This is when new tearoom and visitor centre will open at Hesketh Bank heritage steam train station
Work has begun on a ‘critically important’ new tearoom and classroom building at the popular West Lancashire Railway in Hesketh Bank.
Named after the North Wales slate quarrymen's shelters situated in quarries where some of the heritage steam locomotives worked, the Y Caban will provide visitors and volunteers with a purpose-built meeting place.
During operational days, the Y Caban will provide a new 40-seat tearoom, and in the week, it will provide local schools with a classroom for their educational visits - learning about railways and engineering.
Volunteers at the Railway will also use the space for regular training and administrative meetings.
Completion is expected in the late summer 2026.
Funding - and how you can help
The project will cost in excess of £200,000, and three quarters of that has been raised with assistance from the UK Government, Rural England Prosperity Fund and the West Lancashire Borough Council Community Investment fund (CIL). However, more support is needed.
A spokesman said: “We still need to raise £45,000 through donations from our members, friends/supporters of the railway. Donations can be made through the QR code or by visiting our web page www.westlancsrailway.org
“This critically important building will help ensure the future of the West Lancashire Light Railway for many years to come for both our visitors and volunteers.We thank you for your support and look forward to welcoming you to the Y Caban.”
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