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Can you believe our oldest railways have been around for two whole centuries? This year is the 200th anniversary of the railway, but they haven’t lasted this long without getting some major upgrades over the years. And Stoke-on-Trent is the latest train station to unveil a multi-million pound makeover.
To future-proof the station, Network Rail has replaced its timber frame glazed walls, AKA ‘gable ends’. Over the years, they had deteriorated and were in need of some serious TLC. The walls stretch 25 metres over the railway line on the north and south side of the Victorian train shed. The building is listed, so the timber frames were replaced to match its original design.
Heritage experts at Stoke Council and the Rail Heritage Trust were involved to make sure the station’s history was done justice.
Alistair Bush, senior asset engineer for Network Rail said: ‘Our work at Stoke-on-Trent was focused on enhancing the railway for passengers while respecting the rich heritage of the station. By carefully replacing the timber frames and glazing to match the original Victorian design, this project will help to keep the station safe, reliable, and visually stunning for decades to come.’
Chris Robinson, cabinet member for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, added: ‘Our officers worked closely with Network Rail to ensure this scheme was executed in accordance with listed building consent and that it was in-keeping with the Victorian look of the railway station.
‘The station is an important gateway into the city and one of the first things visitors are greeted by when they arrive in Stoke-on-Trent.’
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