Built between 1880-1889 and operating for over 100 years, Sydney’s Eveleigh rail yard was once the largest enterprise in Australia. In what is considered one of the best examples of railway workshop complexes, the rail yard, and the arresting spaces within it, once saw to the build, repair, and maintenance of train carriages for the rapidly expanding rail network, even seeing to the production of the first electric carriage. But over time, and as industry developed, productivity within the deteriorating rail yard buildings sadly declined until they were eventually closed in 1988.
Armed with the vision for "creating an artistic hub where creative work could be explored, developed, commissioned and presented" the NSW State Government completed purchase of the site in 2003. Adaptive reuse soon began, with care to retain and highlight existing heritage features such as distressed brick walls, original columns, iron framework and concrete floors. Reopening in 2007 under the name of Carriageworks, the world-renowned venue is today the largest and most significant contemporary multi-arts centre of its kind in Australia.
Thinking about visiting? See what's on here. Our tip? Saturday morning is best! Carriageworks is also the location for Eveleigh market, a weekly farmers’ market featuring seasonal produce and artisan food stalls. Housed in the Blacksmith’s workshop adjacent to the rail yards the 2,000 sq m industrial venue provides the opportunity to support the local community as well as producers, suppliers. We recommend sipping on a flat white from Single O while grabbing a loaf of Sourdough from The Bread & Butter Project. Share what you find on Twitter and Instagram via @mywarehousehome
