Lot19 Art
Ms EDWARDS (Bendigo West) (09:44): Lot19 in Castlemaine has just become the new owner of retired W-class tram number 1035. Lot19 art space is an evolving creative space and events venue. It attracts more than 10 000 visitors each year. It consists of 21 artist studios, two outdoor stages, a contemporary art gallery and an outdoor sculpture park. Currently there are 28 artists working from Lot19. The tram will be a fantastic asset for this creative space. Located at the entrance to Lot19, it will be used as a multipurpose meeting room and workshop space for both Lot19 resident artists and the public.
Twenty-three retired trams have been relocated since expressions of interest opened in 2018. The 22nd tram was recently relocated to Bendigo Artists at Maiden Gully. Repurposing these trams from the Newport railway workshops has been a hugely popular program. It gives these trams a new lease on life and prevents them from falling into disrepair.