26th November 2019 · Restoration of a GNR station building

Presenter: Brian Howes of the Friends of Gedling Station

On 26 November Brian Howes of the Friends of Gedling Station informed us of the plans for restoration of the GNR station building. He explained the history of the GNR in the area which started as the independent Ambergate, Nottingham, Boston & Eastern Junction Railway and its tussle with the MR over access to Nottingham. This was resolved by the opening of a separate line to their own terminus at London Road (later Low Level). In 1875/6 the line from Netherfield through Gedling was opened as part of the Derbyshire Extension. In April 1960 all traffic north of Gedling Colliery ceased due to the “condition of Mapperley tunnel”. Coal trains from Gedling Colliery ceased in the 1990s.

The station building became a youth club and community centre after closure for passengers and then that use ceased in 2012. The restoration project for the station building would provide future use as a heritage centre, café and other community use. It is proposed that the adjacent track bed is to become a heritage way as part of developments of the historical Gedling Village. There has also been a proposal for an extension of the tram system to Gedling station area. Progress with the restoration is dependent upon funding particularly with an application to the Heritage Lottery Fund.

Brian closed with questions from those present.