In 1921, a railway station was constructed to serve the small community of Red Hill. For many years, the steam train connected the township to other Mornington Peninsula communities, providing a vital link during an age of limited automotive transport.
As the word progressed, passenger numbers began to slide, and the service was eventually discontinued. The old Red Hill Train Station inevitably fell into disrepair and was decommissioned.
In recent years, the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council approved a grant to construct a replica in the same location. The Shire awarded the contract to Croft Wootton Construction due to our proven track record in the region.
The project formed part of a multi-stage redevelopment of the Red Hill Station Reserve, which included signage, fencing, and a platform shelter.
Red Hill Train Shelter Build
With a platform already in place, the team at Croft Wootton Construction began building a homage to the original station and the Peninsula’s rich locomotive history.
The team built an architecturally designed timber-and-Colorbond shelter with an exposed gable roof. From the custom-built reclaimed benches, the public can admire the complex design and high-quality craftsmanship of the open-roof timbre framework.
Viewed from the outside, the shelter mimics the original’s design and colour, featuring bright white weatherboard walls and a red roof and eaves.
However, modern building standards rendered it impossible to replicate the original materials and design. The team brainstormed creative ways to make the construction as close as possible to the original 1921 shelter while still remaining compliant.
We included ample blank space so the Shire could install information panels. The public can learn about the history of those who used and constructed the line, from railworkers and engineers to the Main Ridge and Red Hill farmers.
A Homage to Our Region’s Locomotive History
The Mornington Peninsula Shire Council inaugurated the site with an official opening event on Saturday, 25 February 2023. The National Trust and the Shire awarded Croft Wootton Construction a Heritage Award for Rebuilding for the replica project.
Although the line hasn’t operated for many years, the new Red Hill Train Station Shelter serves as a lasting tribute to our region’s history. The quaint, white-and-red structure stands in contrast to the lush natural setting of the Red Hill Bushland Reserve.
Keen cyclists from the Peninsula and beyond use the site as the starting point of the Red Hill Rail Trail (AKA Merricks Trail), or the adjacent Red Hill bike skills park.
