Restored Canopy for Lowestoft Station
Passengers at Britain’s most easterly station and the fourth busiest in Suffolk will now be greeted by a newly refurbished canopy thanks to train operator Greater Anglia and the Railway Heritage Trust.
Contractor Capel C.S Ltd enhanced both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the canopy and awnings at the entrance to the station on Denmark Road.
The canopy retains the existing features as the original but has been refurbished with GRP – glass reinforced plastic – which a type of fibreglass; this is to future-proof the structure and ensure it can easily be maintained. Some of the original timber was also used alongside the original spandrels, or brackets. The canopy was painted in heritage colours to match the rest of the station.
The old roof covering was also replaced with a new rubber roof membrane to provide superior weather resistance and longevity. In addition, the canopy now has a man-safe system that was designed and installed to mitigate any fall from height when inspection and maintenance is required.
Brick and stone restoration has also been undertaken as part of the project to improve the front elevation of the building. Deficient structural timbers were replaced and additional supports were installed to improve future maintenance.
Greater Anglia successfully secured funding from the Railway Heritage Trust for the scheme. The trust was set up in 1984 to help train operating companies in the preservation and upkeep of listed buildings and structures.
The additional funding from the RHT was put toward the cost of some of the mouldings, paintwork, and some of the stone repairs.
Simone Bailey, Greater Anglia’s Director of Asset Management, said:
“Lowestoft station has a rich history, and we are pleased to deliver a smart, refurbished and restored entrance that will enhance the experience for passengers.
“It was really important that we preserved the original look of the entrance, and I am pleased that, through our contractor Capel C.S Ltd, we have delivered an upgraded canopy that is fit for a station with such a historical significance.”
The station buildings were extended in 1903 with the opening of the Lowestoft to Yarmouth line with the original canopy dating back to 1855 having been relocated to its current position. At the time, both the Great Eastern Railway and Midland Railway had ticket offices at the station with the Lowestoft to Yarmouth line being operated by the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway.