Network Rail supporting new Heritage Park with donations of materials and expert advice
Work on the development of a heritage park within the former Prestongrange Colliery and Brickworks between Prestonpans and Musselburgh has received a major boost with the donation of materials and expertise from Network Rail.
Summers-Inman Construction & Property Consultants, who were appointed as Employers Agent for the two phases of work at this site, facilitated the charitable donation by Network Rail to the Heritage Park via a network of industry contacts.
Michael Pollock, Director, Summers-Inman explained: “We approached the Development Manager at Network Rail Alliance via a contact from a previous project and when they heard about our work at Prestongrange they were keen to provide some support. The gifting of redundant materials and the advice they have provided thus far has been invaluable in planning and completing this element of the project and we are very grateful to all those at Network Rail who have been involved.”
The erection of a new Engine Shed on site has been greatly helped by Network Rail’s donation of rails, sleepers and all associated pads, fastenings and bolts to lay up to 300m of rail track. They also provided the required plant and heavy haulage to load, deliver and offload the materials and provided practical advice to the shed building contractor on appropriate laying of track.
Later this year Network Rail will be providing assistance of around 15-20 staff for two days, along with all tools and heavy plant to lay the tracks that are stored at Prestongrange.
Cabinet spokesperson for Community Wellbeing, Cllr Colin McGinn, said: “Network Rail’s support of materials and expertise has been greatly appreciated and welcomed. It’s very fitting that the knowledge and expertise of the teams who own, repair and develop the UK’s current railway infrastructure can support the ambitions of this heritage park acknowledging the importance of rail in our industrial past. I also understand that Network Rail’s support will continue into the future as Prestongrange develops further with possible extensions of tracks showcasing some of the engines.”