New station on track at Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway in Skegness with revamp of light railway full steam ahead

The progress made on the revamp of a popular light railway attraction has been celebrated — with a new station on track as part of a project to keep a slice of living history alive.

A plaque has been unveiled to celebrate the progress of works at the Lincolnshire Coast Light Railway (LCLR) in Skegness, which have been funded by the UK Shared Prosperity Fund (UKSPF).

Volunteers, council officers and Chris Baron, chair of the Connected Coast Board, visited the popular attraction, based at Skegness Water Leisure Park, in Wall’s Lane, to officially mark the occasion.

The railway, which was opened in 1960 and moved to its current home in 2009, received funding from the UKSPF last year to build a new station and an interpretation centre inside a historic Skegness railway building at its southern terminus, providing a new area for visitors to enjoy.

When finished, the new station will include toilet and picnic area to enable passengers to get off the train at the other end and enjoy some of the peace and quiet of the tranquil location, plus a new small museum and exhibition area which will celebrate the history of Skegness and LCLR.

The project also means that a historic building, a former office built approximately 140 years ago, has been saved by reusing of salvaged materials.

LCLR company secretary John Chappell said: “The funding has had two significant benefits to us, the railway and the wider community. Firstly, it made the operation to save the office, albeit re-purposed, relocated and updated viable. Rather than ending up as wood scrap, it will be re-vitalised as a small visitor centre on a totally new station at the end of the railway line.

“Secondly, this facility will add to the attraction of the railway and boost passenger numbers and income. The income to the railway funds continuous investment; keeping every screw polished, every piston pristine and everyone who visits it safe.

“The more passengers who visit and the volunteers who help to keep this essential piece of living history alive for future generations. The project has also provided six months of building work for three highly skilled builders. All of this has been made possible by funding from UKSPF.

“Finally, it is also important as a celebration of Skegness. Before the railways came here in the 1870’s, Skegness had a dozen or so houses. The railways led to the town becoming one of the top, most visited UK coastal resorts, with tourism supporting the whole economy. The railways laid the foundation for modern Skegness.”

Chris Baron said: “It’s an absolute pleasure to officially unveil the plaque which celebrates the incredible project the LCLR team is currently undertaking, supported by the grant from the UK Shared Prosperity Fund.

“This much-loved attraction will soon become even more popular thanks to this exciting addition - and I wish the team all the luck for the future.”

East Lindsey district councillor Steve Kirk, portfolio holder for the coastal economy, and Coun Adam Grist, portfolio holder for market towns and the rural economy, said: “It is fantastic to see the UKSPF grant helping to make such a huge difference for not only an incredibly popular and important attraction, but also the wider tourism opportunities for the district.

“We hope that people from both near and far will make the most of the new destination when it opens next year.”

What do you think? Let us know your views in the comments below…