New Derbyshire attraction ‘cannot proceed’ for number of reasons

The Great British Car Journey had been expected to launch at the site of the former Richard Johnson and Nephew Wire Works, off the A6 in Ambergate, in April – creating around 60 jobs.

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However, the visitor attraction is ‘unable to continue’ after two of the directors were diagnosed with illnesses, recent flooding at the site and funding issues.

A spokesperson for the Great British Car Journey said: “The directors of the visitor attraction Great British Car Journey regret to announce that the project, due to open in Derbyshire this April, cannot proceed any further due to circumstances beyond their control.

“Sadly, two of the directors have been diagnosed with illnesses requiring extensive treatment and are therefore unable to continue work on the project.

“The situation has been further aggravated by issues with the site at Ambergate including the recent flooding, and by unforeseen additional development costs. As a result, the funding that had been secured is no longer available to the business.

“The directors would like to thank everyone who has shown enormous commitment to the venue both locally and nationally. In the current circumstances this support is much appreciated.”

A number of people have expressed their sadness at the news on social media.

Twitter user GentCyclist said: “It’s a shame that the project has had to stop but the health of the directors involved is far more important.

“I hope that they fully recover quickly and still have the passion to pick the project up again and for it to return in whatever suitable form.”

Tim Marshall added: “I’m so sorry to read this but life is precious and health comes first in situations like this.”

A brochure for the museum stated: “The Great British Car Journey charts the history of the British car industry by focusing on the great car brands and the men behind them.”

The proposed site for the attraction had operated as a wire factory from 1876 until it closed in 1996.

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