Since a heritage railway was first established in Cheddleton, the Churnet Valley Railway (1992) PLC, and before them the charitable North Staffordshire Railway Company (1978) Ltd, have all occupied the Grade 2 listed building on successive leases from Staffordshire County Council, the latest of which expired in 2016.
Since this latest expiry talks have been ongoing, and the Churnet Valley Railway is delighted to announce that an opportunity to buy the freehold outright has now arisen.This encompasses the station building and part of the platform, which once purchased would then mean the Churnet Valley Railway PLC would then own everything on the 8 miles from Leekbrook Junction to Oakamoor Sand Sidings.
A price of £50,000 has been agreed between the Council and the PLC, and following the exchange of contracts the Churnet Valley Railway now has three months to raise the purchase price. In addition a recent survey of the building has revealed a variety of repairs are needed to the roof and guttering of this Victorian masterpiece, at an estimated cost of £25,000.
Therefore the Churnet Valley Railway is looking for supporters of the line to assist in raising this total £75,000 to cover the cost of both purchase and initial repairs. This is a hugely significant one-time only offer, to fully preserve this historic building and completing the railway's freehold estate. Outright ownership will also open up further opportunities to invest in the building and ease future repairs also.
You can support this offer by either donating through the NSRC, who will be recovering Gift Aid for this, or the PLC have also re-opened the 2011 Share Issue offering £1.00 shares (minimum 100). Any new shares purchased will once again qualify for 30% Tax Releif under the Enterprise Investment Scheme as well as selected travel benefits on the Churnet Valley. To see the full range of benefits on offer, and to make a contribution yourself please click >here< to visit our dedicated appeal page.