Reunification, June 2026 update

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 can build we need to satisfy routine, but important planning conditions to show local wildlife is being monitored. Surveys have been carried out to look for Otter rest sites (which are protected). There is no evidence of Water Voles in the brook.

The brook runs right alongside the majority of the new infrastructure. In the next stage we’re building, the southern most abutment for the new Railway Terrace bridge (also the northern most abutment of the future urban viaduct) will stand not far from its bank.

Three key documents have been signed, the first to confirm the continuation of our partnership with Cass Hayward, our design partners and advisors. Second, we’ve agreed with our very good neighbours PreciSpark that we can continue to access their car park and build a railway over it. Third, we’re entering into an undertaking with Network Rail not to damage the new main line bridge as we build right alongside it.

Fundraising is going very well indeed. We now have £2.9m banked. You might remember we were chasing £3.5m, but the even better news is, now we have paid for the design work carried out by Cass Hayward, the target we need to reach has shrunk. With money coming in all the time, we are closer than ever to sending our plans out to tender. Indeed conversations have begun with interested contractors.

We continue to let all our local stakeholders know about the project, building relationships and looking for help with raising funds. We were delighted to welcome the Mayor of the East Midlands Claire Ward to the Nottingham Transport Heritage Centre during the Flying Scotsman event. Local councillors from Rushcliffe joined us too and were clearly able to see the potential of the site and the number of people the locomotive attracted.

Staying on the northern section, following a successful application to the Department for Transport, a limited schedule of evening trains can run from Ruddington to Loughborough. This will help build the business and support the local economy in the short term and of course will be important when we are routinely timetabling across 18 miles.

Finally, a fundraising dinner held on the 28th of May has brought over £10,000 of funding to the project. Thank you to everyone who came along, brought raffle tickets and bid for items in the auction. Your support is really making the difference and will be hugely important as we look forward to seeing work underway again.