Construction has started on a new ramp at the visitor entrance to Didcot Railway Centre, which for the first time will allow step-free access to the Centre.

Last Monday, 11 September, contractor’s plant began to be transferred to the Centre by rail from Didcot West Yard. On arrival at the Centre, the contractors unloaded the excavator from its wagon, started clearing the site, and began to conduct test borings for the concrete piles that will eventually support the ramp.

A ramp is required because steps at the entrance to Didcot Railway Centre are challenging to some and impossible for others, especially during events aimed at young families, when a large number of prams and buggies have to be carried up the steps and then back down at the end of the visit. Although the Centre does try to provide help with this, it is not appropriate for a modern visitor attraction.

Activity during the summer consisted of mainly volunteer activity to move the ticket office and re-route all utilities to avoid the ramp site. Now that the contractors have arrived marks the start of a new phase of the project.

The site for the ramp contains part of the foundation of the earlier GWR loco shed, and a full archaeological survey of the site has been conducted under the supervision of Charlie McCarthy. A report on that survey will be published in the next issue of the Great Western Echo.

If everything goes according to plan, it is hoped that the basic structure of the ramp can be completed this year. However, the project is complex, especially as it is complicated by the additional logistical challenge of all plant and materials needing to be delivered to the site by rail.

Although the Centre has sufficient funds to complete the ramp, it hopes to incorporate some Great Western features as the ramp will be the first structure that visitors see when entering the site. These could include features such as railings, gratings, and tiling. To pay for these ‘nice-to haves’ the Centre has launched an appeal and welcomes all contributions large or small, and donations can be made here.

Further information can be found in the Centre’s Appeal leaflet which can be downloaded here.