Work has begun with the first spade hitting the ground at Haltwhistle Station, as Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership revive the waiting rooms and redundant wooden buildings at the station.
Leading on the biggest project that Tyne Valley CRP have ever attempted, they recently started work to restore the previously derelict waiting areas and create a new space to promote local tourism. Inspired by the CrossCountry funded ‘Socialising Enterprising Railway Toolkit’, the partnership will also make new office space available for hire by local businesses.
Julie Gibbon, the Partnership’s Projects Director, has been instrumental in raising over £500,000 for the restoration project and has driven the necessary preliminary stages to get work started. Speaking at the launch, Julie said “Without CrossCountry and other rail partners support, getting going simply wouldn’t have been possible. The aim is to completely refurbish both buildings, which will result in improved waiting rooms, a ‘Welcome to the World Heritage Site of Hadrian’s Wall’ area and small units available for rent by small businesses and artists. We would like to see these units used by businesses who are happy to interact and help welcome visitors to Haltwhistle, which is a great small town with so much to offer”.
Anna Weeks, CrossCountry’s Regional Director for the North East and Scotland, commented “CrossCountry has been a long-term supporter of Tyne Valley partnership and are pleased to be able to support these works and their aim to connect local businesses to the railway. It’s a project that sits within the heart of Haltwhistle’s community and will definitely enhance the experience for thousands of passengers that travel from across the country to visit every year”.
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