20.04.12
Abandoned North Eastern Railway roundhouses opened to public
Network Rail is opening up a site of historic railway importance to the public next week.
Foundations for the North Eastern Railway roundhouses in York, which were abandoned in the 1960s, were uncovered during engineering works connected with the construction of the new operating and training centre in the city.
They are believed to date from around 1864 and were used to service steam trains.
Phil Verster, route managing director for the London North Eastern route, said: “This site is a great example of respecting our rail heritage whilst at the same time making exciting plans for our future.
“We are working closely with experts to make sure the roundhouses are recorded and looked after. Meanwhile, the plans for operating and training facilities are being developed to help us to deliver a modern, efficient railway. They will allow us to maintain York’s position as a proud rail city by retaining jobs here as well as bringing future employment benefits which are vital for economic growth and prosperity.
“The operating centre is the largest of just 14 proposed centres acrossBritainand will bring all the expertise and technology we need to operate the LNE route into a single location. Meanwhile the investment in modern training facilities will help make sure our rail employees continue to be among the best in the world.
“We also hope that the location of the facilities, on the edge of the York Central development site, could act as a catalyst for further investment in the area.”
The site will be open to the public, on a first-come, first-served basis, from 11am-5pm on Friday April 27, and from 10am-4pm on Saturday April 28. Visitors should come to the site entrance on Cinder Lane in York and wear sturdy footwear suitable for rough, dirty terrain.
Network Rail is working with a trained archaeologist to fully uncover and record the roundhouses.
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