Vintage trams deteriorating at the former Rozelle Tram depot could make a return to Sydneys tracks as the City investigates options for their restoration.
The six trams ferried Sydney commuters in the 1950s and 60s, and include the last tram ever to run on the Sydney Tramways network. Since then they have been vandalised and weather damaged and are at great risk of deteriorating beyond repair.
A working party of stakeholders and other interested organisations will be established to examine the available options and costs of preserving the historic trams, following a resolution by Council this week.
Early investigations have identified three broad options for the restoration.
Fully operational - the trams would be restored to a standard capable of ensuring daily use as a tourist feature on the existing light rail
Part-time operational - the trams would be able to run occasionally in a transport museum context
Static display - the trams would undergo a cosmetic renovation, including new paint, glass and upholstery
Other suggestions have been put forward including using one of the trams as a small laneway bar or as an art gallery at the Annandale Hotel.
The City could also consider sending one of the trams to our sister-city San Francisco, in return for the tram it sent to Sydney in 1987 as a Bicentenary gift.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: We have received numerous letters of concern at the condition of the trams and many people have offered to volunteer their time and expertise to ensure these pieces of our history are preserved.
We know the trams are of significant value to the area and the community and we want to bring them back to life before its too late.
Among those invited to join the working party will be the City Tram Association, Sydney Tramways Museum, the NSW Harness Racing Club, Metro Light Rail, Council staff, Councillors and members of the Heritage Branch of the NSW Department of Planning.
Tram enthusiasts and volunteers could also be called on to help with the restoration.
Media Contact: Josh MacKenzie 9265-9082, 0402 351 459 or Email.
For interviews with the Lord Mayor contact CieJai Leggett on 9265 9752 or Email.
Vintage trams deteriorating at the former Rozelle Tram depot could make a return to Sydneys tracks as the City investigates options for their restoration.
The six trams ferried Sydney commuters in the 1950s and 60s, and include the last tram ever to run on the Sydney Tramways network. Since then they have been vandalised and weather damaged and are at great risk of deteriorating beyond repair.
A working party of stakeholders and other interested organisations will be established to examine the available options and costs of preserving the historic trams, following a resolution by Council this week.
Early investigations have identified three broad options for the restoration.
Fully operational - the trams would be restored to a standard capable of ensuring daily use as a tourist feature on the existing light rail
Part-time operational - the trams would be able to run occasionally in a transport museum context
Static display - the trams would undergo a cosmetic renovation, including new paint, glass and upholstery
Other suggestions have been put forward including using one of the trams as a small laneway bar or as an art gallery at the Annandale Hotel.
The City could also consider sending one of the trams to our sister-city San Francisco, in return for the tram it sent to Sydney in 1987 as a Bicentenary gift.
Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said: We have received numerous letters of concern at the condition of the trams and many people have offered to volunteer their time and expertise to ensure these pieces of our history are preserved.
We know the trams are of significant value to the area and the community and we want to bring them back to life before its too late.
Among those invited to join the working party will be the City Tram Association, Sydney Tramways Museum, the NSW Harness Racing Club, Metro Light Rail, Council staff, Councillors and members of the Heritage Branch of the NSW Department of Planning.
Tram enthusiasts and volunteers could also be called on to help with the restoration.
Media Contact: Josh MacKenzie 9265-9082, 0402 351 459 or Email.
For interviews with the Lord Mayor contact CieJai Leggett on 9265 9752 or Email.
