The FGSJ were introduced to a project set up by the Friends of the Jamaica National Railway, a group of U.K. rail enthusiasts. They are aiming to restore the Kingston Railway Station and, at least, a short length of track.
It is hoped that, initially, the track will connect the railway station to Culture Yard, Trench Town thereby facilitating and encouraging visitors to this important site connected with Bob Marley. A museum is planned for the railway station.
An FGSJ team has visited Kingston Railway Station each year since 2022. Visits have been hosted by the Works Manager, and the FGSJ is working with the University of Technology (UTech).
In 2023, an FGSJ team produced a basic condition survey and review of the buildings. The team helped to identify available spaces which could be used as accommodation by volunteers from the UK and elsewhere to work on the railway. A lidar scan was carried out of most the buildings. UTech students, mostly first year Land Surveyors with three architects, visited to see the laser scanning in action. It is hoped that UTech students will convert the scan documentation into CAD format.
Dr Brent Fortenberry (now of Louisiana State University) and UTech students, 2023
For more information about the UK volunteer project:
