A STEAM heritage railway has rounded off a hugely successful year by collecting two honours at a national awards ceremony.
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway received the Greater Anglia Volunteers' Award for its transformation of a historic water tower into a visitor centre.
And the railway shared in the Arch Company Urban Heritage Award, recognising the extensive restoration of Keighley Station.
Both accolades were presented as part of the prestigious National Railway Heritage Awards at a ceremony in Merchant Taylors’ Hall, London.
The water tower project saw the ground floor of the structure – on Platform 4 at Keighley Station – remodelled into a visitor centre, supported by a £100,000 grant from Keighley Towns Fund and £42,000 from The Railway Heritage Trust.
Volunteer assistant station master James Crossley, and station master and railway director Andrew Brown, led the project.
Councillor Alex Ross-Shaw – Bradford Council’s portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning – says: "I'm delighted that this remarkable project has been recognised with a national award.
"It is a testament to the tremendous work that went into it. The historic water tower has been given a new lease of life, while continuing to serve its original function.
"Our congratulations go to the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway team, which made every penny of the funding count and has created something truly lasting and impressive."
Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, said: "This bold scheme perfectly represents what Keighley Towns Fund aims to deliver – transformational regeneration that endures. The water tower will continue its historic role, while the visitor centre delights thousands for many years to come."
The Arch Company Urban Heritage Award jointly recognised the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, Network Rail and principal contractor Amco Giffen for the £9.9m restoration of Keighley Station.
As part of the 18-month scheme, the station forecourt, frontage, waiting room, footbridges, drainage system and masonry were refurbished.
Work also included the repair and renewal of timber in ramps and roofs, and extensive structural strengthening to the Grade II-listed building.
Matt Stroh, chair of the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, says: "We were a key partner in the refurbishment of Keighley Station, so we're proud to share this award with Amco Giffen and Network Rail.
"To share in that and receive the water tower accolade against strong competition is a testament to the dedication, commitment and vision of our 800-strong volunteer team."
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