The future of the Gawler Railway Station’s historic canopy will be the centrepiece of a pivotal Community Forum to be held at the station on Sunday, 26th May from 11.15am.

Local State Member for Light, Tony Piccolo MP, has organised this meeting during History Month as the canopy has strong roots in Gawler’s heritage – the frame was manufactured at the James Martin Foundry back in 1870.

“The canopy was engineered, built and installed here in Gawler over 140 years ago as the Gawler Railway Station developed,” Mr Piccolo said.

“Such a historical artefact should be showcased, not hidden away, and many in this community agree.

“This meeting is an opportunity to hear from the Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT) on the options available, and to have their say on the next steps in resolving this longstanding issue.”

The former train shed, and passenger shelter was removed in 2012 to accommodate the $615 million electrification of the Gawler line.

The Labor Government, recognising its cultural value, committed to reinstating the canopy back in 2014 before the Liberal party took power.

The Liberal Minister for Transport in 2019 Stefan Knoll stated, “…the department of Planning, Transport and Infrastructure is exploring all options available regarding the Gawler heritage shed.”

“These options include reinstating back into the corridor, establishing within the station carpark or rebuilding at the National Railway Museum at Port Adelaide.”

Addressing the community’s concerns, Mr Piccolo then wrote to the minister seeking a commitment from the Marshall Liberal Government to return the canopy to its rightful place at the Gawler Railway Station precinct.

“To rebuild it elsewhere would be an act of historic vandalism and an affront to the people of Gawler who value our built heritage,” Mr Piccolo said.

Mr Piccolo said he understood that the former Liberal Government commissioned a heritage study of the canopy which was scheduled to be completed in late 2021.  

“For some unknown reason, the report was never released publicly at the time,” said Mr Piccolo.

“I am led to believe that the report explores viable options and associated costs.

“It’s important to keep residents informed and involved in the process, and hopefully we’ll leave Sunday’s forum with a clearer pathway to a resolution,” Mr Piccolo said.