Blackheath Station has received a stunning £1.7 million heritage refurbishment, marking its 176th anniversary and celebrating Railway 200, a national year of rail commemorations.
The makeover, inspired by a rediscovered 20th-century weight restriction sign found by the Blackheath Society, has restored the station’s Grade II listed architecture to its Victorian-era glory. The project enhances the customer experience while honouring the golden age of rail travel.
The refurbishment includes:
- Restoration of the original weight restriction sign
- Repainting of canopies, beams, columns, dagger boards, and the station façade in classic cream and green
- New floor coverings in the booking hall and waiting room
- A restored heritage fireplace
- New platform benches and heritage signage
- Refurbished accessible toilets
Guests from Lewisham Council, the Blackheath Society, and the Railway Heritage Trust attended the unveiling and toured the upgraded station.
Steve White, Managing Director of South Eastern Railways, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our railway heritage in south east London and Blackheath station really does looks stunning with its Victorian-era cream and green colour scheme restored throughout.
“As the first in a new era of integrated railways under public ownership, South Eastern Railway are developing integrated plans for all of our stations to ensure work completed is done in a joined up manner, which is more efficient, less disruptive and delivers a better outcome for customers.
“When it opened in 1849, Blackheath was described as an ‘elegant station’ and today it is a perfect example of what can be achieved by Network Rail and operators working together. It is a beautiful restoration packed with modern, accessible customer amenities and a great coffee shop.
“Blackheath station’s 176th birthday and the Railway 200 centenary year are all part of highlighting the vital role that rail plays in connecting communities, whether in the past, the present, or the future.”
The event featured:
- Commemorative gifts and birthday cake
- Children’s activities, including wooden train painting and hook-a-duck
- A photo gallery showcasing 176 years of Blackheath’s rail and community history
- Fundraising for St Christopher’s Hospice
The celebration follows a 10-week repair programme in the Blackheath tunnel, with normal train services resuming between Charlton, Blackheath, and Lewisham.
Image credit: iStock
