A new era of Yorkshire railway has moved one step closer after the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) set its sights on a major revamp of Huddersfield Station, Network Rail has confirmed.
From the end of November, work on the station will commence which will see the removal of waiting rooms and the toilet area – previously referred to as the old tearoom.
To ensure the rich heritage of Huddersfield Station’s grade I-listed status, engineers will carefully dismantle the waiting room and store it offsite, before being reinstalled as part of a new layout for platforms three and four.
While this process is being carried out, a temporary toilet block will be added to the Manchester end of platform four.
From next year, work will move onto the restoration of the station’s existing train shed roof – one of the only lasting examples of a ‘Euston roof’ left on today’s rail network.
Huddersfield Station’s long stay car park will be closed during this time to allow a site compound to be installed. Work will feature grit blasting, painting and re-roofing.
Senior sponsor on the Transpennine Route Upgrade, Paul Sumner, said: “Huddersfield Station is an iconic building and an intrinsic part of West Yorkshire heritage, so whilst this series of improvements are necessary, the restoration and retention of its historic features is of paramount importance.
“That’s why – after an extensive in-depth planning process – the Transpennine Route Upgrade will bring the station up to modern standards in terms of functionality, without harming it’s cultural and traditional significance.”
Chris Nutton, who is major projects director for TransPennine Express, added: “Huddersfield station will undergo major changes over the next few years, which will enable, faster and more frequent trains to call there and provide better facilities for the millions of passengers who use the station every year.”
He continued: “We would like to thank our customers in advance for their understanding and patience as we work together with colleagues from Network Rail to transform Huddersfield into a station fit for the 21st century.”
The upcoming works are a part of a longer-term vision for Huddersfield Station, which will comprise a reimagined layout, bigger platforms, a new footbridge, and a refurbished roof.
Image credit: Network Rail
