Project ‘key building block’ in centre plans

The project involved extensions to the locomotive and carriage sheds, the start of a new carriage workshop, the construction of a new coal bunker, and the building of a 19-bay car park.

Work started in March and has been completed on time and within budget.

With the £478,000 construction contract delivered by Cleary Constructing of Randalstown, the rest of the £1m funding is going towards the already announced restoration of 1901-built Great Northern Railway (Ireland) steam engine No. 131 and a sleeping car which will be used by members.

The scheme was sponsored by GROW South Antrim, delivering funding through the Northern Ireland Rural Development Programme (2007-2013).

The Society’s aim is so transform the engine sheds and workshops into a living museum and major tourist attraction where visitors can view heritage vehicles and observe restoration work in progress.

The project was officially handed over to the RPSI by Pat Cleary, managing director of Cleary Contracting, and site foreman Adrian McLaughlin. Also present were David Logan from lead consultants RPS and Tom Wilson from architects Ostick & Williams.

Representing the RPSI at the ceremony were chairman Denis Grimshaw and 2020 committee members Frank Robinson and Tony Dean.

Mr Grimshaw said: “The RPSI is deeply grateful to GROW South Antrim and the Rural Development Programme for their support for this project. The construction project that has been completed at Whitehead is a key building block in our overall plans to transform our centre into a major tourist destination.

“The extensions are particularly valuable as until now we were very tight for space to carry out all our overhaul work on steam engines and coaches.

“Our ultimate plan is to develop our heritage engineering skills and build a visitor attraction around what is the last surviving traditional railway workshop in Northern Ireland.”

Councillor Mark Cosgrove, GROW South Antrim Joint Council Committee chair said “We see the development of the RPSI’s Whitehead base as being a key element in the economic regeneration of Whitehead and the surrounding area. The RPSI is harnessing engineering skills which would otherwise have been lost and there is significant potential in terms of job creation and tourism.”

GROW South Antrim was involved last year in funding the construction of a new £270,000 period-style station building at Whitehead, which is now in use at open days and special events.

Mr Grimshaw added: “It is particularly significant that work took place during 2014, which is the Society’s 50th anniversary year.”