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Friday 12 Jan 2024

Historic platform canopies restored at Great Malvern station

Region & Route:

North West & Central

Victorian platform canopies have been renovated at Great Malvern station in Worcestershire as part a £5m investment to improve the station for passengers.

Network Rail has worked with its contractor Murphy to replace overhead glazing, complete structural strengthening and repainting of the ornate ironwork on both of the station's platform canopies.

The project which was supported by West Midlands Railway, Wychavon District Council and part funded by the Railway Heritage Trust, began in April 2022 and was completed shortly before Christmas.

The station was opened by the Worcester and Hereford Railway in 1860 and was awarded Grade II listed building status in 1969.

Despite being 162 years old, the station has retained many of its original Victorian features – including elaborate cast-iron girders supported by impressive sculptures of floral arrangements. Each of the floral arrangements were carefully removed and brought back to life by a specialist company before being refitted at the station.

Cathleen Meehan, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “Great Malvern is such a beautiful station and it’s been a pleasure to watch this project bring the station back to its former glory for passengers. We’ve worked closely with our partners to make sure the careful restoration work has been in keeping with the original features. Hopefully local people and tourists travelling to the area and nearby Malvern Hills will agree that the station looks wonderful and is an example of railway heritage in which we can all take pride."

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “I am pleased that thanks to significant investment and work carried out alongside Network Rail, passengers travelling through Great Malvern will now be able to see the fully restored historic Victorian canopies.

“Great Malvern is one of the most picturesque stations in the region and retaining its features is crucial to preserving its heritage.”

Across the country, Network Rail works hard to develop the railway for the 21st century, while keeping an eye on preserving its heritage.

You can find out more about some of the conservation work carried out across the network at: www.networkrail.co.uk/working-with-railway-heritage.