Derbyshire’s leading architectural and building conservation charity is delighted to announce a £667,000 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.
The Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust (DHBT) has received the grant for their project to convert the Grade II* Wingfield Station to office use. Built in 1839-40, the building near Alfreton is one of the first purpose-built railway stations in the world, and one of a tiny number from that era that remain. It was one of originally sixteen stations on the Derby-Leeds line developed by George and Robert Stephenson, and parts of that line are still in constant use today.
Wingfield Station had been in private hands and at risk for many years. Now, with money raised thanks to National Lottery players, the project can focus on the repair and conservation of the historic fabric of the Station and adjacent Parcel Shed, enabling a sustainable long-term use of the building as office space.
The project, which will start in May and run until August 2023, will provide meaningful heritage training and skills development opportunities as well encouraging local people to learn about, share, and celebrate their heritage. Alongside an 8 week public opening period, a range of planned activities will be delivered at Wingfield, including a volunteer programme, public events, wildlife conservation activities, and on-site interpretation. Following occupation, the offices will be open to the public for at least 6 days each year and the grounds will be accessible at all times.
The building works themselves will start in November this year, and will be undertaken by a suitable conservation contractor who will incorporate heritage skills training into their approach. Students will gain experience of working on a real construction site and develop trade/subject specific skills.
In 2020/21 Historic England awarded the DHBT funding for the urgent repairs that were necessary to prevent further loss and damage to this significant building. Through this latest support from The National Lottery Heritage Fund, the DHBT are now able to secure a long-term sustainable future for the site.
Commenting on the award, Peter Milner (DHBT Trustee and Project Lead) said:
“We are thrilled to have received this support thanks to National Lottery players. Not only will it mean this significant building, which is a surviving example of a very early rural railway station, is restored, but it will also incorporate exciting engagement activity and future access.”
Robyn Llewellyn, Area Director, England, Midlands & East at The National Lottery Heritage Fund said:
“We’re delighted to announce this funding for Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust, to restore and re-purpose this important Grade II-listed building. It’s great to see the inclusion of funding for the heritage training programmes because this helps ensure that the community will be able to be involved in preserving Derbyshire’s heritage into the future. Thank you to National Lottery players for making projects like this possible.”
The DHBT are also continuing to focus on securing £250,000 of match funding from other sources, including sponsorship packages for businesses and individuals and encouraging people to become a ‘Friend of Wingfield Station’. For further information, please visit the DHBT’s website or contact Lucy: wingfieldstation@gmail.com.
