Full steam ahead for park railway improvements
Work on the track and engine shed at the Poole Park Railway is being put out to tender
Children and families will soon be able to enjoy rides on the Poole Park Railway again - as a search gets underway to do up the attraction.
Works to improve the track and engine shed are being put out for tender, with work expected to take place later this year.
BCP Council’s Cabinet agreed additional investment to secure the long-term future of the railway back in February, with a further grant being secured by the Parks Foundation.
Enhancements to make the service operational again include a redesigned and relayed track, a new, longer engine shed and a new train and carriages with improved access and safety features.
Councillor Mark Anderson, Portfolio Holder for Environment, Cleansing and Waste at BCP Council, said:
“The iconic Poole Park Railway is a much-loved local attraction for local families, tourists and train enthusiasts. I recall my grandparents taking me on the train and my parents and I taking my children on the train, and I want to ensure that I will be able to do the same when I have grandchildren, so I’m delighted that things are now moving forward with the tender for the new track and engine shed going live.
“We recognise that this local attraction means a lot to local people, which is why we’ve included it in our Big Plan to rejuvenate Poole, making our green spaces more attractive to everyone.
"Alongside other improvements that have taken place at Poole Park recently, this will provide much enjoyment in the park for years to come.”
Following successful tender bids for the track and engine shed, the new train and carriages will be sourced, with volunteer training to make the railway operational taking place later in the year.