File:Railway Institute Building c.1891.jpg

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Tenders were invited in February 1890 for the erection of the building, and the contract was signed with builder Thomas Henley on 9 April, 1890. Later that month a circular prepared at the recommendation of the committee noted that the Institute itself was to be "worked upon similar lines" to the Railwayman's Institute at Crewe in England, thus acknowledging its English precedents.

As documented, the building comprised a large lecture hall with stage and platform on the first floor and a Class Room, Reading Room, Coffee Room and Smoking Room disposed along a central corridor. An entry porch and stair hall were at the western end of the building whilst a caretaker's bedroom, kitchen, scullery and escape stair were at the eastern end.

A tarpaulin shed on the site was demolished to make way for the new building, which ended up costing 3,600 pounds, significantly less than the 5,000 pounds allowed for it. Progress was slower than anticipated, but in October 1890 it was decided to seek permission to install electric lighting as well as gas. The Commissioner did not approve the variation.

In January 1891 some minor modifications were approved. Correspondence received by the Committee from the Commissioners allowed " of tiling the Porch & erecting Ladies' w.c. and asphalting yard & also removing gates into Goods yard and extending dwarf wall and railway along the side of building."

On the evening of Saturday, 14 March, 1891, the Railway Institute building was formally opened, "...when the interior presented a most attractive appearance, being profusely adorned with floral decorations and Chinese lanterns. The lecture hall was crowded with railway employees, every branch of the service being represented, and among the visitors on the platform were the Hon. Sir Henry Parkes, G.C.M.G., Colonial Secretary and Premier; the Hon. W. McMillan, Colonial Treasurer and Minister for Railways; Mr E.M.G. Eddy, Chief Railway Commissioner...Mr C.A. Goodchap, M.L.A., ex-Commissioner for Railways. Professor Selman of the Sydney Technical College...the others, including many leading citizens who had taken an interest in the movement."

It was the first Railway Institute to be opened in Australia.