By Jackie Bazzo
The Pomona Railway Station Gallery, Majestic Theatre and Pomona Fire Station will be among 30 other Noosa and Sunshine Coast buildings open to the public on Saturday 21 October.
Celebrating public and private iconic buildings of architectural significance, the inaugural Sunshine Coast Open House event is held in conjunction with World Architecture Day.
Current occupiers of participating sites are encouraged to share all areas of the building, including areas normally restricted to the public and help visitors learn more about the building’s history including their purpose for being built and their current use.
The Pomona Railway Gallery will open from 10am – 2pm over the 21-22 October weekend and feature photos of its original installation by crane. Originally, the Pomona Railway Station platform buildings were donated by Queensland Rail and moved to their current site. Since opening in March 2001, the gallery has grown from two buildings to now five, creating unique spaces for creative art and crafts.
The Majestic theatre will open from 10am – 4pm Saturday 21 October and give visitors access to the green room for the first time, as well as provide a glimpse into its rare organ chamber which has been undergoing restoration for almost five years.
“The donated English Compton organ is one of only three in Queensland and the only one owned by a private theatre,“ said organist and volunteer restorer Don Clark.
“Momentum is building as it nears completion, and we have received inquiries from people around the world keen to see and hear it at the Majestic,“ he said.
Opened in 2015, the Pomona Fire Station boasts state-of-the-art facilities which include a two-bay drive through Engine Shed, training room and office, outdoor training platform and RCR training pad (Road Crash Rescue). Its external finishes and design embrace the heritage character of the town and adjacent local heritage building. Visitors can meet fire officers and see the facility between 10am – 2pm on Saturday, 21 October.
The Butter Factory, Cooroy Lower Mill Site and the Cooroy Library will also feature among the properties which include private residences such as the Tent House created by Sparks Architects in Noosa’s hinterland. For more information, visit www.sunshinecoastopenhouse.com.au
