Keir Starmer has announced an additional £3 million in government funding to unlock the next major phase of the National Railway Museum’s transformation in York.
The Prime Minister confirmed the financial boost today to help the museum, which is part of the Science Museum Group, cover rising costs linked to the complex process of closing down and ‘stopping-up’ Leeman Road. The road previously cut directly through the museum site, splitting the attraction in half.
With the extra investment secured, museum bosses have confirmed they are ready to sign the main construction contract for the flagship Central Hall project within a matter of days, with building work scheduled to kick off next month. Designed by award-winning architects Feilden Fowles, the striking circular structure will reference historic locomotive roundhouses and provide level, step-free access throughout the entire museum for the first time.
Inside, the new hub will act as a modern welcome centre and feature dynamic exhibition areas, including the ‘Railway Futures: The Porterbrook Gallery’. The interactive space will focus on innovation and show visitors how emerging technologies are shaping the future of rail travel.
The completed Central Hall will sit at the cultural heart of York Central, a massive 45-hectare brownfield regeneration project. The scheme is currently transforming underused railway land into a brand-new city quarter featuring residential neighbourhoods, civic spaces, and commercial real estate.
During a press briefing, Sir Keir Starmer praised the museum, calling it “fantastic” and “part of who we are as a country”.
Speaking to journalists, the Prime Minister said:
“It’s a fantastic museum…It’s a great set-up and part of who we are as a country. I’m really pleased we’ve been able to put forward this money – and I look forward to visiting myself but also thinking about all of the people who will be visiting in the future and the experiences they will have.”
Craig Bentley, Director of the National Railway Museum, said:
“Thanks to the Prime Minister’s announcement today we can look forward to signing the contract for our ambitious Central Hall project within days, with construction beginning next month. By investing in the museum’s transformation, the Government is not only supporting changes that will engage hundreds of thousands more visitors with Britain’s railway heritage, it is also driving growth and opportunity for the city of York and the wider region.”
