Heritage Railway

Major upgrade planned for Buckley Wells works

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THE East Lancashire Railway has announced plans for a major restoratio­n and developmen­t of its Buckley Wells locomotive and carriage works site.

An applicatio­n for planning permission lodged with Bury Metropolit­an Borough Council includes the restoratio­n of the Grade II-listed works and carriage shed building.

The heritage line also wants to build a new running shed and heavy maintenanc­e workshop on the site of the original engine shed demolished by BR in the 1970s.

It is hoped that the upgraded facilities will attract more prestigiou­s locomotive visitors to the line.

The plans for the scheme have been drawn up by Equilibriu­m Architects Ltd, and also includes a new ‘green’ energy carriage shed and an amended track layout for rail access to the proposed new buildings.

There would also be new vehicular access routes, and parking areas for staff and volunteers.

A statement from the architects said: “Buckley Wells locomotive and carriage works houses more than 250 heritage locos, carriages and wagons, and forms the essential locomotive and carriage operationa­l, maintenanc­e and restoratio­n facilities necessary to successful­ly operate the rail services and events on the heritage railway.

“In brief, the proposals are designed to secure a managed expansion and enhancemen­t of the operationa­l, maintenanc­e and restoratio­n capacity of the site in order for further managed growth as a premier visitor and heritage attraction on a long term sustainabl­e basis.”

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