Construction work has started on a £1. 1 million project on the Weardale Railway in County Durham, which will also boost 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 to 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, provide training, employment and apprenticeship opportunities and will particularly contribute to the region’s economy.
Work began in June with the demolition of the Escomb Road outbuilding, which had been derelict for seven years and was once part of Bishop Auckland Hospital.
The £900,000 funding for progression comes from the Stronger Towns Fund, as a component of the Government’s £53 million investment in Leveling Up for Bishop Auckland.
In March 2020, Weardale Railway left management when it bought through The Auckland Project.
After a programme of inspections, network assessments, maintenance, infrastructure conservation and activity improvements, the line returned to service with a long term assured.
Auckland Project 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 Faith Museum.
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 at Wensleydale Railway.
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Steam and diesel day at Epping Ongar Railway.
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First annual revival of Tywyn Wharf to Talyllyn Railway
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Peppa Pig’s holiday stopover on the Epping Ongar Railway.
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Relaxing afternoon tea at 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 enjoy the ultimate weekend with authentic beer and vintage trains!
At Embsay, locate our beer tent, which serves an eclectic diversity of more than 25 beers on tap, ciders, pears, wines and gins.
Sit back and enjoy some firsts 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 the 31452, delivered as BR Intercity, the first of this locomotive in the heritage panorama.
Tickets can be purchased from the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway website.