New visitor centre nears completion at huge 'Iron Giant' of the Erewash Valley

THE trustees of a historic landmark have given a major update about a new visitor centre.

- By LAUREN MONAGHAN

Bennerley Viaduct in Ilkeston could open in October, according to Trustees for Friends of Bennerley Viaduct.

Work is well under way to build the new centre at the “landmark” bridge over the River Erewash near Awsworth.

The pppular Grade II-listed structure - built from 1877 to 1878 in the age of steam, iron and coal - is known as The Iron Giant of the Erewash Valley.

It was built by the Great Northern Railway to carry the Friargate Line from Nottingham to Derby and is the longest Victorian wrought iron viaduct in England - one of two still standing, 20 metres above the valley of the River Erewash and a quarter of a mile long.

Trains stopped using the bridge in the 1960s and it became derelict. But the Friends of Bennerley Viaduct took over its care.

In 2022, the landmark was reopened to the public for walking, cycling and exploring.