Restoration of Market Rasen's Station building gets over £450,000 Heritage Lottery Fund boost

This first stage of activity includes vital repair work to halt deterioration of the Listed Building to make it safe and watertight including roof repairs.

Discussions are currently taking place with Network Rail to gain the necessary permissions for scaffolding and safe working and it is hoped that repair work will start on the roof in around five weeks’ time.

Development funding has also been awarded to progress plans to apply for the full grant later this year. If successful, this will enable complete restoration works to preserve the heritage of the Station, converting part of the premises into managed workspace and providing affordable offices for new or small enterprises.

The old Ticket Office and Entrance Hall will become a community area for local groups to meet and will also include permanent heritage displays for visitors telling the story of the Station dating back to 1846.

The Station has always played an important part in the history of Market Rasen and the lives of those living and working in the town. Arriving in 1846, the railway changed the face of the town and the way of life for those living locally, both socially and economically. The railway provided transport for race horses and visitors alike to the local Racecourse, materials such as clay for clay pipes came from Devon and a regular mail service was established. The original Station contained all the usual offices for passengers, waiting rooms, booking office and parcel office.

Members of the Community Project include John Matthews of Market Rasen Town Council, Stephen Bunney of De Aston School and Nadia Gollings, General Manager of Market Rasen Racecourse.

Cllr. Matthews said: “The roof is open to the elements in places with windows boarded up, flooring incomplete and at points the foundations can be seen through the floor. It will be great to see this historic building brought back into use.”

Martin Barnard of the Station Adoption Group who have provided the artwork on the Station and who also provide the flower planters commenting on the award, said “We’re delighted that at last work is able to be started on the Station Building to restore this once grand Victorian structure and bring it back into use for the benefit of the wider Market Rasen community. Our Group have established a safe and welcoming environment to rail commuters and locals, but this restoration will bring the building back to life!”