Weardale Railway saved by sale to charity
THE controlling interest in County Durham’s Weardale Railway has been bought out of administration by a regeneration charity which aims to turn Bishop Auckland into a major tourist attraction.
As reported in issue 263, the 18mile railway, one of Britain’s longest heritage lines, was one of two offered for sale in January by British American Railway Services (BARS) – the other being the Dartmoor Railway in South Devon.
BARS was a subsidiary of Chicagobased Iowa Pacific Holdings, which went into receivership last year, a move which resulted in business advisory firm FRP being appointed to manage an accelerated sale process for the BARS subsidiaries.
The 75% stake in Weardale Railways CIC (Community Interest Company) held by BARS has now been bought by The Auckland Project, a charity which for the last nine years has sought to create opportunities and drive investment into Bishop Auckland and the surrounding area. It was behind the restoration of the recently-reopened Auckland Castle and deer park and the creation of the nearby award-winning Kynren outdoor night show, which depicts important moments from British tradition and history.
Secured
David Willis, a partner at FRP, said:“we’re delighted to have been able to secure the sale of the Weardale Railway, allowing this unique heritage railway to continue to operate. We would like to thank the employees for all their support in recent weeks and wish The Auckland Project every success in the future.”
In a statement, The Auckland Project said: “We have no experience of running trains. To deliver a full service from Darlington westwards, we aim to secure a partnership with a Train Operating Company, as well as working with Durham County Council.
“We will continue to call on the essential expertise provided by the staff of the former Weardale Railway Community Interest Company and volunteers of the Weardale Railway Trust, who operated the summer heritage service on behalf of its previous US owner.
“This consortium could lead the way in demonstrating that the ‘Beeching Cut’ in the UK railway service could soon be reversed and potentially be the first of many such enterprises up and down the country.
“Together with new potential partners such as, the Science Museum Group’s National Railway Museum in York and Locomotion museum in Shildon, whose history of passenger railways goes back to the pioneering Stockton & Darlington Railway, a new era for the railway will be born.
“At a time when the Darlington to Bishop Auckland train franchise is about to become available and investment in the North East transport infrastructure has been named as a priority for the current Government, this project is consistent with their declared intent. The Auckland Project has already received warm support from many of the MPS representing constituencies on the rail route.
“This development also follows the recent announcement of proposals to create a Rail Heritage Quarter in Darlington. In 2019, the Tees Valley Combined Authority signed off £20 million towards the first phase of these regeneration works. And a bid by the Combined Authority for funding a £100 million overhaul and transformation of Darlington railway station was approved as part of the Budget.”
Reactions
The remaining 25% stake in the heritage line is held by the Weardale Railway Trust and the county council. Trust chairman Kevin Richardson said:“we were initially disappointed when the previous owners announced the decision to offer the Weardale Railway for sale. We had enjoyed a successful relationship, which has been beneficial to both parties. However, the arrangement had not been without its difficulties, particularly given the six-hour time difference between Chicago and the UK.
“We were delighted, therefore, to learn that the Auckland Project had taken over ownership of the railway. To bring the line back into local ownership will, we feel, be a major positive step. We believe that doing so will encourage local people to join us in preserving this important part of our local heritage.
“We have followed the progress of The Auckland Project with great interest. Here we have an organisation, which has already proven at Bishop Auckland what commitment and vision can achieve. Their aspirations for the railway going forward are very impressive and we look forward to working with them to take the Weardale Railway into the next chapter of its fascinating history.”
The project’s chief executive David Maddan said: “The North-east’s magnificent industrial heritage offers a unique opportunity for change. By linking with other major transport infrastructure projects and working with partners, including the dedicated team at the Weardale Railway Trust, we can ensure an immediate impact is felt right across the Tees Valley and throughout County Durham.”
Project founder Jonathan Ruffer said: “This is the latest initiative to restore vibrancy to the region, giving visitors a wide range of experiences around the castle at Auckland, the Kynren nightshow and the Spanish and Mining Art galleries – we have something for everyone. And soon they’ll be able easily to arrive by train!”
Already, the trust is making progress with building a new halt between Wolsingham and Frosterley to serve Kingfisher Leisure Park and Holebeck Touring Caravan Site at Holebeck House Farm, with an emphasis on carrying walkers and cyclists.
Based on a structural steel frame, the halt will have the surface and protective fencing arrangements are designed to reflect the appearance of a traditional railway platform similar to one at Witton-le-wear, and will have an access ramp for wheelchairs, pushchairs and bicycles.
Thanks to a supporter’s generous donation, foundations for the metal frame have been laid following a site clearance east of Landieu crossing. Planned and managed by trust volunteers, the halt is expected to be completed over the coming months.