East Lancs railway Summary

Rawtenstall improvements
The 2008 Strategy recognised the importance of
Rawtenstall as a key destination along the railway
line, providing visitors with reasons to either start
their visit at the station, or break their journey
and extend their trip to the area. Substantial
improvements to the station at Rawtenstall over the
last decade have included: the opening of Buffer
Stops Bar, a real ale pub at the station; a new café
in a restored railway carriage; and new signage
directing visitors to attractions in and around the
town. The Buffer Stops Bar currently ranks top on
TripAdvisor’s nightspots in Rawtenstall and won the
CAMRA Local Pub award in 2016.
There is also evidence of regeneration in the
area immediately adjacent to the station which is
having a positive impact on the visitor experience.
In particular, Station House, a former mill building
which sits on Station Court, has been restored and
includes The Firepit restaurant and bar, as well as
new offices.
In 2017, the ELR submitted a planning application for a
£600,000 major redevelopment of the station, which will
include the installation of a heritage canopy and a new
permanent café. The Council also has plans to work with
the railway to introduce additional marketing, including
posters in some of the carriages, new signage at all
stations, heritage billboards at Irwell Vale and Rawtenstall
and information about walking routes.
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