Work is now well underway to restore and conserve buildings at the Ffestiniog Railway‘s Boston Lodge works; they feature in The Guinness Book of Records as the “oldest railway workshop in continuous operation”.

The daily noise as contractors use specialised plant within the works is reassurance that the work to restore and rejuvenate historic buildings on the site and erect some new buildings is progressing well. With fewer trains running, contractors OBR are currently focussing on the groundworks at Boston Lodge and the Small Loco Shed.

Funded by The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the Ffestiniog and Welsh Highland Railways Trust, and the Ffestiniog Railway Society, the project will boost plans to attract more visitors. It will provide work, training, and volunteering opportunities for people in both Porthmadog and the wider area.

Although these are economically challenging times, all the railway’s funders have increased their grants substantially, for which the railway is very grateful. The increased funding will enable the railway to cope with inflation rates that are far greater than envisaged.

Project Manager Edwina Bell says: “In the current economic climate, where construction prices have shot up even faster than standard inflation, the project was at risk. Following a two-stage tender process, we are very pleased to announce that OBR, based on Ynys Mon, was selected as the preferred main contractor.

“However, the tendered price was still well beyond the existing budget. Additional funding from both the National Lottery Heritage Fund and our supporting societies means that none of the buildings involved have had to be removed from the project, any one of which would have diminished the project overall.”

General Manager Paul Lewin says: “We are extremely grateful for the additional funding from both the National Lottery Heritage Fund and our supporting societies, meaning that none of the buildings involved have had to be removed from the project, any one of which would have diminished the project overall. As we face up to the difficulties of the current economic climate, we are determined to see this landmark project through to completion.”