The FGSJ have been introduced to a project set up by the Friends of the Jamaica National Railway who are a group of U.K. rail enthusiasts. They are hoping 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.
In 2022, an FGSJ team made an initial visit to the station, hosted by the Works Manager, Mr Howell.
In March 2023, the team made a second visit.
Peregrine Bryant and Alex Valmarana worked on a basic condition survey and review of the buildings. They helped to identify available spaces which could be used as accommodation by volunteers from the UK and elsewhere to work on the railway.
Brent Fortenberry, Director of Historic Preservation, Tulane University, carried out a laser scan of the buildings. One day, a group from UTech (University of Technology), mostly first year Land Surveyors with three architects, visited to see the laser scanning in action.
Dr Brent Fortenberry and UTech students
For more information about the UK volunteer project:
The opening of the Jamaica Railway – Kingston Terminus (based on an 1843 print), 1968 painting
