Northumberland’s Haltwhistle Station has seen a number of improvements over the past year, thanks to the efforts of Tyne Valley Community Rail Partnership. Community Rail Award winner and Tyne Valley CRP company secretary and projects director, Julie Gibbon updates us on an eventful year at the station.
It’s been a year since work begin on site at Haltwhistle station. The project has had its ups and downs, and the partnership is still a little way off the finishing line with building material supply issues and some unexpected electrical issues that require various modifications and subsequent approvals before they can be implemented. Nonetheless, progress is still being made with work on the platform 2 building, which is just awaiting electrical work, some plumbing work and some internal painting. The CRP is particularly pleased with the security bars for the studio windows that face away from the track. These have been designed and made by Alex Prince of Fox Frinton of Hexham, who took inspiration from the station’s water tower and footbridge in the design. In addition Alex has designed and made a surround for our Hadrian’s head mosaic which will be mounted on the railings on platform 2, welcoming visitors to Haltwhistle.
Work on platform 1 is underway with main structure having been repaired with new corner posts, baseplate, and weatherboard, in addition to significant levelling of the structure which was out by 12cm. New floor joists and a new floor have been laid throughout the building, and the roof structure strengthened ready to take the necessary insulation. Sewage and water pipes have been installed, along with the first fix electrical work the new glass waiting room door. The doors and window frames are being refurbished and the PV panels are about to be fixed to the roof.
Rail minister, Chris Heaton Harris made a flying visit several months ago with local MP, Guy Opperman. Guy returned to the station in August for a tour of the progress. The CRP is already receiving interest from prospective tenants and plan to hold open days as soon as the buildings are handed over it.
