The decorative platform canopies at Worcester Shrub Hill station are being renovated to restore their fine appearance and preserve their heritage.

Restoration of the canopies started this week and work is expected to be complete by spring next year. The £5.8m investment by Network Rail will include the replacement of the overhead glazing and the repainting of the ironwork.

Shrub Hill station was built in a Georgian style between 1850-54 by the 19th-century railway engineer Edward Wilson. In 1971 it was awarded Grade II listed status. Despite its age, the station has retained many of its original features.

While the work is being carried out there will be no impact on train services. However, anyone using the station during this period should be aware that the station will look and feel different.

Restoration of the platform canopies follows a major restoration of the station’s historic luggage bridge between platforms 1 and 2 in 2021. Further information about how the luggage bridge received an identical replacement can be found here.

Accessibility at the station will be improved later this year when lifts are to be installed into the structure as part of the Government’s Access for All scheme.

Across the country, Network Rail is working to achieve the dual objectives of developing a railway for the 21st century, while preserving its heritage. More details about some of Network Rai’s conservation work across the network can be found at www.networkrail.co.uk/working-with-railway-heritage.

Cathleen Meehan, Network Rail scheme project manager, said: “It’s great to be returning to Worcester Shrub Hill and investing a significant amount to improve this historic station and secure its future for the next generation.

“Working on the canopy roofs and repainting the ironwork will not only benefit local people but also tourists who travel to Worcester. I’d like to thank passengers for their patience while we complete this essential work to keep the station looking its best for years to come.”

Jonny Wiseman, West Midlands Railway customer experience director, said: “I am delighted that Worcester Shrub Hill’s heritage will be preserved by the renovation of its Victorian platform canopies. Retaining the features of this historic station is important for all generations of passengers who travel through Worcester.

“Trains will not be impacted by these renovation works so passengers can continue travelling on our services as usual.”