The opening marked the completion of the final stage in 18 months of $3.1 million renovations to the historic site funded by a federal, state and local government combined grant.

“This is an important day as we now have an inviting and friendly depot entrance and exit for visitors taking guided tours of the depot and workshop,” Bendigo Tramways manager Jos Duivenvoorden said.

“Our visitors can also enjoy browsing the great selection of items on sale or simply relax and enjoy a cup of coffee.”

The shop renovations hold a special significance for the depot and workshop staff who worked on the building – which dates back to 1903 – to restore its heritage character. “We have a staff of roughly 10 to 14 paid and volunteer staff, ranging from qualified carpenters and engineers to truck drivers,” team leader Luke Jenkins said.

“We would normally work on the trams as well as general maintenance on site, but for this we did a lot of the construction, building the counter and installing the shelves ourselves – we’ve seen it through from start to finish.”

A number of visitors passed through the new-look site at the opening on Tuesday, browsing books on Bendigo’s iconic tram history and a collection of photographs by local artist Gail Tavener.

Retail manager Andrea Stringer said the redevelopment would further enhance the experience for visitors and encouraged the local community to come down and see for themselves the improvements that had been made.