24.07.20
Historic Bookham station to be fully renovated thanks to Network Rail
The Grade II listed building in Surrey, Bookham station, is already undergoing work to improve passenger journeys and preserve the much-loved architecture.
The work is likely to take around 6 months, will take place while the station is still open and will not affect South Western Railway services.
The repairs are focused around the station’s structure, which is riddled with wet rot, a fungus that attacks timber. Teams from Network Rail and its contractor Osborne will also replace a large section of the roof.
The station’s footbridge will also be refurbished and repainted by engineers, with most of that work taking place at night when there are no passengers.
Due to the work on the roof, passengers will not be able to access the station building, and a provisional ticket office has been built in the car park. Once the affected timber is removed, all of the floors and walls will need to treated by chemicals before the station is fully restored.
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We are delighted to be able to refresh the historic station at Bookham for the benefit of passengers and the local community.
“While the work is taking place on this Grade II listed station, we will try to keep noise to a minimum and apologise for any disruption.”
Alan Penlington, South Western Railway customer experience director, said: “Our customers will see big improvements at Bookham station, and it will be great to see the footbridge restored to its former glory.
“We recognise these works will be disruptive, but the station will remain open and operational throughout. I’d like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst these vital works are carried out.”
Images: Network Rail