Traditional Country of the Kaurna people
South Australia
The restoration of the Adelaide Railway Station Façade and Ramp Project prompts a newfound cultural and social connection to the heritage building in the heart of Adelaide and establishing the character of North Terrace.
The extensive repair work undertaken to the Adelaide Railway Station includes addressing historic damage, giving the building a new lease of life, and restoring its heritage value. The Adelaide Railway Station Restoration Project incorporates architectural features that reflect the simple and clean lines of the Free Classical – Beaux-Arts style in which the station was built. The installation of Architectural lighting inside and outside of the station enhances the night-time presence whilst increasing the grand dimensions and striking geometric details.
The revitalised Adelaide Railway Station prompts a newfound connection to the historic building and culturally benefiting the public realm street scale of not only North Terrace, but the City of Adelaide for generations to come.
Designed by the well-known architects Garlick and Jackman, the Adelaide Railway Station was constructed in 1924. It is the largest example of a building designed in the Free Classical – Beaux-Arts style in South Australia and is a well-recognised landmark along North Terrace, Adelaide’s cultural boulevard. The building is significant as it was part of the major upgrades to the railway system undertaken in the 1920s.
The architects began their work on this site carrying out the dilapidation study, followed by their appointment as project architects for the restoration of the building. The scope included cleaning, repairing significant deteriorated external elements – including repointing where necessary – and the upgrading of the main ramp down from North Terrace. The conservation and restoration works in this space have seen it returned more closely to its original form, with the addition of new lighting to highlight the feature ceilings and walls.
Externally the building has also received a lighting makeover with significant LED lighting bringing the building to life at night. This project exemplifies the Burra Charter principle of doing as much as necessary, but as little as possible. The Railway Station Building now looks like it always should have.
The complex heritage façade restoration and upper Station ramp works was a project of high importance to Renewal SA due to the buildings strong cultural, historical, and social significance to the South Australian public.
The restoration project was a monumental effort to bring the station back to its former glory and preserve its rich heritage for generations to come, all whilst ensuring the 230,000-weekly train-goers’ commute was uninterrupted.
Laura Bamford, Graduate of Architecture
Matthew Rundell, Associate Director
Firefly Point of View, Lighting Consultant
HSR Aust Group (Heritage Stone Restoration Aust Group), Specialist Conservation Contractor
Innovis Consulting Engineers, Structural Engineer
RPS, Project Manager
SKS Technologies, Specialist Lighting / Electrical Contractor
The Australian Institute of Architects acknowledges First Nations peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the lands, waters, and skies of the continent now called Australia.
We express our gratitude to their Elders and Knowledge Holders whose wisdom, actions and knowledge have kept culture alive.
We recognise First Nations peoples as the first architects and builders. We appreciate their continuing work on Country from pre-invasion times to contemporary First Nations architects, and respect their rights to continue to care for Country.
