The Isle of Wight Steam Railway has confirmed the opening of its new events barn at Havenstreet.
The railway now operates a huge number of special events throughout the year, ranging from the popular annual Steam Show through to the 1940s Experience, Cider & Cheese Festival, Santa Specials and Fright Night.
The new barn offers a large 360sqm facility, giving extra capacity and flexibility. In addition, the building will provide additional undercover seating on wet days, plus much needed extra toilets.
The building was supported by a grant of £116,000 from the European Agricultural Fund for Rural Development. This was supplemented by generous legacies and donations from the railway’s supporters.
Construction commenced in January 2020 and continued throughout the coronavirus shut-down. Work was undertaken by local firm Stoneham Construction based in Havenstreet, supported by a team from Evans Buildings from South Wales, who built the steel frame. The project was managed by Phillip Pike of Island-based Contracting Solutions.
Work was completed just before the railway reopened to the public on 12th July.
Steve Backhouse, General Manager at the Isle of Wight Steam Railway, says:
“We’re delighted that this new facility is now open.
“The construction team has done a great job in unusual circumstances and produced a top-quality building.
“The additional under-cover space will be much appreciated by our visitors, and will allow us to enhance our programme of special events”.
