"Extensive" damage to Saltburn Tramway leads to plans for substantial refurbishment
IMAGES revealing the extent of fire damage to the borough’s iconic, grade-listed Saltburn Tramway have been released along with more information about the destruction caused by the blaze.
IMAGES revealing the extent of fire damage to the borough’s iconic, grade-listed Saltburn Tramway have been released along with more information about the destruction caused by the blaze.
A fire caused by an electrical problem at the Tramway on January 16 led to serious damage to the electrical pump room and other internal fire damage and a full rewire will be needed
Initially the Council said it was “too early to say” if the Tramway would re-open for Easter - but further inspections show the damage is such that it will definitely not reopen at that time. No reopening date has been set.
Cllr Carrie Richardson, Cabinet Member for Climate and Culture and Deputy leader, revealed more information about the extent of internal building damage including the electrical pump room. She said: “We regret that damage caused by a major fire to the much-loved and hugely popular Saltburn Tramway is extensive with serious internal damage to the building and operating equipment, especially the electrical pump room.
“A full rewire will be needed along with careful restoration of this grade-listed structure. Our teams are continuing to work hard on a plan to make sure the Tramway reopens as soon as possible. However this is likely to take some time and, although we can’t put a date on reopening at this time, it will not be this Easter.
“We look forward to reopening the iconic tramway when it is restored to its full glory and ready for future generations to enjoy. We will continue to keep our residents and visitors informed.”
Saltburn Cliff Lift, which opened in 1884, is the oldest water-balanced funicular in the UK and the second oldest in the world. It was initially closed on 9 January for maintenance and the fire occurred on January 16.