We approach another project milestone with the imminent commencement of the restoration works by Ackroyds, a Nottingham firm from Basford. The company are delighted to be involved with the renaissance of the viaduct. The restoration works will include repairs to the pier bases, the brick parapets and some of the ironwork. The works will be overseen by specialist Conservation Engineers, Blackett Ord.
Over £300,000 has been generously granted by Historic England to help fund the restoration. Ben Robinson, Historic England’s Principal Advisor for Heritage at Risk, said: “The importance of this viaduct cannot be underplayed, it’s one of only two surviving wrought iron railway structures of this type and is a stunning example of the genius of British engineering. We’re so pleased that it has a fantastic future ahead of it, as a prominent landmark and as a thoroughfare. Historic England is proud to play a part in this, not just through funding essential repairs but also through advice and guidance. It is a pleasure to work with all the organisations and individuals involved in its rescue.”
The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are most grateful to all the generous funders of the project. There is still some way to go with fundraising but with close to £1million already being pledged, we are confident the structure will be reopened in the near future after fifty years of closure.