A former 1958-built signal box on the West Coast Main Line has been repurposed to serve as a Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics classroom for young students.

The type 15 signal box signalled trains and controlled the neighbouring level crossing on one of the UK’s major main lines for 55 years before being taken out of service in 2023 following a re-signalling programme.

Fast forward three years, and the signal box has now become known as ‘Box on The Bay’, and has the latest project to be completed by the multi-award-winning Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership, also known as The Bentham Line.

Opened on the 10th of July 2026, by Network Rail’s Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager, Amelia Routledge, with other guests from the rail industry, students and staff from St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School, Heysham, enjoyed taking part in the first lessons and activities held within this unique classroom. The lessons included railway safety and bridge construction. The signal box also has real-time train information, which can be followed live.

Schools within the local area of the Bentham Line are being encouraged to join the ‘Box on the Bay’ and should contact the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership.

“A first-of-its-kind project. It was really exciting to see the decommissioned signal box turn into an educational centre that the communities can use and benefit from”.

Amelia Routledge Infrastructure Maintenance Delivery Manager at Network Rail

“it has been a genuine pleasure to work together with Network Rail North West and Central to create this unique space for education about the railway and Morecambe Bay”. “I would also like to express my sincere thanks to the train operators Avanti West Coast, TransPennine Express, Northern and CrossCountry for creating a community funding pot  and for offering in-kind support for the project”.

Gerald Townson, Chairman of the Leeds-Morecambe Community Rail Partnership

“This workspace brings the learning from inside the classroom into a real-life perspective in such a wonderful environment”.

Alison Dodd, Headteacher of St. Peter’s Church of England Primary School at Heysham

“The location is just absolutely brilliant.

A core subject for bringing the children here is rail safety, part of the National Curriculum, and I can’t emphasise enough that you won’t find a better location for talking and learning about it.”

Brian Haworth from the Community Rail Partnership