The Severn Valley Railway (SVR) is launching a share offer worth £3 million to secure the railway’s future for the next 50 years.
The heritage line is looking to build a new visitor centre, establish an engineering training academy and restore the historic Hagley Hall locomotive, which hasn’t worked for more than 23 years.
This year the SVR marked the 150th anniversary of the first public train to operate on the line.
In 2015, rail bosses and enthusiasts will also celebrate 50 years since the start of the campaign to restore the line and open it as a heritage railway.
On October 1, three million shares costing £1 each will be offered to investors.
In a statement officially announcing the fundraising scheme, SVR said: “Feedback from shareholders, supporters and volunteers suggests that the time is right for the board to embark on a major investment programme to prepare the railway for the next 50 years.
“We are offering the opportunity to anyone with a keen interest in the railway to invest in its future and own a part of this growing national treasure.”
