The restoration of a historic train station in a remote corner of Southland has moved a step closer.

From 1909, the historic Tūātapere railway station was the terminus of a line from Invercargill.

But after the line closed in 1976, the building was left without a clear purpose.

This is where the Tūātapere Te Waewae Community Board comes in, securing up to $310,000 in Better Off funding for a rail tourism precinct at this site in January 2023.

The Southland District Council subsequently called for proposals, with the yet-to-be-established Tūātapere Railway and Heritage Trust Board submitting the only compliant application.

Their vision was to restore the buildings and operate the site as an information center, with the possibility of commercial leasing to cover costs.

Last week, the project reached another milestone when the local council approved the trust’s proposal on the condition that it be granted charitable status.

“An important part of Tūātapere’s history”

A statement from the local council said the project would secure the future of the station.

“We look forward to a refurbished historic station and to the area attracting visitors and locals to learn about an important part of Tūātapere’s history,” it said.

A report prepared for the meeting noted that, thanks to support from community groups, some restoration work had already been carried out on the station, including ground improvements and weather protection measures.

Anne Horrell, chair of the parish council, said the building had been used by various people over the years, including a church youth group.

Last year, local volunteers completed more than 100 hours of repair work, she said.

The $310,000 will be spent, if needed, on acquiring land behind the station, building tracks and installing a historic locomotive or wagon, beautifying the area and exploring the possibility of relocating a water tank.

Since a member of the Community Board is also listed as a member of the Trust, the report indicated a potential conflict of interest.

It was decided that the member, in his dual role, would stay out of all discussions surrounding this week’s report, the decision and any future decisions.

The Trust hoped to showcase local achievements on the newly refurbished site, including records in sheep shearing and axe chopping.

Local Democracy Reporting is local journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.