THE wait goes on for the return of the Poole Park Railway – but the train service seems to be back on the right track at last.
BCP Council has confirmed that a contract has now been given to construct a new railway track and engine shed.
Earlier this year the local authority said a budget of £350,000 had been set aside with a target of having the attraction back open by December.
The railway has been out of action since 2018, however, having awarded Shropshire-based firm Track Systems the tender for the works, the council is hoping the train can be pulling back into the station next summer.
Councillor Mark Anderson, BCP Council portfolio holder for environment, cleansing and waste, said: “BCP Council has always been committed to rebuilding Poole Park Railway, and awarding this contract is the first step in getting the Poole Park Railway back on track.
“Earlier this year we made a clear financial commitment to ensuring this iconic and much-loved attraction be returned to Poole Park.
“These plans will mean the track and engine shed will be improved. Our Big Plan sets out that the rejuvenation of Poole is a key priority for us, and bringing the railway back to Poole Park reinforces this commitment.
“This investment will ensure the long term future of this special asset for future generations.
“Poole Park Railway is special to local residents and tourists alike.
"It has been a feature since 1949, and I’m so pleased that we will soon see the railway back in action.”
Work on site to construct the new larger engine shed and track is anticipated to begin later this year.
The railway was initially suspended in 2018 after a series of problems, including derailments and staff shortages.
In 2019, planning permission was granted for the demolition and replacement of its engine shed while the 640m track also needed to be relaid.
A tender for this work was advertised in a bid to have it completed by summer 2020 but the scheme was put on hold. Then cabinet member councillor Felicity Rice said the decision had been made because “market forces had changed”.
Two tender processes were required dating back to December 2019 before awarding the recent announcement that Track Systems would be carrying out the work.
The Poole Park railway had been running under private management since 1949.
In April 2017, former local authority, Borough of Poole, awarded the contract to run the service to the Friends of Poole Park, but after multiple issues the contract was terminated.
A BCP Council spokesperson said when the service resumes it will be run by BCP Council’s environment team and volunteers.
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