Depot search continues for Dunedin Railways

Dunedin Railways is on the hunt for a new depot as it looks to move out of its tent, but a former workshop is off the table.

KiwiRail confirmed it is in talks with Dunedin Railways over future plans.

Dunedin Railways Ltd chief executive Rebekah Jenkins said the tent, which was a workshop and depot, located south of the Dunedin Railway Station, was only ever going to be temporary.

Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the company had shared a depot and storage facility with KiwiRail at the south end of Cumberland St.

It had asked KiwiRail if it could be used again but the enterprise declined as it had plans to knock the building down.

"Pre-Covid we worked side-by-side with KiwiRail in the depot.

"And then, obviously, post-Covid things changed.

"We have inquired about accessing Cumberland St, but KiwiRail has other plans for it," Ms Jenkins said.

A spokesperson said the demolition was due to safety concerns, given the building’s poor condition and asbestos contamination.

"KiwiRail continues to work with Dunedin Railways.

"As those discussions are ongoing we cannot comment further," the spokesperson said.

KiwiRail work done at the old depot had since moved to the Hillside Workshops.

"We inquired because obviously we’re working out of a tent at the moment.

"Instead of looking to build something, that was a good option, because it fits.

"It’s perfect for our assets and it’s in a great location.

"So, that was option A for us, but unfortunately option A’s a no-go."

It was perfectly understandable KiwiRail had decided to not rent the Cumberland St building out, Ms Jenkins said.

Dunedin Railways’ rolling stock is now housed in the city, Sutton and Middlemarch.

Ms Jenkins had no issue with the stock being left outside and exposed to the elements as no matter where they moved the stock would still be outside.

"There is always going to be assets outside, obviously depending on how big the workshop is.

"I guess it’s fair to say we’re pretty jam-packed at the moment where we are.

"If we decide to bring any back into service they obviously need to run and have a bit of love."

Now they had the go-ahead from the Dunedin City Council to resume full operations, they needed to look for something long-term and sustainable.

Ms Jenkins could not say too much as the council-controlled organisation was working through things and doing the groundwork.

The tent site was in a great position but was not wide enough for the organisation’s operations.