Didcot Railway Centre’s restoration of its Coal Stage Water Tank has received a Highly Commended certificate at the National Railway Heritage Awards alongside positive feedback and compliments from the judges at the event which took place on the 6th of December.

The restoration of the well-used Water Tower, which is more than 80 years old, was essential in keeping steam locomotives running on the railway. Steam locomotives are a key attraction at the Didcot Railway Centre, as they attract many visitors each year, which helps to support the railway financially.

The conservation of the Water Tower was completed in the summer of 2022 and saw supply to the yard’s water cranes finally returned.

The project is now continuing with work taking place on the railway’s Coal Stage, which will involve work on both the masonry and timber work in order to create safe access once again. This project will also support the running of the railway into the future whilst protecting an iconic railway structure for visitors to enjoy.

The heritage railway’s impressive project was shortlisted for the National Railway Heritage Awards Network Rail Conservation Award for projects funded via the Railway Heritage Trust Fund.

To find out more about Didcot Railway Centre, please click here.