Rother Valley Railway Trust launches major appeal to complete
station facilities at Robertsbridge
The Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust is this week launching a major Buildings Appeal, seeking to raise £350,000 to complete essential facilities at Robertsbridge Junction Station, including the construction of a new locomotive shed and servicing facilities.
RVR: taking the next step in reconnecting Robertsbridge with Tenterden
Photo by Alan Crotty
The launch marks the next step in the ambitious project to reconnect Robertsbridge with Tenterden, restoring the final “missing link” on the historic Kent & East Sussex Railway (K&ESR). The station will become the western terminus of the line when the final extension from Bodiam is fully opened in 2028.
Thanks to the generosity of supporters, Phase 1—the £500,000 station building—is now structurally complete, with interior fit-out underway. When finished, it will house a traditional-style booking office, souvenir shop, and light refreshments area. The northern end already features fully fitted public toilets, which the Trust claims are: “probably the best” to be found on any UK heritage railway.
Work is also progressing on a new access route from the car park, including a wheelchair-accessible ramp and landscaping, scheduled for completion in Spring 2026.
The Trust is now focusing its fundraising efforts on Phase 2: the construction of a new locomotive shed and servicing complex, which will provide essential facilities for line operations.
The building programme will include six core elements:
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Covered accommodation for locomotives
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Inspection pits
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Fuelling points for steam and diesel engines
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Staff rest and washroom facilities
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Public viewing areas
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Solar panels to reduce long-term energy costs
These facilities will support a flexible and efficient heritage train service from Robertsbridge to Tenterden, benefiting both visitors and passengers, says the Trust.
The total cost of Phase 2 is estimated at £600,000, of which over £250,000 has already been secured through gifts and grants. The new appeal seeks to raise the remaining £350,000 to complete the project.
The Trust has maximised ways for supporters to contribute to the Building Appeal—from one-off donations of any size to larger upfront contributions or monthly giving commitments. For these options, four special donor packages have been created—Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Platinum—which can be explored at rvr.org.uk/fundraising.
Each donor package offers unique recognition and rewards - including certificates, tickets for inaugural journeys, and invitations to special donor events - once contributions reach the full qualifying amount. In addition, Platinum donors making gifts of a minimum of £8,000 will receive a limited-edition print of an original painting by local artist Matthew Cousins.
Supporters can contribute via direct debit, make a payment online, or download a donation form from the website. Completed forms can be returned by post, or obtained by sending a stamped self-addressed envelope to the Appeals Director at Robertsbridge Junction Station.
Rother Valley Railway Heritage Trust Appeals Director Helen Douglas said:
"The heart of our mission has always been about partnership – a partnership between donors, volunteers, and enthusiasts, who not only believe in preserving railway history but in building a strong future. That future will see communities reunited and bring benefits to local economies as new visitors arrive via the national rail network to explore the many attractions of this beautiful area – from the picturesque town of Tenterden to the historic castle at Bodiam. Every donation, large or small, truly matters, bringing us closer to achieving that goal and making our long-held dream a reality."
Rother Valley Railway Chairman Mike Hart said:
"The new facilities at Robertsbridge will not only serve as the western operational hub of the extended railway but as a lasting legacy of what can be achieved through collective effort. Outstanding progress has been made, but we now need everyone’s help to finish the job. These new facilities are crucial to ensuring Robertsbridge is ready to welcome its first passengers when the extended line opens in 2028."
Donations from UK taxpayers are eligible for Gift Aid, increasing their value to the Trust by a further 25 per cent.