Two projects to reopen existing rail lines to passengers bringing the potential to build up to five new train stations in Derbyshire are steaming ahead with project leaders working with Network Rail to get the plans moving.
Just a handful of projects nationally have been invited to submit an outline business case for funding as part of the government’s £500 million Restoring Your Railway programme to reinstate closed local rail services and restore former stations.
Derbyshire County Council are working with South Yorkshire Mayoral Combined Authority and Network Rail to develop the business case to reopen the current, freight-only Barrow Hill line between Chesterfield and Sheffield to passengers.
If the outline project gets the green light, at the next stage it will signal the start of work to reintroduce passenger trains on the line and build up to four new stations in Derbyshire at Whittington, Staveley Barrow Hill, Eckington / Renishaw, and Killamarsh.
A new station could also be on the cards for Castle Gresley now proposals to reopen the Ivanhoe Rail line from Burton-on-Trent to Leicester are being progressed, with funding provided to Network Rail to carry out more work there too. Derbyshire County Council have supported the application led by local interest group Campaign to Reopen the Ivanhoe Line (CRIL) and Leicestershire County Council.
Derbyshire County Council cabinet member for infrastructure and environment, Councillor Carolyn Renwick, said: “This is all part of the Levelling Up agenda and we’re pleased that Government has recognised the need to reintroduce passenger services along these two routes.
“Significant new employment and housing development is already planned along the Barrow Hill Line route with long-overdue investment in this part of Derbyshire kick-started by the Staveley Town Deal.
“Re-opening both lines would build on this momentum, making it easier for people to travel to work, education, and healthcare, cutting congestion, improving air quality, and promoting greener travel as part of our commitment to cut carbon emissions to help tackle climate change.”
It is anticipated that the next stage of work by Network Rail should take approximately four months to complete.
