SEVERN Valley railway has taken a major step towards making Kidderminster’s Comberton Hill the hub of its operations.

The heritage railway company has agreed a 25-year lease with Wyre Forest District Council, which will see the first floor of 1 Comberton Place renovated to provide office accommodation for Severn Valley Railway, Holdings, Guarantee and Charitable Trust activities.

The building has 3,000 sq ft of accommodation, which will provide a new home for employees as well as SVR volunteers and co-ordinators. It will also be the base for Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust and the Heritage Skills Training Academy co-ordinator.

Nick Ralls, SVR general manager, said: “The new premises mean we that our employees and volunteers will benefit from being together under one roof so we can provide the best service to customers in person.

“Passengers will be able to phone and book any SVR service with one call. The offices are accessible for all employees, being only 50 yards from Kidderminster station, and will provide a central location for visitors and volunteers.

“Kidderminster town will have an extra boost to its economy from the increase in occupants to the building on Comberton Hill.

“The move will also mean we can start on plans to improve and upgrade the station at Bewdley as we will have freed up space there. This will benefit both our own employees, local people and visitors, who enjoy the Severn Valley Railway from around the UK and from overseas.”

Labour councillor Jamie Shaw, the district council’s member champion for connectivity, said: “SVR already have a long and established presence in this area and it is great to see this part of our heritage being further sealed by a long-term plan for growth and development to the railway.

“The SVR is a valued tourist attraction and an important part of our connection infrastructure so this move for SVR is good news for Wyre Forest.”

Conservative councillor John Campion, leader of the district council, said: “We are pleased that the lease is now signed for SVR at the offices at Comberton Place.

“The council has assisted the SVR to make this move by granting them rate relief on the property, which demonstrates our commitment to working with local organisations for the long-term benefit of Wyre Forest.”

Building work at Comberton Place will be completed this year, with the move planned for early 2014.