A visitor centre at a heritage railway line made famous by the film The Railway Children has been shortlisted for a national award.The Water Tower Visitor Centre at the Keighley and Worth Valley Railway (KWVR) underwent a refurbishment in 2024 and now features audio-visual displays, maps, models, and other exhibits.The Grade II listed building, located at the south-western end of Keighley Station's Platform Four, remains fully operational, with its 30-gallon tank on top still supplying water for steam locomotives.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementJudges for the National Railway Heritage Awards described the centre as a "highly commendable scheme" that brought public access to a previously inaccessible structure.Originally constructed by the Midland Railway in 1883, the ground floor of the building was transformed into a modern visitor centre in 2024.It was funded by £100,000 from the Keighley Towns Fund, with an additional £42,000 from The Railway Heritage Trust.The centre, accessed directly from Platform Four, features exhibits detailing both the history of the five-mile (8km) Worth Valley line from Keighley to Oxenhope and the story of the tower itself.The visitor centre features audio-visual displays, maps and other exhibits [Tom Marshall]Bradford Council said a key part of the centre's design was the inclusion of step-free access, ensuring it was welcoming and accessible to all visitors.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementPortfolio holder for regeneration, transport and planning councillor Alex Ross-Shaw said: "We are delighted the historic water tower building now has a new lease of life while maintaining the crucial purpose for which it was built and it's great to see this excellent project formally recognised."Tim Rogers, chair of Keighley Towns Fund, added: "This is a great example of the work of the towns fund, where we've made a significant difference in a way which will benefit visitors for years to come."The K&WVR is a jewel in Keighley's crown and to be able to support it in such a meaningful way has been a real privilege for us."The award winners will be announced at a ceremony at Merchant Taylor's Hall in London on 3 December.AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementListen to highlights from West Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.More on this storyRailway Children line to get new visitor centreRailway Children line given £1m to rebuild bridgeRelated internet linksKeighley & Worth Valley RailwayBradford Council