Reunification
Joining the two surviving halves of the GCR
Reunification is the most exciting railway project in UK railway preservation. We’re connecting two halves of the Great Central – one in Leicestershire, the other in Nottinghamshire. By rebuilding five hundred meters of track, we can create an eighteen-mile heritage line to power the East Midlands tourism economy and be a national showcase for Britain’s railway story.
It will also mean the Great Central has a connection to the national railway network meaning charter trains can arrive. We’ll also be able to build up our railway testing, training and filming work, further boosting the area’s economy.
This is happening! We’ve already completed three parts of this multimillion-pound project and have planning consent to finish the rest. In 2026 we hope to build two more sections provided we can raise the funds. It’s the ultimate people power project so please consider a donation because every pound helps us build more railway and deliver economic benefits to the UK.
Why the Reunification Adventure?
The Adventure
After the GCR was closed in the 1960s, 500 metres of railway which connected long sections of line between Leicestershire and Nottinghamshire was destroyed. We need to rebuild bridges and embankments and relay track. It’s going to cost millions of pounds. With your help we have already raised and spent millions and completed three parts of the project, including an impressive new bridge over the four tracks of Midland Main Line at Loughborough.
When its complete the new railway will be a thrilling heritage attraction with the power to bring in visitors from around the world. It will tell the story of Britain’s railways through the decades for a new generation, right in the heart of the UK.
It is a great social enterprise, connecting communities and providing camaraderie for thousands of volunteers.
Help us build the next 2 stages
Already 90% of target raised
£3,200,000.00
How you can help
Its easy to donate. Click below and make a one off donation online, or even set up a regular monthly contribution. If you prefer, download our latest appeal leaflet to donate using a cheque. Just a few pounds every month soon adds up to a generous gift. A regular income also gives other potential funders confidence in our plans.
You can also text UNIFY to 70970 to donate £5.
(For full terms see: platform.nationalfundingscheme.org/terms-and-conditions)
Thank you for your support. Every pound matters and makes a difference. Together we’re making Reunification happen.
Latest News
Tender process begins to find a contractor
- Reunification
We’re delighted to say we’re now looking for a contractor to build the Factory Flyover phase of Reunification. All being well, we can appoint someone before Christmas 2026, with work starting on site early in 2027. The Factory Flyover phase is actually two sections in one, delivering the elevated viaduct...
Tender time for the Factory Flyover!
- News, Reunification
We’re delighted to announce a significant step forward for the Reunification project. We’re ready to find a contractor to build the next section. As you may know, the ‘Factory Flyover’ is actually two sections in one. It’s the crossing of the factory car park and the bridge over Railway Terrace...
Hotchley Hill signalbox – the latest restoration news
- Reunification
The signalbox at Hotchley Hill is going to be a key location once we have an 18 mile long railway. Trains will pass here and be able to terminate and reverse if required. All that means we need to get the building back on its feet and thanks to the...
Green Signals on Reunification
- Reunification
We were delighted to host the Green Signals podcast team at the Great Central in February and they’ve produced a wonderful video about Reunification. It tells the story of the GCR and how 500 metres of railway went missing, plus the progress being made to put it back. If you’re...
Reunification, June 2026 update
- Reunification
Things are progressing really well as we get ever closer to the construction of the Factory Flyover sections. We’ve signed some key documents, welcomed ecologists and raised lots of funds. First, the ecologists have been on site looking for evidence of Otters and Water Voles in Hermitage Brook. Before we...
Ground investigation update
- Reunification
In summer 2025 we undertook comprehensive ground investigation works, thanks to your fundraising. This quarter of a million pound step means we now have a proper understanding of what’s in the ground beneath our feet – or rather what’s in the ground beneath where the new Reunification line will run....
