OUR HERITAGE AT RISK - SOUTH AUSTRALIA - 2007

Place:    Peterborough Railway Buildings

Threat:  Deterioration and Destruction due to Neglect and Demolition 

Significance of Place: 

The buildings in the Peterborough Railway area are of substantial cultural and industrial significance.  This town hosted the biggest State rail centre outside of Adelaide and retains its social and spiritual importance to many.  The buildings at risk are unique examples of State and National significance of an industrial era in a rural setting from 1880s to 1996.  The machine shop is attached to the National Heritage listed Roundhouse Register.

Description of Threat: 

There is a high degree of neglect and deliberate demolition of buildings outside current preservation zones.  At risk are the Machine Shop, Works Foreman's Workshop, Boilerhouse and Store, Goods Shed, Signal and Telegraph Communication Building, and Semi-detached Stone Cottages.  There are plans to demolish and salvage these buildings to raise money.  Other buildings have already been demolished due to perceived public risk issues and other buildings not under threat of demolition have suffered from neglect and vandalism.

Action Required: 

These buildings should be included in the existing Peterborough Council Historic Conservation Zone.  They should be stabilised to prevent further deterioration followed by efforts to preserve and promote the buildings as a special place in South Australia's History, the States largest regional railway centre outside Adelaide.