On Wednesday, 3rd August, 175th birthday celebrations were held at Huddersfield‘s iconic railway station to mark its past, present, and future.

To mark the milestone anniversary, industry leaders from Network Rail and TransPennine Express joined the station’s infamous cats, Felix and Bolt, on Platform 1.

The Grade I listed building opened in 1847, since when it has witnessed a lifetime of changes. It is now being completely transformed and made fit for the 21st Century as one of the key stations along the Transpennine route.

Sir John Betjeman, a former Poet Laureate, once described Huddersfield station as “the most splendid in England”, and in 2014 it was designated as a Grade I listed building in English Heritage’s top five great stations.

The Transpennine Route Upgrade will result in extra tracks, better stations, and a fully electrified route that will ultimately bring more frequent, faster journeys between York and Manchester.

Plans for the station in the multi-billion-pound Transpennine Route Upgrade include:

• two new platforms and the extension of the existing platforms to improve station capacity;
• improved accessibility, including a new footbridge and lifts, and step-free access from the front entrance;
• sympathetic restoration of the station roof;
• additional toilet facilities;
• an improved customer information system;
• upgrades to the track to support more trains;
• relocating the tearoom on its current platform., and repairing and repainting it.

Victoria Jones, Transpennine Route Upgrade Sponsor for Network Rail, said: “Over the next decade, Huddersfield station will undergo a major overhaul to create space for more frequent, faster trains, and provide better facilities for the millions of passengers who use it each year.

“To celebrate the station’s 175th anniversary, we’re joining our industry partners to look back on its rich history and look forward to an exciting future. I’d like to thank the community for their ongoing support as we move closer to delivering this once-in-a-generation scheme.”

Daniel Fox, Community Manager for TransPennine Express, said: “Huddersfield station has been at the heart of the town’s community for the last 175 years and it was fantastic to celebrate its birthday alongside the rail industry and local stakeholders. The station will also be important in the town’s future and the investment that is coming through the Transpennine Route Upgrade will deliver a station and a railway truly fit for the 21st century.”