NRM addresses concerns over longer walk to museum, reports MAXINE GORDON
YORK'S National Railway Museum (NRM) has acknowledged concerns about the longer walk visitors currently face to reach the attraction and says it is continuing to work with partners to improve the journey while a major transformation project is under way.
The response comes after visitors raised concerns about the temporary route to the museum's entrance in Leeman Road, with some describing the walk as difficult, particularly for those with mobility issues, young children or health conditions.
In a statement, a National Railway Museum spokesperson said the current arrangements were only temporary and were necessary while large-scale redevelopment works continued across the site.
The spokesperson said: “We appreciate that the route to the museum is longer while we work to transform our site and we are working closely with our partners to minimise the impact on visitors.
“The current walking route is a temporary measure for visitors via Hudson Boulevard which is maintained by Homes England. We continue to actively work with our partners on exploring options to improve the journey to the museum.”
The comments follow ongoing debate among museum visitors about the revised route, which requires pedestrians approaching from York city centre or the railway station to walk around the perimeter of the site rather than using the former direct access route.
Some visitors have welcomed the route as manageable and well-signposted, while others have questioned whether more could be done to support people making the journey during periods of hot weather or poor conditions.
The museum already operates a road train service between York Minster and the museum entrance, and there are benches along parts of the route. However, some visitors have suggested additional measures, such as more frequent transport links or sheltered rest areas, could help make the walk more comfortable.
Read next:
- 'I thought it was closed' - visitors speak of NRM access issues during heatwave
- 'We tried walking to York's NRM but gave up halfway in the heat'
- 'Not everyone can manage': Longer walk to National Railway Museum divides visitors
- They queued down Leeman Road: 50 years of the National Railway Museum in photos
The museum said improvements were ultimately linked to its wider redevelopment programme, which includes construction of a new entrance building known as Central Hall.
According to the National Railway Museum, Central Hall will provide a more direct route from York Railway Station and improve accessibility across the site.
The spokesperson said: “As part of our wider transformation, we are constructing a new entrance building, Central Hall, which will create a more direct route to the museum from York Railway Station, connect all of the museum’s buildings and provide level access throughout the museum for the first time, creating a more accessible and welcoming space.
“We will release further information about when Central Hall will open as the programme develops.”
The National Railway Museum, one of York's most popular visitor attractions, is currently undergoing its biggest transformation in a generation. Museum bosses have previously said the work is intended to improve accessibility, create new visitor facilities and better connect different parts of the site.
For now, visitors are being encouraged to follow the signed temporary route while work continues.
The NRM has details and a map of the route on its website: www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/visit/travel-information
What do you think?
Feel strongly about an issue? Write us a letter. Please write no more than 250 words and you must provide your full name, address and mobile number. Send your views by email to: letters@thepress.co.uk
Write a comment
Join the debate and leave a comment in our comments section below this article – we may use your comments for a follow up article.
Share