The Signal Box Restaurant is an Inspiring Example of Adaptive Reuse

The Newcastle Signal Box Restaurant is an inspiring example of adaptive reuse. The Signal Box is one element of the State listed heritage item, Newcastle Railway Station Additional Group., One of the few remaining operational signal boxes, it is also the only one of its type. The intact lever switch gear, which demonstrates the important technical innovations introduced at the time the Signal Box was constructed in 1936, along with the sightline connection to the former Newcastle railway station, generated the design brief and dictated the form, character and detailing of the new pavilion.

The new café pavilion is deliberately modest, light and finely detailed, in deference to the strong aesthetic of the masonry Signal Box. A new spiral stair, which takes its cues from the existing interior stair, provides visual public access to the mezzanine housing the lever switch gear and the rooftop. A steel awning delicately connects old and new and its axis guides visitors moving eastward to the pavilion dining room echoing an arriving train.

The pavilion’s dimensions are based on the longitudinal geometry of the Signal Box interior and the facades are divided into three glazed door partitions to reflect the imperial proportion system commonplace in railway geometry. The hydraulic operation of the windows emulates the miniature hydraulic lever - gear and the circular rooftop enclosure makes reference to a former turntable structure uncovered during ground works that remains concealed underfoot. The steel structure is finished in a matte red oxide in tribute to the old ‘red rattler’ carriages and nearby shipping containers. The success of this project is due to the architect’s thoughtful interpretation and response to both the tangible fabric and intangible meaning of the original.

Project Information

Architect: Derive Design

Photography: Alex McIntyre