Portakabin has delivered a new Mutual Improvement Classroom (MIP) for the North Yorkshire Moors Railway (NYMR), creating a dedicated space for railway staff, volunteers and learners to share and develop the specialist skills needed to preserve Britain’s railway heritage.

But getting the new facility into place was a project in itself.

Located in Grosmont within the North Yorkshire Moors, the site presented a unique logistical challenge. The modular buildings had to be transported through some of the National Park’s most remote roads, carefully navigating narrow routes, strong winds and overgrown hedgerows, while minimising disruption and protecting the surrounding environment – no easy feat.

Back in February, having made their way across the moors, the modules were then driven along the currently closed railway track to reach their final installation site. They were then carefully craned into position over a two-day period, requiring meticulous planning, coordination and precision.

The new facility replaces an ageing classroom that had served the railway for more than 30 years. The previous building had played its own part in the history of the MIC, but was no longer fit for purpose, with poor conditions in both winter and summer and no dedicated toilet, washroom or community facilities. The new MIC marks the next, exciting chapter in that railway story.

The new MIC by Portakabin provides a modern environment where staff, volunteers and members of other heritage railways can learn, share knowledge and develop the specialist skills required to maintain historic locomotives, carriages and railway infrastructure. Within the new facility there is space for up to 70 people who can access training sessions, rotating classes and social events.

For NYMR, preserving these skills is fundamental to its role as a leading heritage railway and museum. The organisation shares its expertise with other industrial and heritage railway organisations, as well as train operating and rail network organisations. All this shared learning will help ensure specialist knowledge continues to be passed on across the sector.

The new MIC will also form the first phase of a wider heritage skills village, creating opportunities for learners to work towards recognised qualifications, develop transferable heritage skills, gain practical experience in a “live-in” site environment and learn alongside qualified and experienced craftspeople.

Laura Strangeway, CEO at NYMR said: “As someone who is passionate about both preserving our heritage and securing our future, the opening of the MIC was a particularly special day - it represents the very best of our industry’s culture, and I am incredibly proud that we are continuing that legacy for future generations.”

For Portakabin, the project demonstrates how modular buildings can provide much more than additional accommodation. They can create specialist spaces for learning, training and skills development that can be tailored to the needs of different organisations and can be delivered in the most challenging locations.

Ian Matthews, Managing Director of GB Sales at Portakabin commented: “This project really demonstrates what modular construction can achieve when the site presents a challenge. Transporting the modules through the North York Moors and into position required careful planning, precision and close collaboration with the NYMR team.

“But the installation is only one part of a very large, historical story. What makes this project particularly special is what the building will enable. It will give people a dedicated place to learn, share knowledge and develop the specialist skills needed to protect railway heritage for years to come.”

Whether it’s a classroom, training centre, workshop or specialist working environment, modular buildings can provide flexible spaces, designed specifically around the varied needs of organisations. The MIC is a great example of how Portakabin can create the right environment for the right people, even in challenging locations.

With the new MIC now in use, having officially opening its doors in July, NYMR can continue its longstanding tradition to have railway people learning from one another, whilst creating a modern environment fit for the next generation of heritage railway skills.