DERBYSHIRE Wildlife Trust has revealed plans to turn an historic former railway station site into a £2million visitors centre and cafe complex.
National park officers have backed the bid to transform run-down buildings at Millers Dale Station into a key attraction on the forthcoming £3.8million Bakewell to Buxton cycleway.
Trust marketing development manager Jane Proctor said: "It's such a fascinating site, which once had four railway lines plus lots of quarrying activity. But at the minute, other than using the public loos on the site, there is very little to do there.
"We want to make the place loved again. This project would give people the chance to get a sandwich and a drink, but also learn about the history of the area.
"There is a big derelict engine shed and we want to put a roof back on that and use it as a two-storey interpretation centre for people to learn just how great the White Peak is," she said.
The 14,200-member trust also wants to restore the station platform's canopy, improve access, renovate the toilets and encourage visitors to visit the adjoining Millers Dale Quarry nature reserve, which it currently manages.
Miss Proctor added: "We have been working towards this for five years. Initially we didn't know about the cycle route, but that's been rather good timing.
"We don't think the centre will increase road traffic as it is marketed very much towards people travelling on foot, horse or bike between Bakewell and Buxton."
The Peak District National Park Authority will consider whether to support the trust's vision - and lease it the site - at a meeting at Aldern House in Bakewell at 10am on Friday.
Head of property services Matthew Croney said: "This will greatly enhance facilities for visitors to the Wye Valley, focusing on cyclists using the Monsal Trail.
"The facility will be targeted at existing visitors and those passing on the trail. It will not be seeking to attract further car-borne visitors."
Mr Croney praised the trust's management of the quarry reserve and its success in recruiting motivated volunteers to conserve the site and educate visitors.
He added: "It is considered that suitable visitor facilities on such a key site on the Monsal Trail would clearly best be provided by an organisation with land management interests and the ability to invest in the Wye Valley area.
"The trust owns the adjoining wildlife reserves of Priestcliffe Lees and Chee Dale, and leases the authority's Millers Dale Quarry.
By Danny Carden Buxton Advertiser
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