Rother Valley Railway Trust Launches Major Appeal to Complete Station Facilities at Robertsbridge

The Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust is this week launching a major Buildings Appeal, seeking to raise £350,000 to complete essential facilities at Robertsbridge Junction Station, including the construction of a new locomotive shed and servicing facilities.

The launch marks the next step in the ambitious project to reconnect Robertsbridge with Tenterden, restoring the final 'missing link' on the historic Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR). The station will become the western terminus of the line when the final extension from Bodiam is fully opened in 2028.

Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Phase 1 - the £500,000 station building - is now structurally complete and the interior fit-out is underway. When finished, it will house a traditional-style booking office, souvenir shop, and light refreshments area. The northern end already boasts fully fitted public toilets which the Trust claims are: "probably the best" to be found on any UK heritage railway.

Work is also progressing on a new access route from the car park, including a wheelchair-accessible ramp and landscaping, due for completion in Spring 2026.

The Trust is therefore moving its fundraising focus to Phase 2: the construction of a new locomotive shed and servicing complex, which will provide key facilities for the line operations.

The building programme will include six core elements: covered accommodation for locomotives; inspection pits; fuelling points for steam and diesel engines; staff rest and washroom facilities; public viewing areas, and solar panels to reduce long-term energy costs. These important facilities will support a flexible and efficient heritage train service from Robertsbridge to Tenterden, says the Trust, benefiting both visitors and passengers.

The total cost of the project has been calculated at £600,000, of which over £250,000 has already been secured through gifts and grants. The new appeal is seeking to raise the remaining £350,000 to complete the task.

The Trust has maximised the ways in which supporters can contribute to the Building Appeal - from making one-off donations of any amount to providing significant upfront amounts to committing to monthly giving. For these two latter options, four special donor packages have been created - Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum – that can be explored at rvr.org.uk/fundraising. 

Each package offers unique recognition and rewards - including certificates, tickets for inaugural journeys, and invitations to special donor events - once donor contributions reach the full qualifying amount. In addition, Platinum donors - making gifts of a minimum of £8,000 - will receive a limited-edition print of an original painting by local artist Matthew Cousins.

Supporters can subscribe via direct debit, make a payment online or download a donation form from the website which, once completed, can be returned by post.  Forms can also be obtained by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Appeals Director at Robertsbridge Junction Station.

Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust Appeals Director Helen Douglas said: "The heart of our mission has always been about partnership – a partnership between donors, volunteers, and enthusiasts, who not only believe in preserving railway history but in building a strong future. That future will see communities reunited and bring benefits to local economies as new visitors arrive via the national rail network to explore the many attractions of this beautiful area – from the picturesque town of Tenterden to the historic castle at Bodiam. Every donation, large or small, truly matters, bringing us closer to achieving that goal and making our long-held dream a reality."

Rother Valley Railway Chairman Mike Hart said: "The new facilities at Robertsbridge will not only serve as the western operational hub of the extended railway but as a lasting legacy of what can be achieved through collective effort. Outstanding progress has been made, but we now need everyone's help to finish the job. These new facilities are crucial to ensuring Robertsbridge is ready to welcome its first passengers when the extended line opens in 2028."

Donations from UK tax payers are eligible for Gift Aid, increasing their value to the Trust by a further 25 per cent.