The £100,000 project on the water tower at Keighley on the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway entered its next stage recently.
Work on the project started last year to create the visitor centre, with work turning attention to the 30,000 gallon water tank, which is believed to be the last functioning tower of its kind in the UK.
The work on the water tower will improve the visitor experience at the railway by helping to provide information and an insight into the line’s history.
The interior of the building will be restored to create an accessible centre for passengers, without compromising the operational function of the water tower.
Work is expected to be completed in March, with an expected opening for the public in April 2024.
A spokesperson from Keighley and Worth Valley Railway said: “Work started at the end of last year on the interior of the tower and work is now under way on the permanent floor. We hope this will be completed by mid-February so that the interactive elements can then be installed.
“It’s incredible to see this historic building have a new lease of life and we know how much enjoyment visitors will get from the centre when it opens.”
Bradford Council’s Portfolio Holder for Regeneration, Transport and Planning Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw added: “This historic water tower is such an important structure and part of Keighley’s proud rail heritage. We are delighted the building will have a new lease of life for the future while maintaining the crucial purpose for which it was built.”
Acting Chair of the Keighley Towns Fund Liz Barker added: “The KWVR is one of the leading educational, heritage and tourist attractions across the district. This is part of a whole list of projects considered and planned by the KWVR, which will see it modernise and transform its offer, so it can continue to delight passengers and visitors for many years to come.”
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