Bennerley Viaduct, the landmark iron lattice-work railway bridge crossing the Erewash Valley – and county boundary – between Cotmanhay and Awsworth was reopened to walkers and cyclists earlier in 2022.
Thousands of people have already taken advantage of the new decking, access ramp and steps, to enjoy this unique piece of Victorian heritage – and the extensive view from the top. But the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct aren’t stopping there, and exciting times lie ahead for ‘the Iron Giant’.
Following a successful National Lottery Heritage Fund bid for a project titled ‘Bridging the Gap', the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct – who are a charitable trust and a supporters organisation, and all volunteers – have appointed a team of project staff to manage the next phase of the project.
The funding will allow a programme of events and activities to take place at the viaduct, focusing on both history and the wellbeing of local communities. The three staff now in place will be responsible for delivering these activities, forming extensive partnerships, and seeking further funding, for the next phase of the viaduct’s long life.
Jeff Wynch, one of the team who submitted the funding application, spoke about how much ‘Bridging the Gap’ and the new appointments will mean for the future of the Bennerley Viaduct. He said: “The Friends have come such a long way since the group was formed in 2015, initially working alongside Sustrans, and then with Railway Paths Ltd. to get the viaduct open to the public in 2022. The opening was never going to be the end of the story, as far as we were concerned, but the next chapter could only be written if we developed as a group.
Our new project will build on the excellent work of Kieran Lee, our freelance Community Engagement Officer, and our many dedicated volunteers, to establish the viaduct as a sustainable visitor attraction. It will also prepare the Friends to take on the lease of the viaduct from Railway Paths Ltd. and focus on important work like securing funding and permissions for an eastern ramp, and facilities for visitors, culminating in a visitor centre. The posts of Project Manager, Heritage and Engagement Officer, and Site Ranger were designed with these objectives in mind and we were delighted to appoint three excellent candidates.”
The new Project Manager is Rebecca Morris-Buck, who leaves a role in the Senior Management Team at Creswell Crags near Worksop, to join the Bridging the Gap Project. Rebecca lives locally, in Eastwood, and has worked in the heritage sector for over a decade. Previous roles include one at Erewash Museum in Ilkeston and Nottingham’s Galleries of Justice Museum. She said: “it’s a privilege to join the organisation at this pivotal moment, and to be part of the team welcoming visitors to the viaduct, and helping raise the profile of this important part of our local heritage. The viaduct is fascinating and beautiful in its own right, but we believe it can also be a catalyst for community events, partnerships health and wellbeing improvements, and a sense of pride in the area, as well as attracting further investment."
The new Heritage and Engagement Officer, who will be out and about talking to schools and community groups, is Kate Crossley, formerly Collections Officer and interim Museum Manager at Erewash Museum. The new Site Ranger, who will be looking after the viaduct and surrounding area, working alongside volunteers, is Richard Raithby, who has a wide range of experience, and is also known locally for his creative glass work.
With all three staff in post by the start of May, and the ‘Bridging the Gap’ project getting underway immediately, there are sure to be a lot more exciting developments at Bennerley Viaduct in 2022, and beyond.
