Network Rail is committing a £9.5m investment to restore and upgrade the station platform canopies at Lancaster station in a bid to improve passenger journeys on the West Coast main line.
The work involves:
- Replacing all glazing in the platform canopies
- Repairing and strengthening the structure of the canopy structures
- Repainting across the station
- The work won’t impact train services, but passengers are advised the look and feel of the station will be different while the renovations take place.
This historic station is a Grade II listed building, first constructed in 1846 by nineteenth century architect William Tite and was first given listed building status in 1990.
Works to the current canopies will see improvements made to make them brighter, weatherproof and more aesthetically attractive to passengers, building upon the works that saw them changed originally in the 1960s and 70s.
The work required to renovate these canopies will take place when trains aren’t running, leading to Network Rail writing to local residents to warn of upcoming noise disruptions.
Joanna Fielding, Network Rail scheme project manager, said:
“Lancaster station is one of the jewels of the West Coast main line so I’m delighted we’re able to make this significant investment into the platform canopies and make them fit for the future.
“The work will not only benefit local people but also tourists who travel to the city and wider region. I’d like to thank passengers and local people for their patience while we carry out this essential upgrade to keep the station safe and attractive for decades to come.”
Michael Byrne, Avanti West Coast Station Manager at Lancaster, said:
“We’re proud to be working with Network Rail to refurbish the canopy roofs and would like to remind customers our staff will be on hand to assist them during their journeys while the work takes place. Once complete, the project will enhance and protect key features of this beautiful station, so they can be enjoyed by customers travelling to and from Lancaster for many years to come.”
Lancaster station represents a key stop along the West Coast Main Line, seeing 1.6 million commuters and visitors using the historic line.
The cultural and historical importance of this station highlights the need for renovation and modernisation, whilst keeping the project in line with the architectural heritage aesthetic that graces the region.
This project is currently scheduled for completion by Spring of 2024, with the investment following a significant upgrade last year, which saw the opening of a new public house in a previously derelict section of the structure.
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