Grosmont railway opens heritage skills training classroom

The facility, supplied by Portakabin, will support specialist training in railway preservation and heritage skills.

Located in Grosmont, the project faced significant logistical challenges due to its remote setting in the North York Moors.

Modules had to be transported along narrow, windswept roads and through overgrown hedgerows, with final delivery requiring travel along a closed railway track.

Laura Strangeway, CEO at NYMR, said: “As someone who is passionate about both preserving our heritage and securing our future, the opening of the MIC was a particularly special day.

“It represents the very best of our industry’s culture, and I am incredibly proud that we are continuing that legacy for future generations.”

The new classroom replaces an outdated building that served the railway for more than 30 years but lacked essential facilities such as toilets, washrooms and community space.

The modern MIC can accommodate up to 70 people and will be used for training sessions, rotating classes and social events.

It will support the development of skills needed to maintain historic locomotives, carriages and railway infrastructure.

The MIC also marks the first step in a planned heritage skills village, which will offer hands-on learning and pathways to recognised qualifications.

Ian Matthews, managing director of GB sales at Portakabin, said: “This project really demonstrates what modular construction can achieve when the site presents a challenge.

“Transporting the modules through the North York Moors and into position required careful planning, precision and close collaboration with the NYMR team.

“But the installation is only one part of a very large, historical story.

“What makes this project particularly special is what the building will enable.

“It will give people a dedicated place to learn, share knowledge and develop the specialist skills needed to protect railway heritage for years to come.”