A conception drawing of the proposed canopy and second platform from the grade crossing - Date? Artist?

A heritage railway which attracts thousands of visitors a year hopes to expand its services by the summer.
 
Last year, Alston-based South Tynedale Railway was awarded a £4.2 million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and began planning their ambitious project to repair and renovate the historic railway.
 
As part of a £5.6 million scheme, the volunteer run railway is planning to extend its track by 1.5 miles from Alston to Slaggyford in the South Tyne Valley, carry out conservation works, build new visitor facilities, including a second platform, improved cafe, additional locomotives and carriages, and additional spaces for exhibitions and education.
 
Brian Craven, railway deputy chairman, said, "Our tender document is due to be published in April and we expect contractors to start work on the site in June or July. In the first instance we plan to repair and restore a 3.5 mile stretch of track from Alston and extend it north to Slaggyford. Then we want to repair the wall that keeps the rivers Nent and Tyne away from the railway, which needs to be done during the summer. Next we will be starting work on the new station cafe at Alston, as well as building a toilet block and equipping the discovery centre. We're hoping that these should be available later this season."
 
The plans also include a new roof spanning platform and tracks and a second platform for the first time in Alston station's history.
 

A conception drawing of the proposed canopy - Date? Artist?

All the roofs on South Tynedale Railway buildings, except the Grade 2 listed Station House, will be fully fitted with solar pv panels.
 
By using renewable energy it will help the railway to cut fuel bills but will leave enough power to heat newly super-insulated workshops and to charge their two new battery-electric locomotives.
 
Brian added, "We plan on using renewable energy to help benefit the environment and to reduce our overall expenditure. By the summer we're hoping to have our steam engine, which was built by Hunslet of Leeds in 1937, returned, and it will be equipped to burn wood waste briquettes. We understand that this will be the first steam locomotive in Europe to use this type of fuel."
 
The new designs for the proposed canopy and visitor facilities at Alston Station have been designed by Blackett-Ord Conservation Engineering and Architecture, a multi disciplinary practice based in Appleby, Cumbria, who have worked on historic railway structures for over 25 years.
 
The practice obtained Listed Building Consent from Eden District Council last month and have been finalizing the designs for the new facilities at the Grade 2 listed station.
 
Elaine Blackett-Ord, Architect Director of BOC Ltd, said, "The Alston to Slaggyford phase is the culmination of many years involvement Blackett-Ord Conservation Engineering and Architecture have had with the Society. As a local practice based in Appleby, Cumbria, previous projects have involved repairs to bridges and infrastructure, including grade 2 Lambley Viaduct, built in 1870. The current project is an opportunity to bring back the golden days of the railway and provide a sustainable and comfortable environment for 21st century visitors who will not only enjoy travelling along the extended railway but also learn about the restoration of the rolling stock carried out in the engineering workshop, the renewable technologies incorporated into the buildings, and enjoy the refreshments provided by the new cafe waiting room."
 
The South Tynedale Railway Preservation Society hopes that by improving facilities they will attract more visitors to the North Pennines and the railway, as well as encourage more people to have staycations.
 
South Tynedale Railway will re-open on Saturday for the Easter holidays and trains will run every day.
 
Sarah Jeffery.