No, it wasn't an April Fool's gag - it is, apparently, a serious proposal! Indeed, it has been rumbling on for some time now with ever decreasing credibility. I've not seen it mentioned on here anyway, so thought I'd share it for further discussion and/or amusement.
For those with Facebook access, a group has been set up to promote the proposal, which can be found here. This all seems to stem from a petition (here) started by a chap by the name of Neil Kipling (who has his own campaign group, here - make of it what you will) seeking reinstatement of the line between Rillington and Pickering (so far so good) with the main justification being the need for a direct service between York and Whitby. It's unclear whether he's still involved in the above group, but he is still promoting that petition himself.
Anyway, the below quote seems to be the best summary of what is proposed. Note the emboldened section, which I can only take to be an indication that this really is planned as a takeover of the NYMR as it stands, rather than funding enhancements and obtaining running powers. The railway has already released a statement (!) - published somewhere - indicating, broadly, that they're not open to regular through trains over their infrastructure.
For those with Facebook access, a group has been set up to promote the proposal, which can be found here. This all seems to stem from a petition (here) started by a chap by the name of Neil Kipling (who has his own campaign group, here - make of it what you will) seeking reinstatement of the line between Rillington and Pickering (so far so good) with the main justification being the need for a direct service between York and Whitby. It's unclear whether he's still involved in the above group, but he is still promoting that petition himself.
Anyway, the below quote seems to be the best summary of what is proposed. Note the emboldened section, which I can only take to be an indication that this really is planned as a takeover of the NYMR as it stands, rather than funding enhancements and obtaining running powers. The railway has already released a statement (!) - published somewhere - indicating, broadly, that they're not open to regular through trains over their infrastructure.
How very bizarre!VA-GTI is a Hong Kong based International consortium of global partners with operations in Heavy industries, Mining, Chemicals, Medicines, Banking & finance.
One arm of this consortium is moving its operation to Whitby. It is not only a personal choice for that partner but sound economic sense as well. There are obvious tax incentives, grants etc for any company relocating from north to south.
The Oncological Research and development laboratory will be built in Whitby. The partners in this side of the consortium are part of a Chinese SOE and a US based hedge fund. The lab itself is to be built to the highest Eco standards and will include all the necessary Eco technology to make itself sustainable. The building itself will be glass fronted with a Sedum roof. It will include reed ponds and landscaped gardens and will as much as possible be self-sustaining and merge beautifully into the landscape
This in in turn will create local jobs in many fields. Lab technicians, Maintenance, Security, Grounds people are just some of the roles to be created from the local population. Lab tech roles are graduate entry level and therefore training and apprenticeships will be created. Grant schemes will be brought in to for school leavers to attend University for qualifications in medical, research or any other industries that would be beneficial to the area. As has been done previously by the group in the US with Whistle Innovations scheme. This in time will be a big local employer for the local area. Now ask yourself is that good positive news for the local economy?
Oncocogical research into breast cancer and prostate cancer is a multimillion pound industry. In the groups clinical trials Category 4 cancer patients have been up and walking for the past five years.
What you may ask yourself has that got to do with 6 miles of track Between Rillington &Pickering? Nothing ! The two projects are entirely separate but one benefits the other though indirectly.
Another partner in the consortium is in the financial sector buying Mid term and Short term notes. Which generates a lot of money in a very short time suffice to say not tens, not hundreds but millions of pounds. 30% of the money generated from this process which is long and convoluted (do please Google it) is kept by the consortium to reinvest .
70% of the money generated has to be ploughed back into Humanitarian and community projects. The consortium are not allowed by law to keep it. So they have to invest their money in worthwhile schemes and projects, which can in time, show a return. This money is used via Public Private Partnerships to aid humanitarian projects and community projects throughout the world. Whether it be sinking wells for clean drinking water in Africa, Road & bridge building projects. Renewable energy products, clean-up operations in disaster zones such as Louisiana. One of the latest project being the creation of 30 KM stretch of clean water in the Yellow river in China with partners COFCO.
This is the background to the investment potential for the Rillington link project. It should not be looked at as a one off investment either. This 70% capital is created bi-annually. There is the potential to relay brand new double track to mainline standard from a triangle formation at Rillington throughout to Whitby. Including all necessary signalling and ancillaries .On top of this a year round maintenance program can be accommodated with stock upgrades, restoration projects and a commuter and freight service for remote farmers and residents alike. All this can be incorporated and still retain the heritage charm of the NYMR. Creating the first heritage railway capable of operating to mainline standards. This in turn would make it an excellent destination for Railtours and Mainline steam operators.
All,Volunteers and the ongoing projects of the NYMR would be retained and enriched. All steam and Diesel heritage trains will run as normal with potential for extended services.
A new station is also in the planning for Flamingo land making it a direct National rail served destination, theme park and resort.
The centre of Pickering will not be destroyed as other routes have been identified
The potential to create something really special exists whilst retaining all the hard work and loyalty the NYMR has built up in its long history. There is nothing to fear from this and it does make excellent economic and commercial sense for all concerned. Lets get some doors opened and start talking