A brand new fully accessible toilet block featuring gents’, ladies’, a family room and a shower has been opened by Great Central Railway (Nottingham) (GCRN).
The ‘new loos’ are located at the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre, and have cost almost £100,000 to build. The majority of the funding has come from the Rural England Prosperity Fund (REPF), via Rushcliffe Borough Council (RBC).
Andy Fillingham of GCRN said: “The new facilities represent a real step change in what we can offer our visitors. Finally, we have a permanent building with the right access for everyone.
“We’ve had this on the drawing board for some time, but the generous funding we’ve received has made it a reality. Tens of thousands of people will use the toilets every year.”
The REPF grant was added to by the East Midlands Airport Community Fund, East Midlands Railway Community Fund, Crosscountry Trains Communities Fund, Friends of the Great Central Main Line, and the Nottingham Society of Model and Experimental Engineers.
There were also contributions from the budgets of Councillors Matt Barney and Reg Adair, plus a public appeal.
RBC’s Deputy Leader, Cllr Abby Brennan, said: “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 and REPF towards GCRN’s new multi-functional carriage shed, that’s being used for events, workshops, volunteer activities and more.”
“We’re very grateful to everyone who’s supported us, in whatever way. Great things happen when everyone works together,” concluded Andy. “The toilets will be available to visitors and our volunteers. Providing a good experience helps us grow our attraction and the contribution we make to the local economy.”