English Heritage (EH) is starting a three week public consultation from Thursday 14 November 2013 on the heritage of the Midland Main Line railway as part of the preparations for the electrification of the route.
EH writes:
The organisation will be looking at historic railway bridges, viaducts and tunnels along the Midland Main Line from Bedford to Corby, Leicester, Nottingham, Derby and Sheffield to see if they should be listed for their architectural or historic interest.
A large part of the Midland Main Line is one of Britain’s oldest railways, dating back to 1836-1840, with sections designed by the eminent railway engineer George Stephenson and his son Robert. It is now being electrified by Network Rail in a six year project, due to start in 2014.
In total, English Heritage, in cooperation with Network Rail, is assessing 45 structures that will be affected by the electrification of the line. It is seeking further information or evidence relating to the date, function, history or materials of landmarks such as the Derwent Bridge; a five arch viaduct north of Derby, and the single-span Potters Bridge at South Wingfield, Derbyshire. This information will also help to confirm how significant these structures were in the development of the line.
Following the consultation, English Heritage will present recommendations regarding Midland Main Line structures to the Secretary of State for Culture, Media and Sport who will make the final decision on whether they should be listed.
Local authorities, the Victorian Society, amenity groups such as the Railway Heritage Trust and the National Railway Museum are some of the bodies being consulted, as well as railway enthusiasts and the general public. The consultation is on-line at: LINK
Emily Gee, Head of Designation at English Heritage, said: ‘After carefully examining the documentary evidence and the structures themselves, several bridges, viaducts and tunnel portals along the Midland Main Line will be strong candidates for listing. English Heritage is working closely with Network Rail, their professional advisers and now the public to understand and protect the key parts of this significant Victorian railway, in preparing it for the next exciting phase in its history.
‘While a large part of the Midland Main Line is historically important, only buildings or structures which have special architectural or historic interest will be listed. We are keen to hear from people with relevant information or evidence relating to the significance of railway structures along the line.’
Phil Verster, route managing director from Network Rail said: ‘The Midland Main Line is one of our most important rail routes and it has a heritage and history to match. Working with English Heritage we are keen to preserve that which is unique about the line, while improving and updating it for the twenty-first century.
‘This is an exciting time for passengers on the Midland Main Line. Electrification will transform our diesel railway into one of the most modern in Europe, providing more seats, even faster journeys and cleaner and quieter trains, whilst maintaining the heritage and legacy of the line. ‘
Network Rail has been carrying out a comprehensive survey of the parts of the Midland Main Line that will be modernised. A gazetteer of structures has been produced by their advisers, Alan Baxter and Associates, as well as a detailed ‘Statement of History and Significance’. These documents provide a history of the development of the line as well as identifying significant structures and can be viewed online by anyone wanting to take part in the consultation.
EH News: LINK
