Wilmslow station’s heritage platform canopies restored for passengers

Rail passengers on a major route through Cheshire are now benefiting from a £1.6m upgrade to Wilmslow station.

Since February 2022, Network Rail teams have been carrying out extensive restoration work to the Victorian platform canopies which provide shelter for passengers on the station’s four platforms.

The essential upgrades have involved:

• Replacement of primary timber beams
• Replacement of platform glazing
• Replacement of canopy timber cladding
• Preparation and painting
• Additional structural repairs of existing timber beams
• Partial reroofing work

The canopies were first built when the station opened in 1842 and have had ongoing maintenance over the years.

However when work started last year they were in need of a complete overhaul, with some steelwork corroded, flaking paintwork, dirty glazing and temporary structural props needed in certain areas.

Now this latest renovation is complete, the Victorian canopies are looking good as new for people using the Manchester to Crewe line.

Mike Cheadle, Network Rail senior asset engineer, said: “We take great care to look after our heritage buildings and this work at Wilmslow shows how we’re committed to keeping the railway fit for the future while respecting its past.

“This major £1.6m investment we hope will make a huge difference for Northern passengers on the Manchester to Crewe line, creating a cleaner and brighter environment and improving their journeys for many years to come.”

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “Wilmslow station is looking better than ever following this investment by Network Rail. Customers rightly expect their local heritage to be respected and I know the 1.7 million customers that use the station every year will appreciate the restoration work that has taken place.”

To read more about how Network Rail looks after heritage structures, visit: 

www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/working-with-railway-heritage/

Pictured - Finished platform canopy upgrades at Wilmslow station.