AN update to the status of the Bylands Tram Museum has been provided by the Tramway Museum Society of Victoria in its June newsletter, saying they are confident final approvals will be granted for repairs to take place later in the year.
The building, which has now been closed for 10 months due to an extreme weather event, has been assessed, with a report in the Running Journal relayed to members.
“Members will recall that the museum at Bylands has been closed to public access for approximately 10 months now as a result of an extreme weather event which caused considerable damage to a number of buildings,” the article stated.
“Moderate damage was recorded to the Crock Shed, No 2 tram shed, Exhibition Shed and Visitor Entrance Centre, both the Caretaker’s Residence and No 1 tram shed suffering more substantial or structural damage.
“To date all buildings have been assessed, some more detailed than others due to the nature of the damage or repairs required. An interim report has been prepared by the insurance company and the initial report indicates what repairs will be required to the No 2 tram shed, Exhibition Shed and Visitor Entrance Centre, with the provisional costings for each.
“The report also made mention of minor or cosmetic repairs required to No 1 tram shed, but failed to address the more serious issue of its structural instability. The report also failed to mention the Caretaker’s Residence or the Crock shed, both of which were also subject to the claim, and in the case of the Residence, may be a costly exercise, one which the Society cannot fund itself.
“Regardless of the outcomes we are confident final approvals will be given shortly so that all repairs will be undertaken commencing later this year.”
