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Update 2022 Roof and Crane project
An upgrade to the loco shed was also carried out in 2009, including the installation of roller shutter doors, side windows to improve lighting, and the provision of an enclosed paint shop within the ex-Heaton Mersey building.
===2021 2022 upgrade project===
By 2020 the loco shed roof was leaking and was thought to have only a two year lifespan. Lighting in the works was also considered inadequate, and there was no fit-for-purpose method of moving heavy items. A capital project planned for 2020-2021 was initially put on hold due to the effects of the [[2020 coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic]].<ref>SVR(H) annual report and financial statements for the period ended 5 January 2020</ref> The [[Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust Ltd|Charitable Trust's]] planned appeal in 2020 was deferred for the same reason.<ref>SVR Charitable Trust annual report and financial statements for the period ended 30 June 2020</ref>
The project included:
*A new roof with insulated panels, with at least 15% of which will be translucent to maximise daylight.
*Environmental measures including water harvesting and LED lighting to give full illumination throughout the building.
*Installing an 8-tonne overhead travelling crane, allowing heavy items to be moved safely and with ease.
In September 2021 the Charitable Trust announced the project was to be phased, with the main phase concentrating on the roof and all associated works necessary, including the foundations for the crane and electrical works. The crane would be installed later.
In early 2021 the Charitable Trust launched its "Home and Dry appeal". The project was the subject of the spring 2021 [[:Category:SVR fundraising lotteries|"Home and Dry" raffle]].<ref>SVR News 212, 213</ref><ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/blmar21 Branch Lines, March 2021]</ref>.
The quoted cost of the project escalated. SVR News Winter 2020 quoted a figure of £80,000. The Charitable Trust's planned 2020 appeal had aimed to raise £250,000. The Home and Dry appeal was for a revised project cost of £425,000, later increased to £475,000 because of the 'spiralling cost of steel and additional improvements that are needed inside the works'.<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/blaug21 Branch Lines August 2021]</ref> When the project was phased, the first phase costs amounted to £380,000. By November 2021 phases 1 and 2 of the project were funded and in project delivery, consisting of the roof, electricals, cladding, ground works and civils works. A suitable second-hand 6.3-ton crane with associated steelwork had also been identified.<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/blnov21 Branch Lines November 2021]</ref> On 25 January 2022 the Charitable Trust announced that the whole £475,000 has been raised<ref>[https://www.svr.co.uk/2022/01/25/the-severn-valley-railway-is-home-dry/ SVR Website] (retrieved 18 February 2022</ref>. Although it was intended the crane would be installed later, secured funding allowed the Railway to order a second-hand 6.3 ton capacity crane and supporting steel structure to be installed as part of the works.<ref>[https://www.svrlive.com/blnov21 Branch Lines November 2021]</ref> Contractors arrived on site in April 2022, with areas out of bounds including the main locomotive shed and paint shop. Work was expected to take until August.
==Machine Shop ==
