Ascot railway station

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Brisbanetimes --> Ascot train station to get $300K revamp

A $300,000 revamp of the heritage-listed Ascot train station is off and racing, with works set to begin this weekend.

Racing Minister Grace Grace said the heritage-approved facelift would include cleaning, repainting and repairing the 1914 building, toilet block, damaged fascia and awnings.

The light fittings will be replaced, signs upgraded and the interior refurbished.

"The station, on the Doomben line, was primarily built to service the racecourse and serves as a reminder of the importance of the racing industry in Queensland's history," Ms Grace said.

The Ascot railway station has serviced Eagle Farm racecourse since 1863, when the first station building was completed.

The second building, finished in 1914, will be the focus of most of the work for the project.

Ms Grace said the 1914 building was a classic example of the architecture of the period, featuring an early example of a pre-cast concrete structure, including decorative lattice elements.

"It is one of Queensland Rail's oldest surviving stations using this construction technique," she said.

"These works are designed to preserve the historic character of the station and its place in the history of Ascot, Eagle Farm and the local community for many more years to come.

"Ascot train station is not just a key public transport hub for the local community, but the thousands of people who pour through the station on race days.

"It's also perfectly timed, given Eagle Farm has just undergone the first stage of a major refurbishment that will benefit Brisbane Racing Club and the wider racing industry."

Temporary changes will be necessary while work is done, including changes to station access.

Works are set to be complete by mid-2017, weather permitting.

Queensland Rail will keep customers up to date about coming changes as the refurbishment progresses.

It comes after work on the new Redcliffe Peninsula line has finished, ending six days of delays for northside rail commuters.

Buses had replaced trains, with commuters warned to expect lengthy delays as a result of the works for the line - previously referred to as the Moreton Bay Rail Link.

The Redcliffe Peninsula line is due to open for regular services on Tuesday, October 4.