Significant progress has been made on Network Rail’s multi‑million‑pound programme to strengthen and future‑proof platforms at Chesterfield station, demonstrating how careful planning and collaborative delivery can achieve major engineering outcomes with minimal impact on passengers.
As part of the scheme, 40‑metre sections of platforms 1 and 2 have been fully reconstructed using glass‑reinforced plastic panels. This modern construction method allows for faster, safer installation while delivering the same long‑term durability expected of traditional platform builds – helping to create resilient infrastructure fit for decades of service.
Crucially, the most disruptive elements of the work were scheduled over the Christmas period, when trains were not operating. This allowed teams to complete the core reconstruction without affecting passenger services, and Chesterfield station has remained operational throughout the wider programme.
Alongside the platform rebuilds, the steel superstructure beneath the platform on Crow Lane has undergone extensive grit‑blasting, repair and repainting. This work extends the asset life of the structure, reinforcing Network Rail’s focus on asset stewardship as well as visible customer-facing improvements.
The project will also leave a lasting legacy for station users, with new fencing and enhanced lighting being installed to improve safety and security. These final elements are due to be in place ahead of the scheme’s planned completion at the end of March 2026.
Jonny Ham, Network Rail lead portfolio manager, said:
“Our teams worked incredibly hard across the Christmas period to deliver this important phase of the Chesterfield platform upgrades.
“Completing these works now helped us minimise disruption and has kept us on schedule to complete the overall project on time – delivering modern, resilient platform structures that will serve passengers for decades to come.”
Image and video credits: Network Rail
