Building work now underway on new heritage railway carriage shed
Last updated: 22/9/2023
£40,000 of grant funding has been awarded to Great Central Railway (Nottingham) Ltd (GCRN) from Rushcliffe Borough Council. It comes from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF) and Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), part of UK Government's Levelling Up agenda, providing funding for local investment.
The money, combined with match funding from East Midlands Railway Trust and LNER (GC) Heritage Trust will allow an already part finished carriage shed building to be completed.
The aim is to house four operational passenger carriages undercover, protecting them from the elements and vandalism. There will also be room for a small workshop.
Contractors began work on site on Monday September the 11th with the aim of having the building operational by the end of 2023. Volunteers have already laid new tracks connecting the building to the rest of the railway lines at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre - home of the Great Central Railway (Nottingham).
Rushcliffe Borough Council’s Deputy Leader Cllr Abby Brennan said: “This is a great example of how Rushcliffe Borough Council has been able to use UK Shared Prosperity Funding from the UK Government.
It is among the groups we are reaching out with support for community and place projects and the scores of wonderful volunteers here who will continue this site’s heritage and restore four further rail carriages with the help of this storage.
"The GCRN continue to go from strength to strength as a group and have overcome many challenges and we’re delighted to be able to support their efforts so more people can enjoy the railway and experience a part of Rushcliffe’s rail history.”
“This is another essential step on the road to reopening the northern section of the Great Central Railway.” said George Green, Infrastructure Director of GCRN.
“Known as Building No 4, the project had been underway for some time before the pandemic intervened, and funds dried up. The Shared Prosperity funding is essential and will get the build back on track.”
The addition of a carriage shed means the railway can offer covered storage for carriages in addition to the heritage style locomotive shed and engineering works. Recently the line has become home to prestige steam loco London and North Eastern Railway B1 Class No. 1264.
To complete the funding jigsaw, Great Central Railway (Nottingham) is raising £15,000 to install roller shutter doors and fit out the building with lights and power. So far generous donors have contributed £3,000. Donations can be made at lnergctrust.org.
George Green concluded, “The funding from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund and Rural England Prosperity Fund is another demonstration that the Great Central Railway (Nottingham)’s revival is well underway.
"We are determined to offer great tourism potential to the area, play our part in showing the next generation how our heritage can be treasured and get ready to reunify our line with the GCR in Leicestershire.
"These are exciting times, and we thank the Council and charities for their faith and investment.”
