Heritage railway near Northampton launches £25,000 appeal for major station transformation
A heritage railway near Northampton is hoping to transform its main station with permanent buildings after receiving a substantial legacy that could help turn decades-old ambitions into reality.
Northampton & Lamport Railway has launched a £25,000 fundraising appeal towards new facilities at Pitsford & Brampton Station, replacing temporary structures that have been used for more than 40 years.
The railway has long wanted to recreate the atmosphere of a traditional station, but has relied on portacabins and containers since preservation work began in 1984.
Several of these temporary buildings are now approaching the end of their useful lives and urgently need replacing.
The station's original buildings were demolished by British Railways during the 1960s, before the railway line eventually closed in 1981.
However, a substantial legacy has now provided an opportunity for the heritage attraction to pursue its longstanding plans for permanent facilities.
The proposed development would see a new building constructed midway along the platform, replacing the existing customer toilets.
It would also incorporate a waiting room, which could double as a function room, alongside a porter's room.
Plans have already been drafted, with an illustration produced showing how the completed building could look.
The railway estimates that its £25,000 fundraising target represents approximately 10% of the overall construction cost, suggesting a total project cost of around £250,000.
Organisers also intend to explore potential grant funding opportunities, although additional donations will be needed to provide match funding.
The railway believes the improvements are important to its long-term future as a sustainable heritage visitor attraction.
Supporters are now being encouraged to contribute towards the appeal, helping replace ageing temporary facilities with a permanent building designed to improve the experience for passengers and visitors.
Donations can be made through the railway's dedicated fundraising page at www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/appeal-permanent-station-building.
The appeal marks another step towards restoring traditional station facilities to the railway, more than six decades after the original buildings were demolished.