Rare water tower visitor centre up for award

A vintage steam locomotive stationed at a railway platform. The locomotive is black and prominently displays the number 52044 on its side. A person dressed in a blue uniform and cap is standing on the footplate of the engine. In the background, there is a brick building with a distinctive glass structure on its roof, possibly a water tower or signal box. Behind this building, there are more stone-built structures. The railway tracks curve away to the left, and the platform edge is visible in the foreground with the words "MIND THE GAP" painted in white.Tom Marshall

The Water Tower Visitor Centre has been shortlisted for a national award

Victoria Scheer
Yorkshire

A visitor centre at a heritage railway line made famous by the film The Railway Children has been shortlisted for a national award.

The Water Tower Visitor Centre at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) underwent a refurbishment in 2024 and now features audio-visual displays, maps, models, and other exhibits.

The Grade II listed building, located at the south-western end of Keighley Station's Platform Four, remains fully operational, with its 30-gallon tank on top still supplying water for steam locomotives.

Judges for the National Railway Heritage Awards described the centre as a "highly commendable scheme" that brought public access to a previously inaccessible structure.

Originally constructed by the Midland Railway in 1883, the ground floor of the building was transformed into a modern visitor centre in 2024.

It was funded by £100,000 from the Keighley Towns Fund, with an additional £42,000 from The Railway Heritage Trust.

The centre, accessed directly from Platform Four, features exhibits detailing both the history of the five-mile (8km) Worth Valley line from Keighley to Oxenhope and the story of the tower itself.

The interior of the visitor centre. The walls are painted white and constructed from stone or brick. The ceiling is arched and features exposed beams painted in a dark colour, along with modern lighting fixtures hanging down. On the left side of the image, there is a large window with multiple panes. Below the window, there are display cases containing various objects, including three tall, narrow structures in red, grey, and blue, which appear to be historical railway equipment or signalling devices. Each display has labels for identification. In the centre foreground, there is a circular glass-covered feature set into the floor. Toward the back wall, there is a bright red door that stands open. Above this door, there is a sign that reads “KEIGHLEY”. Below the sign, three digital display screens are mounted on the wall, showing images and text related to railway history.Tom Marshall

The visitor centre features audio-visual displays, maps and other exhibits

Bradford Council said a key part of the centre's design was the inclusion of step-free access, ensuring it was welcoming and accessible to all visitors.

Portfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: "We are delighted the historic water tower building now has a new lease of life while maintaining the crucial purpose for which it was built and it's great to see this excellent project formally recognised."

Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, added: "This is a great example of the work of the towns fund, where we've made a significant difference in a way which will benefit visitors for years to come.

"The K&WVR is a jewel in Keighley's crown and to be able to support it in such a meaningful way has been a real privilege for us."

The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at Merchant Taylor's Hall in London on 3 December.

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