Construction has begun on a £1. 1 million development 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, work is being sited near Bishop Auckland West station to create new parking amenities for visitors and to access the Durham Dales and Bishop Auckland via the Weardale Railway.
The progression includes 88 parking spaces, six electric vehicle charging stations, five new motorcycle racks and a new logo ticketing system.
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.
The £900,000 funding for the 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 was bailed out of management when it was purchased through The Auckland Project.
After a program of inspections, network evaluations, maintenance, infrastructure conservation and activity improvements, the line returned to service with a guaranteed long term.
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 tourist destination, works with the local network to offer a wide diversity of formal and informal learning for adults and young people, creates jobs and apprenticeships, and directly supports sustainable living. .
Using arts, culture and heritage, painting with other local people to drive long-term social and economic replenishment to make the city better placed to live, paint and visit.
“We are delighted that new life is being breathed into this deserted space, with the help of the Stronger Towns Fund. The Weardale Railway heritage line to Bishop Auckland offers a great opportunity for the cultural and economic regeneration of the town, enabling a vital connection to everything the city and the Dales have to offer. “We hope that this progression will attract more visitors to the southern end of the high street and that those holidaying in Doleading will find Bishop Auckland with even easier access. Of course, all this will bring benefits to the local and regional economy.
Therefore, it appears that Weardale trains arriving at Bishop Auckland National Station and connecting to the main line remain 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 series of Tywyn Wharf takeovers on 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 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 found on the Embsay and Bolton Abbey Railway website.