A major £4.5 million refurbishment programme is progressing at pace at Stevenage station, delivering significant improvements to canopy structures, staircase roofing and platform lighting. The four‑month project is scheduled for completion by the end of June, with additional scaffolding removal planned for November during wider East Coast Main Line engineering works.
Strong Progress on Canopies and Lighting
The project team has already removed the station’s ageing canopy roofs, replacing them with new, weather‑tight surfaces. The underlying wooden structures have been fully renewed, and installation of a modern, energy‑efficient lighting system is well underway.
Work is also continuing on upgrading the roofs above the station staircases, ensuring safer and more reliable access for passengers.
Innovative Safety Measures
During the weekend of 31 January–1 February, when no trains were running due to engineering work, teams mobilised on site and constructed Faraday cages. These protective enclosures shield workers from electrical risks, enabling safe daytime working near live overhead lines. This method allows trains to continue running throughout the project, significantly reducing disruption.
Station Remains Open
Stevenage station will remain open for all passengers throughout the works. Scaffolding will stay in place until November to align with other planned engineering activity, again helping to minimise inconvenience for customers and freight operators.
Project Leadership Commentary
Danni Parker-Rankine, Network Rail scheme project manager, said:
“This refurbishment at Stevenage station will transform the canopies, upgrade the roof structure and resolve long-standing issues with leaks. Along with the fully renewed platform lighting system, the improvements will make the station more welcoming. It will keep passengers safe, secure, and dry in future.
“The project team has worked incredibly hard to keep the programme moving, and we’re pleased to see such significant progress made already.”
Robert Howard, Great Northern’s Stevenage station manager, added:
“I appreciate this work may cause some short‑term disruption but ensuring the safety of our customers and colleagues is our absolute priority. These improvements are essential to maintaining the high standards our passengers rightly expect.”
Image credits: Network Rail
