Proposal to use Katherine Railway precinct as community and market space

It’s hoped the proposal will result in more people visiting the historically significant site and boosting the viability of the city centre.

Photo of the station now, with an old steam engine out the front. Picture: Upside Planning

A development application has been lodged by the Katherine Branch of the National Trust to turn the Katherine Railway Station into a museum, community centre and market space.

The application claims the development would “increase the utilisation of the site” as well as open up the heritage listed building to both the “community and visitors”.

The plan is to “provide a safe, family friendly space for market stalls and food trucks” to operate as well as a place for local businesses and farmers to promote and sell their products.

Holding regular markets at the location would ensure people would visit the culturally and historically significant spot and “would support the vitality and viability of Katherine Town Centre” according to the application.

Plans for museum/community market space. Picture: Upside Planning.

The building and the land immediately surrounding it were gazetted in 1994 by the Heritage Council which said the precinct served as a reminder of NT history.

“The Katherine Railway Precinct possesses historical, social and aesthetic characteristics which demonstrate a way of life and function that no longer exist in the Top End of the Northern Territory,” it said.

“The railway served the interests of Vesteys during the period of operation of the meatworks in Darwin and was a major focus for transport during World War II.”

Katherine railway station 1926. Picture: File

The 538 sqm site has been used on and off since 1994 as a museum, book exchange and venue to display and sell art.

There would have to be no construction completed at the site, rather it would be just a change of use with all infrastructure to remain as is, with access to the site coming from Railway Terrace.

There is suitable parking at and near the site, power and water, on site wastewater management and toilets.

Originally published as Proposal to use Katherine Railway precinct as community and market space