an imaginative garden area with pathways, three bridges and two ponds with a
renewable energy message. It will exhibit as much fauna & flora as possible,
reminding visitors of the importance of bio-diversity. Last but not least, it will be
a picnic area to serve Railworld’s target of 50,000 visitors pa.
4. Future displays at Railworld are likely to address the phenomena of man-
made Climate Change and how it relates to the need for sustainable transport;
the characteristics, performance and environmental impact of different transport
modes; the benefits and role of rail in sustainable transport systems; examples
of state-of-the-art technology; there may be opportunity (with mfgs & research
centres) to display prototype products and future ideas; displays that convey the
facts and economic scale of transport and its different modes; examples of multi
-modal best practice; rail industry ‘Interoperability’, the problems and solutions;
the impact of electronic systems for passenger and freight performance. The
scope is huge; exhibitions and showcases are kaleidoscopic, only their space
is finite. Delineation between ‘Sustainable Transport Centre’ and ‘Showcase for
Rail’ will vary, rest with management, and who pays the piper! Once established,
Railworld’s Showcase might for some companies complement the burgeoning
field of rail trade shows. Room will be found to replicate Railworld’s star
attraction since 1993, a model railway with environmental messages.
5. In 1996 the Railway Industry Association wrote, “Railworld’s objective, to build
a permanent railway exhibition and conference centre reflecting the importance
of railways, as part of the transport infrastructure, has our support. Such a
facility is not currently available to the industry and would be of benefit to our
members in promoting their products and services to an international audience.
Railworld’s planned function, as an industry focus and pro-active reference point
for the media and public, could likewise benefit the industry. …enticing people
out of their cars is going to be extremely difficult, but is essential if we are to
tackle the twin problems of road congestion and environmental pollution.
Informing the public of the attractions that a modern, efficient public transport
system can offer them, and promoting the image of rail as a transport mode for
the 21st rather than the 19th century is another area where Railworld could make
a significant contribution. ..RIA is therefore pleased to offer Railworld its support
in principle...” A decade on the scene has changed; Derby is tipped to be the
site of a £15m rail business centre. Railworld’s niche is its strong environmental
Element and populist “hearts and minds” role. Meanwhile we appreciate The
Railway Forum’s interest in Railworld.
