Webb era Adelaide railway station

the new station during construction in 1927

the period 1922-1930 known webb era on south australian railways. under leadership of new railways commissioner, william alfred webb, south australian railways began massive rehabilitation programme. worn-out infrastructure, under-powered steam locomotives, undersized rolling stock , outdated operating systems modernised , upgraded along american lines.

among many improvements webb championed, 2 of best remembered introduction of new powerful steam locomotives , rebuilding of adelaide station. nineteen designs submitted , considered new station. winner design proposed local architects garlick , jackman. initial plan had forward-thinking provisions platforms (which never built) serve commonwealth railways trains, on assumption standard gauge line extended port augusta , port pirie adelaide. foundation stone of new station building laid on 24 august 1926, , building completed in 1928.

the new station comprised massive sandstone building in neo-classical style. upper 3 storeys housed railways administration, had been scattered in various buildings around city. concourse had many facilities cater long distance travellers daily commuters - dining room, hairdressers, , refreshment rooms. of particular note enormous domed marble hall, served grand , dignified main waiting room, , incorporated adelaide casino. new station had 13 platforms, each covered individual canopy alleviate problems of smoke , fumes endured overall roof. cost of rebuilding exceeded original budget , project became source of great controversy within south australia state came close bankruptcy onset of great depression.