THE iconic footbridge from Kings Cross station has rematerialized in Hampshire and is to be officially opened next week.

Dismantled and removed from Kings Cross as part of major refurbishment in 2008, the Grade 1 listed structure found a new home at the Watercress Line living history steam railway, where it has been installed to provide a premium vantage point as part of a new visitor route around its Ropley station.

The ribbon will be cut on Tuesday, June 11 by Sir William McAlpine, Chairman of the Railway Heritage Trust, who will then unveil a plaque recording the grant given by the Trust towards the cost of the project. He will also unveil two wrought iron scrolls dedicated to the famous company which built the bridge in 1892, Andrew Handyside & Co Ltd Derby & London, which also built Olympia in London.

Sir William McAlpine said: “I am delighted that we have been able to facilitate the restoration and re-use of this iconic bridge which has appeared in so many films, including The 39 Steps and Elizabethan Express, as well, of course, Harry Potter. We hope that it is as successful in its new life as it was in its original one.”

The footbridge was used as the location for the scene in the first Harry Potter film, Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone, when Hagrid gives Harry Potter his first Hogwarts Express ticket.

It was regularly visited by Harry Potter film fans prior to removal from Kings Cross.

Watercress Line managing director Colin Chambers commented: “We look forward to welcoming these fans to see the bridge in its new home, and hope that they will enjoy learning about our engineering heritage as exemplified by the steam trains we operate and the buildings and structures that we maintain.”