 7am until 5pm seven days a week.
The planning approval closing date on Plan SA is Friday 19th of April, click here for more information.
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