Didcot facilities’ upgrade on course – and access project ramps up

RESTORATION of the water tank at Didcot Railway Centre has been completed. On August 12, the tap was turned back on and scaffolding was due to be removed in the following days. The platform was set to be filled with Welsh coal as soon as possible thereafter. Some of the scaffolding on the stage will be used to help repair the broken engine shed smoke chute and some will be erected around the steam railmotor shed to fix the roof in readiness for the new display area which is being created there. The display will inform visitors about the Edwardian era of rail travel and allow visitor access into the carriage. Meanwhile, the construction of a ramp at the site’s entrance is now due to start early in 2023. Test borings to investigate the ground composition have been completed. In mid-August, the GWS was on the cusp of instructing design engineers to prepare final detailed drawings. Outline costs have been received for the scheme – and a project team has been formed and is ready to start preliminary site work, such as moving the booking office.