Construction work has begun on a £1. 1 million project on the Weardale Railway in County Durham, which will also stimulate tourism in Bishop Auckland and the region.
Known as the Durham Dales Gateway Project, paint is being installed near Bishop Auckland West Station to create new guest parking amenities and access the Durham Dales and Bishop Auckland via the Weardale Railway.
The progression includes 88 parking spaces, six electric vehicle charging points, five new motorcycle racks and a new ticketing system with the logo.
It will allow the railway to welcome more visitors, offer training, employment and apprenticeship opportunities and make a particular contribution to the region’s economy.
Work began in June with the demolition of the Escomb Road annex building, which had been abandoned for seven years and was once part of Bishop Auckland Hospital.
£900,000 of investment for progression comes from the Stronger Towns Fund, as a component of the £53 million Leveling Up investment provided to Bishop Auckland through the government.
In March 2020, Weardale Railway was bailed out of management when it was purchased through The Auckland Project.
After a programme of inspections, network assessments, maintenance, infrastructure conservation and activity improvements, the line was put back into service with a long term assured.
The Auckland Project’s attractions include the former home of the Prince Bishops of Durham at Auckland Castle, its gardens and deer park, the Spanish Gallery, the Mining Art Gallery, the Auckland Tower Visitor Centre, the Weardale Railway, and the Museum of Faith.
The Auckland Project is a regeneration charity and, as well as being a tourism destination, works with the local network to deliver a wide diversity of formal and informal learning for adults and young people, creates jobs and apprenticeships, and directly supports sustainable living. .
Using art, culture and heritage, it collaborates with local people to drive long-term social and economic replenishment and make the city a better place to live, work and visit.
“We are thrilled that this deserted space will be breathed new into it, with the help of the Stronger Towns Fund. The heritage line of the Weardale Railway to Bishop Auckland offers a great opportunity for the cultural and economic regeneration of the city, allowing a vital connection to all that the city and the Dales have to offer. “We hope that this progression will attract more visitors to the south end of the main street and that other people holidaying in the area will find it even easier to access Bishop Auckland. Of course, all this will bring advantages to the local and regional economy.
Therefore, it seems that the Weardale trains arriving at Bishop Auckland National Station and connecting to the main line are still a remote prospect.
Agust
First diesel weekend on Wensleydale Railway.
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Steam and diesel day at Epping Ongar Railway.
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Tywyn Wharf’s first annual reactivation to Talyllyn Railway
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Peppa Pig’s festive visit to the Epping Ongar Railway.
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Relaxing Afternoon Tea on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway
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What better way to end the month of August than to sign up for our annual Beer Festival and Diesel Gala?
Whether you’re a diesel enthusiast or a true beer lover, you’ll have the best weekend with real beer and vintage trains!
At Embsay you will visit our beer shop, serving an eclectic diversity of over 25 cask beers, ciders, pears, wines and gins.
Sit back and enjoy a scoop with friends while listening to songs from the fantastic local bands and singers who will be playing at Embsay this weekend.
Why hop into our Thompson Bar Car, a true throwback to the glory days of working out travel?
For our basher fraternity, we have a gift in store! This year we are accompanied by 31452, delivered as BR Intercity, the first of this locomotive on the heritage scene.
Tickets can be found on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway website.