Northampton’s Railway Tavern set to reopen later this year after cyclone Seroja destruction

An engineer-turned-publican is resurrecting the historic Northampton Railway Tavern two years after it was damaged by cyclone Seroja’s 170km/h winds, with plans to reopen the watering hole by the end of year. Ricky Sah, who moved to town in 2015 and owns the local Liberty petrol station, bought the damaged building with the aim of restoring it. He said after moving to Northampton the 146-year-old landmark quickly became a frequent haunt for his family. When he heard from the previous owner Ian Traverton that it was too much for him to rebuild, Mr Sah decided to take up the challenge. “My daughter loves pizza, so we missed being able to take her down and have dinner, see our friends and have a drink,” Mr Sah said. Hearing Mr Traverton utter the words “I don’t have the energy to do this”, over a cold beer was a lightbulb moment for Mr Sah. It was serendipitous timing as the engineer had recently completed his building diploma. The two met at the Liberty Petrol Station, an important link to the wider community, which allowed Mr Sah to gauge the devastation of the cyclone on the pub. Built in 1876, the Railway Tavern had stood the test of time, until the cyclone caused significant internal damage to the building due to its red roof being peeled away from the structure. Mr Sah and his team of six this month celebrated the new roof being installed, bringing them one step closer to restoring the famed waterhole to its former glory. Now that the roof is on, the internal work is able to be done without interference from the rain. Mr Sah believes the huge restoration project will be finished by the end of the year but declined to comment on the cost. “It’s not about money, it’s about the community,” he said. Mr Sah said the team had begun planning the interior design, honouring the historical value with a modern twist, using timber salvaged from the rebuild to make tables that will be used once the pub is open for business. The project has used solely local construction companies and personnel, with Mr Sah thanking everyone involved in the process so far. “It wouldn’t be happening without them,” he said. It is expected to generate between five and 10 part-time jobs for the town and will be managed by local Wren Fisher. “Following the cyclone, the possibility that it wouldn’t be restored, given it is a beautiful building of significant heritage, and located right on the highway, was one of things I was most concerned about,” Cr Sudlow said. “The Shire and the community are very grateful to Ricky for purchasing the property and taking on the rebuild.” She said “The Bottom Pub”, as it is also called, was part of the story of Northampton. “It was built in 1876 in anticipation of the opening of the railway line from Geraldton to Northampton,” Cr Sudlow said. “Commencing in 1879 to service the copper and lead mines in the district, this was the first government railway line in WA, and one of the first nationally.”