Maymorn “Licence to occupy” secured
From left to right: Colin Craddock, Trustee; Hugh McCracken, Chairperson; and Cr Barry Timms, Trustee and Treasurer signing copies of the “Licence to occupy” on Wednesday 13th July. Photo: Jean Fitzgerald.
On Thursday 14th July the Rimutaka Incline Railway Heritage Trust secured a long-term “Licence to occupy” much of the former railway yards at Maymorn station, 6km north of Upper Hutt on the Wairarapa Line. This is the result of two years of planning, consultation and negotiation with Ontrack (New Zealand Railways Corporation). The Licence gives the Rimutaka Incline Railway occupancy rights to almost 2.5 hectares of railway land for a period of twenty years, with yearly renewal from 2025.
The Trust plans to develop a railway heritage precinct, which will become the operational base for the heritage railway proposed to operate between Upper Hutt, Summit and in the longer term, Cross Creek. The Trust plans to have an “Official Turning of the First Sod” ceremony on Saturday 29th October, on the 50th Anniversary of the closure of the Rimutaka Incline route, and subsequent opening of the Rimutaka Tunnel and deviation.
Colin Craddock assisting with surveying work, Maymorn yard, July 2005. Photo: Hugh McCracken.
Securing land for development of its operational base is a major milestone in the development of the Rimutaka Incline Railway. The Trust is now turning its attention to securing a railway corridor between Maymorn, Kaitoke and Summit, while continuing to raise funds for what will become an iconic tourist attraction for Upper Hutt and the Wellington Region.
A number of facilities are proposed at Maymorn, including:
- A replica Troup-designed heritage station building, with associated verandah and platform. Information, heritage displays, a discovery centre and café are proposed in the station building.
Funding for architectural work for this building was recently secured from Rimutaka Trust. - A heritage-style engine and carriage shed, with associated workshop and maintenance facilities.
- Extensive railway track, including a crossing loop, storage roads and a mainline turnout connecting the Rimutaka Incline Railway to the national rail network.
- A turntable for turning locomotives on arrival from Summit or from the national rail network.
- Water vats, fuelling facilities, semaphore signals and a signal box — for the servicing and operation of heritage trains.
- Car and tour coach parking facilities.
A pedestrian accessway will remain between Parkes Line Road and Maymorn station, and improvements are proposed. Footbridge or underpass replacements may be considered in the longer term.
Next page: Heritage station building grant
[Home] [Shop] [History] [Project] [Route] [Next steps] [Walkway] [News] [About us] [Contacts] [Membership form] [Links] [Site map] [Member pages]
Page updated 17 July 2005 Hugh McCracken.
