Great Central awarded £280k by Town Deal board
THE Great Central Railway’s £980,000 locomotive works and education centre project has been handed £280,000 by the Loughborough Town Deal from a £16.9 million Government grant awarded to the town.
The UK Government’s Towns Fund has been providing funding of up to £25 million to foster economic regeneration, stimulate investment, and deliver vital infrastructure.
Loughborough was invited to bid during 2019, and its Town Deal board submitted an initial bid in October 2020 and a revised one early 2021. A Town Deal worth £16.9 million was subsequently offered last June, and the GCR is one of 11 projects or organisations being supported.
Town Deal Board co-chairman and Charnwood Borough Council leader Coun Jonathon Morgan said: “The GCR brings thousands of people to Loughborough each year and it is good news that the Town Deal can invest in the attraction and support the visitor economy.
“The railway is also an integral part of Loughborough’s history and its future, and I hope it’s now full steam ahead for the GCR team.”
Fellow Town Deal co-chairman Dr Nik Kotecha, founder of Morningside Pharmaceuticals Ltd, said: “This project will help the railway engage with new audiences and offer employment opportunities to budding engineers. Who wouldn’t want to work on historic steam engines? This is just another example of the Town Deal investing in the future of Loughborough.”
The new locomotive works and education centre will be created at the locomotive repair works at the north end of Loughborough station.
It is envisioned that it will become a centre of excellence for the restoration and maintenance of the line locomotive fleet, as well as for delivering education for apprentice training and school engagement programmes.”
Loughborough MP Jane Hunt said: “I welcome this Town Deal investment into the Great Central Railway, which is a unique asset for the country – not just here in Loughborough. I look forward to seeing this exciting project develop.”
GCR commercial manager David Ellar said:“The current facility is life-expired and the location has evolved over its 50-year life at the GCR.
“The new design allows the space to be better laid out, which enables a better workflow, improved welfare facilities, and improved access for visitors and designated viewing areas.
“Externally, the improved outlook of the building will be more pleasing to the local community, residents, and visitors.”
It is hoped that the new centre will be completed by September 2023.