Top award for impressive revamp of Corwen Station by Llangollen Railway
The Heritage Railway Association Infrastructure Award was won by Llangollen Railway for its Corwen Station project.
A recent addition to the honours the award, sponsored by Ernest R Shaw, saw the Corwen project facing competition from a strong shortlist, including the Rother Valley Railway’s Hither Green turntable installation, the restoration of Bricket Wood station building by Bricket Wood Station Heritage Trust, and the installation of a panel signalbox at Medstead and Four Marks station on the Watercress Line.
The new-look Corwen railway station (Image: Newsquest)
After the awards ceremony, the Llangollen Railway shared the news on social media, saying: "We are absolutely over the moon!
"This award is a credit to the blood, sweat, tears and much more that have endured over the years to build what is now an award-winning station. A lasting legacy to all concerned.
"The dedication and determination of our volunteers is admirable. From the initial conception to the fundraising efforts, the works carried out to the opening itself have all been a huge undertaking. We are so proud of every single one of you.
"For the railway to receive this award on the back of the Go North Wales Tourism Awards Attraction of the Year for 2023 is a magnificent achievement.
"If you haven't visited Corwen yet, 2024 is the year to visit this award-winning station!"
The much-anticipated railway station in Corwen was unveiled in June last year[1].
The revamp of the station, which included the station building and canopy, was one of the final steps in the £1.25 million project to extend the Llangollen railway into the centre of Corwen.
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There were also improvements to a car park in Corwen and the creation of a walking and cycling route along the disused railway line between Corwen and Cynwyd.
The station is on an embankment, overlooking the town and the surrounding mountains, cementing Corwen's reputation as the gateway to Eryri.
The impressive canopy, put in place by a 51m crane at the start of 2023, covers a a large section of the station platform and provides a roof for the station building.
The Heritage Railway Association shortlists had been created following an extensive debate and vote by a panel of experts drawn from leading heritage rail figures and journalists.
It was chaired by National Railway Museum Senior Curator Anthony Coulls.
Before the awards were announced at a ceremony in Brighton, Heritage Railway Association Chief Executive, Steve Oates, said: “I don’t think I’ve ever seen a shortlist as rich and varied as this one. It really is representative of the whole spectrum of heritage rail in the UK.
"We’ve got tramways competing with 15in gauge steam railways and one of the world’s biggest narrow gauge achievements competing with a Gresley ‘Pacific’.
"It’s exactly what these awards are about."
References
- ^ unveiled in June last year (www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk)
- ^ Gwrych Castle respond to ruin making 'most at-risk' historical buildings list (www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk)
- ^ Llangollen woman loses conviction appeal after "wild accusations" against councillor (www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk)
- ^ 'Twisting' North Wales road named among the most dangerous in the UK - see why (www.denbighshirefreepress.co.uk)