East Lancs plans £600k Rawtenstall development

The East Lancashire Railway has submitted plans for a £600,000 redevelopment of Rawtenstall station to Rossendale Borough Council.


An artist’s impression of the completed development of Rawtenstall station, showing the extended station building and ‘L’ shaped platform canopy. ELR/EQUILIBRIUM ARCHITECTS

Working in partnership with Bury-based Equilibrium Architects, the proposed development of the ELR’s northern terminus includes an extension to the current station building to be built in a style complementary to the existing structure, an ‘L’ shaped platform canopy spanning the entire width of the station buildings, and a remodelled station forecourt.

The new station building will be 37 metres long and will include a café, kitchen, activity/community room and a tourist information centre, as well as toilet facilities, while the Buffer Stops Bar in the existing building is to be expanded.

Mike Kelly, chairman of the ELR, said: “Working in partnership with Rossendale Borough Council and Lancashire County Council, the redevelopment of Rawtenstall Station is one of our top priorities for the future, and will see a doubling of the number of jobs and thousands of additional visitors using the facilities at the station and hopefully travelling on the railway.

“We have spent the last few months working with the team at Equilibrium Architects to come up with a design that is both in keeping with the station’s traditional appearance, yet boasting modern, high quality facilities.

“The East Lancashire Railway has been at the heart of Rawtenstall for the past 170 years and it is hoped that with the new development we will become an even greater part of the town and a key destination, for not only our passengers, but for our local community too.”

Richard Shuttleworth, Equilbrium Architects Director said: “We are very pleased and proud to be working with the ELR on such an exciting but locally important project. We have appreciated from the importance of preserving the heritage look and feel of the station. With these proposals Rawtenstall will have, for many years to come, a part of its proud railway heritage preserved for future generations to appreciate and enjoy.”

If planning permission is successful, further details on the proposed development, including timescales, will be made available and a fundraising campaign will be launched.

For more information on the East Lancashire Railway, visit www.eastlancsrailway.org.uk.

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