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 2 more phases in 2026
Already 75% of target raised
£3,500,000.00
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
Ground investigation work underway
- Reunification
Contractors are on the site of the Great Central Railway’s ambitious Reunification project carrying out three weeks of work, to assess ground conditions. Fresh from the granting of planning consent which will allow the line to go ahead with the work, contractors moved onto site for the ground investigation programme....
Planning permission granted!
- Reunification
We’ve just taken an incredible step forward. We have planning permission! We are clear to go ahead and build every remaining piece of Reunification – the urban viaduct, the railway terrace bridge, the Preci Spark car park crossing and the upgrade of the old embankment on the north side of...
Computer graphic magic
- Reunification
Ready to experience Reunification already? While we wait for planning consent and the construction teams, these new computer images will allow you to see how the whole project comes together. From the north of the canal bridge to the A60 road bridge, the whole 500 metre link line is shown...
Reunification, the story so far
- Reunification
Welcome to our brand new website. This is the place to find the latest official news for the Reunification project. We want to reconnect two halves of the Great Central Railway by rebuilding 500 metres of railway. Joining the lines will create an 18 mile railway between the north of...
