On track for an exciting development with huge potential
THE artistic impressions of what the new canopy at Rawtenstall station could look like if approved look very impressive.
The project, which could double the number of jobs at the station of the heritage railway line, is estimated to cost £600,000 and is dependent on approval from Rossendale council.
Mike Kelly, chairman of the East Lancashire Railway, also says he hopes the new development will result in thousands more people visiting the Rawtenstall end of the railway line.
Such a development is much-needed.
The Rawtenstall station is an untapped opportunity for Rossendale.
At the moment, thousands of people use the ELR every weekend and the vast majority board at Bury, travel to Rawtenstall and then travel back as soon as the train turns around.
The Rawtenstall station has the potential to be a gateway to visiting Rossendale if people can be encouraged off the train and into exploring further.
The inclusion of a tourist information centre is especially important in their plan in this regard.
But it’s also an opportunity for Rossendale to promote using the railway from Rawtenstall, rather than Bury.
The Bolton Street station in Bury is a wonderful experience, but there’s no reason why Rawtenstall can’t compete too – not least because it’s much easier to park up and use the railway in Rawtenstall than in Bury.
All in all, a very exciting development with huge potential for our area.