Works to Begin at Talyllyn Railway

Talyllyn Railway, the world’s first preserved railway, is undergoing major regeneration. ‘Preserving our Past, Building our Future’ is an ambitious project to improve the facilities that support the railway itself, ensuring that it continues to operate for many years to come.

In January 2026, The National Lottery Heritage Fund (NLHF) announced a landmark £3.6million grant for extensive regeneration of the Railway.

HPA have worked with Talyllyn Railway since 2023, following their successful application to the NLHF, from which they received initial funding towards the redevelopment at Tywyn Pendre and Tywyn Wharf, under the title of ‘Preserving our Past, Building our Future’.

Since the grant to carry out the works was awarded in January, the Talyllyn team have been extremely busy working on getting this transformative project up and running, and earlier this week, General Manager Operations, Liz Porrett, and Fundraising Officer, Ian Drummond, provided a video update from the iconic Loco Office at Tywyn Pendre.

Behind the Scenes

Liz explained that since the grant was awarded in January, she and the wider Talyllyn team have been working with the relevant third parties and government bodies, ‘putting everything in place in order to sign on the dotted line’.

As well as working through paperwork in advance of work starting, Talyllyn has also made two appointments, both project managers to lead on the project. Hugh has a wealth of experience in the construction industry and Carys has worked on many National Lottery Heritage Fund projects and knows the importance of the social value that comes with that.

What happens next?

Talyllyn Railway has now been granted official permission to start works! This means that the team can now look to appoint the relevant contractors and hope to start on site in autumn 2026.

Liz and Ian explained as part of their YouTube video update, that they must be flexible in their approach to timings, and work methodically to ensure they are putting the needs of members and visitors first. This is a very exciting development for Talyllyn Railway, and HPA looks forward to continuing to support them on such a monumental project.

HPA and Talyllyn Railway

HPA will continue to support Talyllyn as the project progresses, and we look forward to seeing their ambitious plans come to life.

As well as supporting Talyllyn Railway, one of HPA’s significant achievements has been the restoration and expansion of the South Tynedale Railway. Established in 1983, this narrow-gauge steam railway has become a beloved heritage and conservation attraction, and the plans for the Talyllyn Railway will see HPA’s expertise put to use once again.

HPA have also worked with the National Tramway Museum undertaking feasibility studies which then went on to successful funding bids, further cementing our knowledge and expertise in the transport sector.

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