Hockley Viaduct - TrustNews March 08
The viaduct, 2,014 ft (614m) long with 33 arches, once linked the Didcot, Newbury and Southampton railway with the the Great Western Railway, and was in use for passenger traffic until 1960, and freight until 1966.
Most local people know about Hockley Viaduct and its importance to the British cause during the Second World War, and perhaps also the fact that it is the oldest known major structure in Britain built of concrete and then faced with brick. It's owned by Winchester City Council which until now has felt unable to spend any money on its upkeep. Representations were made to central government to have the Viaduct listed due to these two important aspects of its existence, but the application was turned down. The City Council has now decided that upkeep of the Viaduct is essential and there are plans afoot to make it accessible to the general public for walking, bike riding and so on.
A small group of Winchester men have spent much time and effort trying to save this railway bridge, and have now decided to create a society of the Friends of Hockley Viaduct open to anyone who has an interest in Hampshire's history and relevance during the last war. The annual subscription is only £5.00 and the fact that there will be a large number of people interested in saving this structure may well help to change the minds of those in authority as to its present day importance.
Please join us now at the start of this new venture to save a well-known and loved landmark in our area – the more people who join us the more chance we have of persuading the City Council of the Viaduct's importance to us and our surroundings.