Claremont Showgrounds Railway Station opened

20/9/95

Transport Minister Eric Charlton today officially opened the new $2.3 million Claremont Showgrounds Railway Station ready for the record breaking crowds expected at this year's Royal Show.

Mr Charlton said the new station, a joint venture between Westrail and the Royal Agricultural Society, would provide easy direct access for patrons from the station platform to the showgrounds.

"From the inception of the State railway system there has been a close link between the Railways Department (as it was) and the Agricultural Society," Mr Charlton said.

"The station is a welcome initiative and ushers in a modern era of comfort and service for passengers of both Transperth and the Royal Show."

The Minister said it was an understatement to say the RAS had wanted its own showgrounds station for sometime.  Records revealed that the first request from the RAS to the Railways Department was made in 1907.

"It has been recognised for sometime the old showgrounds station was inadequate. It was located on a curve and with the advent of electrification and the introduction of new rail cars, this meant there was a gap between the platform and the train," he said.

Mr Charlton said these problems had been eliminated in the design of the new facility, which had taken into account the requirements of disabled people, the elderly and parents with prams and young children.

"An estimated 850,000 people attend events at the Claremont Showgrounds every year. In 1994 nearly 415,000 passed through the turnstiles for the Royal Show, 150,000 arriving by train.

"There are other popular events staged throughout the year including travel and boat shows and woodwork and motor industry displays.  Speedway alone attracts some 125,000 fans from mid-October to the end of March each year."

RAS President Mr John Wilding said as well as providing an attractive easy entry to the showgrounds, the new station would minimise parking problems, congestion and disruption to nearby residents during show time and on other occasions.

The RAS had contributed $790,000 to the station and its development would be compatible with Claremont's heritage through extensive community and local council consultation.

Mr Charlton said construction of the new station was carried out by Derwent Constructions, which also won the contract to build the new entry plaza near the McFarlane Pavilion.

Media contact:  Ian Hasleby 321 7333 or 222 9595