Restoration of old goods shed is underway

Above: Work to restore the goods shed at Millers Dale station has begun. Image ⓒ Peak District National Park Authority.

A restoration project led by the Peak District National Park Authority is carrying out substantial repairs to the structure of an historic former railway building.

Next to the Monsal Trail – which attracts more than 140,000 visitors every year – the goods shed at Millers Dale station will be opened to the public as a new interpretation facility.

Since the former railway line at Millers Dale closed in 1967, the goods shed had fallen into disrepair, the original roof had been lost and exposed to the weather and the walls had become structurally unstable.

The restoration will include: 
• replacement of the roof structure
• restoration to the exterior walls of the goods shed 
• pointing and repairs to the adjacent canopy wall structure 
• restoration or replacement of doors and entrances

The project will safeguard the building for the future and the installation of information panels, audio and interactive displays will help people understand how the goods shed was used. The aim is to support the rural economy in the area by signposting visitors to other attractions and businesses, as well as extending the season by providing indoor space that people can enjoy at any time of year.

Emma Stone, head of visitor experience development at the Peak District National Park Authority, said: “We’re delighted to get work underway on repairing the goods shed – the restoration work will greatly improve the look of the site and the new interpretation and displays will enhance people’s understanding and experience of this historic place.

“As part of the project, we are keen to hear from anyone with memories of the goods shed and Millers Dale station when the trains were running – perhaps they caught trains here or brought goods and produce to transport to other parts of the UK. We would like to capture their stories to help explain how the site was originally used.”

If you’d like to share your memories of Millers Dale station and the goods shed, email: media@peakdistrict.gov.uk. Or write to : Millers Dale Development, Communications Team, Peak District National Park, Aldern House, Baslow Road, Bakewell, Derbyshire DE45 1AE.

The goods shed will open in early 2020 and will complement the recently renovated Millers Dale station ticket office which was reopened by the Peak District National Park Authority as a café and visitor information point.

The Refreshment Room café at Millers Dale station is open for business as normal during the restoration.

To follow progress at the site, visit: www.peakdistrict.gov.uk/millersdaledevelopment.