The Nene Valley Railway will receive £669,873 in the third round of Cultural Investment Fund grants, it has been announced.

The funds will enable completion of urgent maintenance and infrastructure work. 

These are the three major infrastructure projects:

To re-lay worn-out track through Wansford tunnel, including new drainage.

To re-lay track and roadway at Wansford Level Crossing.

To re-lay track in Wansford yard, where old track has been buried in ash for more than 40 years.

The fund, overseen by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, provides organisations with extra resources to improve access to the arts and support local economic growth through cultural initiatives. 

Nene Valley Railway is a much-loved local attraction which offers people the chance to ride steam trains, learn about the railway's history, and explore the Nene Valley area. 

Peterborough Matters: The Nene Valley Railway has been used a location in many films and television programmes.The Nene Valley Railway has been used a location in many films and television programmes. (Image: NENE VALLEY RAILWAY)

 

The site has also been used as a filming location for more than 150 films and television programmes, bringing Cambridgeshire’s beauty to screens all around the world. 

Work will start later this year and continue through 2024 and be completed in mid-2025.

Chairman of the Nene Valley Railway, Michael Purcell, said: "We are very pleased that the Arts Council is supporting us in the renewal of these parts of the Nene Valley Railway.

"As custodians of these heritage assets, we shall now be raising our share of the total amount required and then getting on with the work needed.

"We look forward to running rail services over the renewed track and so that we can continue to welcome passengers for many years to come."

North West Cambridgeshire MP Shailesh Vara said: “This is great news for Nene Valley Railway, a historic site whose hard-working volunteers continue to preserve and promote our local railway heritage.

"It has been a difficult few years for cultural organisations, so I am pleased that the Government is dedicating funds to preserve significant sites for the benefit of communities here in North West Cambridgeshire and across the country.”