Exciting Lottery bid set to elevate Bennerley Viaduct experience
Exciting plans are under way to transform the visitor experience at Bennerley Viaduct, as an application is submitted to the National Heritage Lottery Fund for a £250,000 project set to begin in 2026.
At the heart of the new proposal is a commitment to bring the viaduct’s remarkable story to life. For too long, there has been little interpretation about its history or the lives of those who built and lived alongside it. The project will introduce interactive, family-focused interpretation and robust multimedia content and digital tours, designed with experienced specialists to ensure it is both accessible and resilient. The scheme aims to become a case study in how sensitive or at-risk heritage sites can successfully deliver interactive experiences.
The plans also include widening parts of the viaduct footpath to improve cycle access, reduce bottlenecks and create a safer, more flexible space for events. The elevated walkway, described as a remarkable “sky platform”, offers unique opportunities to explore local wildlife. Home to rare species including great crested newts, the site will be able to host more dawn chorus walks, bat nights and bug hunts, as well as expanded guided tours.
The widened platform will resolve long-standing access challenges for walkers, cyclists and visitors with mobility needs. It will also open the door to new activities, from performances to outdoor cinema, while generating vital income to help secure the site’s long-term sustainability.
Completing the fundraising programme for a circular walking route with a new footbridge over the River Erewash will further enhance the visitor journey. A redesigned website will broaden the viaduct’s reach, support members and introduce an online shop, helping to strengthen community connections.
Together, these improvements will mark an important milestone in Bennerley Viaduct’s evolution — growing from a successful conservation project into a sustainable heritage destination that connects people with nature, history and each other for generations to come.
