The Great Central Railway (Nottingham) has opened a new toilet block at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre near Ruddington.

The new toilet block is fully accessible, with gents’ and ladies’ toilets, a family room, and a shower.

Costing nearly one hundred thousand pounds to build, most funding was provided by the Rural England Prosperity Fund through Rushcliffe Borough Council.

As well as the grant from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), additional contributions came from East Midlands Airport Community Fund, East Midlands Railway Community Fund, CrossCountry Trains Communities Fund, Friends of the Great Central Main Line, the Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers, and a public appeal. Councillors Matt Barney and Reg Adair also allocated funds from their council budget.

Andy Fillingham of Great Central Railway (Nottingham) commented that the new facilities represent a real step change in what the railway can offer its visitors. With a permanent building accessible to everyone, it has been on the drawing board for some time, and the generous funding the railway has received has made it a reality for the tens of thousands of people who will use the toilets every year.

Great things happen when everyone works together. Providing a good experience helps us grow our attraction and the contribution we make to the local economy.

In April, the two halves of the Great Central Railway in Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire held a Reunification Open Weekend, when the Great Central Railway’s fleet of vintage locomotives ran on both halve

“The Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre is a wonderful attraction here in the Borough, offering fantastic experiences for the whole family, such as steam train journeys and a miniature railway! We’re pleased to support GCRN’s project through our £40,000 REPF funding, enabling the installation of new accessible toilet and shower facilities that will improve the experience for both visitors and volunteers.”

“This investment builds on our previous support through UKSPF (UK Shared Prosperity Fund) and REPF towards their new multi-functional carriage shed, that is being used for events, workshops, volunteer activities and more. We are very grateful to everyone who has supported us, in whatever way. “

Councillor Abby Brennan, Deputy Leader of Rushcliffe Borough Council