The Harcourt Railway Station ceased operations as a functioning train station in 1981. It was initially used as a community radio station and subsequently occupied by a private tenant. When this tenancy ended in 2016, the property was left vacant and subject to ongoing vandalism and degradation.

Following notification by concerned community members, the Harcourt Progress Association commenced a program of lobbying government to have the building restored and returned for community use.

• The 2013 Harcourt Community Plan identified the need to :
  Create a multi-purpose community hub in central Harcourt; and to
• Investigate establishing a community house.

The Harcourt Railway Station was identified as a site able to address this community aspiration.

In 2018 architectural restoration plans for the property were developed and in-principle agreements were established for the management of the facility.

The Victorian Governments 2021/2022 state budget allocated funding for the finalisation of restoration works under its Community Use of Vacant Rail Buildings Program.