Plans to bring a disused ironworks in Yorkshire back to life have just been officially revealed. The Elsecar Ironworks, an official ancient monument in Barnsley, is set to be transformed by a massive £25m project.
The plans have been two years in the making and have had input from Historic England (because of the whole ancient monument thing). Here’s the vision: there will be a new heritage railway with a reconstructed 1849 steam train, a new college and test track to train up to 400 students a year, advanced engineering workshops, a ‘cultural canteen’ and an outdoor events and performance area.
Elsecar is in fact recognised as an international centre of industry, particularly for its coal mining and ironmaking history, which makes the development all the more exciting.
The original railway opened in 1850 and closed a century later in 1984. Efforts were made to bring the Ironworks back to life in the 1990s, when a one-mile section of the track was opened. But according to Rail Advent, the site’s importance was not appreciated enough to keep it in good condition.
Sir Stephen Houghton, council leader, said: ‘We’re determined to transform this remarkable historic site, previously the home of Elsecar Heritage Railway, into something which is unique, sustainable and will thrive long into the future.’
Apparently, the scheme will create 40 new jobs and support a further 200 roles. Unfortunately, rail enthusiasts will still have to wait a while before the project comes to fruition. Houghton added: ‘We need to secure funding and it will take time to deliver, but this vision is the starting point for something very special for Elsecar.’
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