PROJECT
NSW RAIL MUSEUM
Architecture
Completed
Sydney
Interior Design
Heritage & Conservation
Education
Public & Tourism
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Client:
Office of Rail Heritage, Railcorp
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Location:
Thirlmere, NSW Australia
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Budget:
22 Million
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Size:
2000m2
In 2009, the NSW Government took a step towards solidifying the historical significance of the state’s long and storied rail transport past. Wanting a sustainable, modern complex dedicated to continuing education, Jackson Teece was commissioned with the design of a new museum adjacent to the existing NSW Rail Transport Museum, established in 1962.
Jackson Teece were engaged by RailCorp to provide architecture alongside interior and heritage services for the museum upgrade. The core focus of the project was to consolidate, conserve and present the state government’s rail heritage for current and future generations.
With so many curious people flocking to the museum every year, this transformation has laid the building blocks for an inviting, engaging and environmentally sound experience for anybody looking to dive into the NSW rail heritage experience.
Damian Barker
Director
The project renewal provided a Main Exhibition Hall and Great Train Hall, with a series of other spaces such as the “Workers Walk” and Roundhouse, where workshops and demonstrations are held alongside an outdoor children’s play area. The Main Exhibition Hall would become the home of exhibits that needed protection from the elements, with an adjacent outdoor rail platform established for travelling exhibitions. This platform is a focal point of the museum. It holds Australia’s largest collection of heritage rolling stock, and an accessible platform provides visitors with the opportunity to truly immerse themselves in the physical and emotional history of the locomotives and carriages.
- Interconnecting spaces play a vital role in the success of the Museum
A deep understanding of the existing rail and heritage infrastructure was required for the upgrade. It retained and conserved significant heritage elements, while meeting accepted sustainability and visitor safety requirements. The new facilities were composed with recyclable and former era materials, including metal cladding, in situ and precast concrete, glass and steelwork. An innovative under-floor hydronic heating and cooling installation supports ventilation throughout, and a 100,000 litre rainwater tank supplies water to the museum.
