Bennerley Viaduct ramp officially open!

Once connecting Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire by rail, the Iron Giant now connects the two counties by foot, with the new ramp providing more accessible access from the Eastern side in Broxtowe. 

The discovery of an old mine shaft and persistent wet weather presented many unexpected challenges, but through determined work from Broxtowe Borough Council and the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct, the ramp is now open for all to enjoy the iconic landmark in full once more.

In the coming months, the site will also gain a new state-of-the-art visitor centre, including a café and an educational space providing a more in depth understanding of the landmark for visitors and any tours or school trips. This will also double up as an exhibition space, which will host a variety of creative works from the local community.

Portfolio Holder for Economic Development and Asset Management, Councillor Milan Radulovic MBE, said, “Bennerley Viaduct is an iconic piece of engineering that helped shape the local area into what it has become today, playing a key role in the area’s mining heritage.

“I’m delighted that we’ve been able to invest in the site, bringing in more visitors from outside of the Borough, but also improving its offer to our residents, which the new ramp is a fantastic example of.”

John Scruton, former Friends of Bennerley Viaduct Chair and Consultant to the Trustees on the project, added, “The Friends of Bennerley Viaduct are thrilled to again have pedestrian and cycle access to the eastern end of the viaduct after frustrating delays with the completion of this project.

“We are very grateful to the Councillors and Officers of Broxtowe Borough Council for their unwavering support and commitment throughout these works. We look forward to the completion of the visitor centre and car park over the next few months as part of the plans for revitalising the area.”

Completed in 1878 and standing 60m above the Erewash valley, Bennerley Viaduct is a marvel of Victorian British engineering and is the longest Victorian wrought iron viaduct in the country - one of only two still standing.

Kimberley Means Business is a programme within the UK Government’s Local Regeneration Fund and is administered by Broxtowe Borough Council, working in partnership with Kimberley Town Council.