Great Malvern railway station in Worcestershire has recently received a significant renovation of its Victorian-era platform canopies. This work is part of a broader £5 million initiative to enhance the station’s facilities for travellers.

The project involved extensive collaboration between Network Rail and its contractor, Murphy. Key activities included the replacement of the canopy glazing, structural reinforcement, and a detailed refurbishment of the station’s intricate ironwork, found prominently on the canopies of both platforms.

This refurbishment received support from multiple stakeholders, including West Midlands Railway, Wychavon District Council, and partial funding from the Railway Heritage Trust.

Work began in April 2022 as reported at the time by Rail Advent, the project was completed just before Christmas.

Opened in 1860 by the Worcester and Hereford Railway, the Great Malvern station has been recognised as a Grade II listed building since 1969. Despite its 162-year history, the station remarkably preserves numerous original Victorian elements. Among these are the elaborately crafted cast-iron girders, which are adorned with ornate floral sculptures. During the renovation, each of these floral sculptures was meticulously detached, restored by specialists, and subsequently reinstalled, thereby revitalizing a key aspect of the station’s historic character.

Cathleen Meehan, scheme project manager at Network Rail, said: “Great Malvern is such a beautiful station and it’s been a pleasure to watch this project bring the station back to its former glory for passengers. We’ve worked closely with our partners to make sure the careful restoration work has been in keeping with the original features. Hopefully local people and tourists travelling to the area and nearby Malvern Hills will agree that the station looks wonderful and is an example of railway heritage in which we can all take pride.”

Jonny Wiseman, customer experience director at West Midlands Railway, said: “I am pleased that thanks to significant investment and work carried out alongside Network Rail, passengers travelling through Great Malvern will now be able to see the fully restored historic Victorian canopies.

“Great Malvern is one of the most picturesque stations in the region and retaining its features is crucial to preserving its heritage.”