The owning group of Merchant Navy No.35011, The General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society, has announced the result of a bid to secure funding from the National Lottery Heritage Fund.

At the Societies 2024 AGM, members were informed that the 35011 Restoration Society had submitted their National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) Stage One application on time before the deadline, with assistance from The Swindon and Cricklade Railway and The Yeovil Railway Centre.

Regrettably, the NLHF rejected the submitted application. Ultimately, the NLHF concluded that the project’s considerable expense, complexity, and high risk did not provide value.

The reasoning provided was that the proposed programme, designed to adhere to the NLHF’s guidelines, would likely exceed the anticipated duration and budget, significantly according to the NLHF assessment. Such an escalation in cost and time jeopardises the project’s long-term viability.

Although the 35011 General Steam Navigation Locomotive Restoration Society can no longer continue with this application, there is still hope for the society.

The NLHF has informed the group that they are willing to advise on smaller, simpler, and lower-risk projects that the society will undertake during its long-term completion of the Merchant Navy Class Locomotive.

Talks are already being held with the NLHF about the feasibility of a second application that would focus not only on engineering but also on youth engagement, skills training, diversity, apprenticeships and community involvement.

The NLHF acknowledged the thoroughness of the original application and recommends submitting a more streamlined and less intricate application in the future, which is expected to involve minimal additional expense.

The 35011 Society has received encouragement to revise, edit, and resubmit another application, which would increase the chances of successfully securing National Lottery Heritage funding in the future.

Although the outcome is disappointing, the extensive work and content completed for the bid remain relevant and essential for the project’s future. The groundwork has positioned the Society in a more advantageous position than before the bid was made.

The board is presently evaluating the project’s forthcoming structure, staffing, and strategic alternatives, while also commencing talks with both current and prospective new partners.