After a three-month programme of work, the canopy at the entrance to Lowestoft station in Suffolk has been refurbished by Greater Anglia so that it now provides a smart welcome to the station.

Greater Anglia’s contractor Capel Ltd delivered the project to enhance both the canopy’s structural integrity and the aesthetic appeal of the station entrance.

Although the existing features of the original canopy were retained it was refurbished with fibreglass for easy maintenance and to make it future-proof.

Some of the original timber and the original spandrels were re-used in the refurbishment, which was completed by repainting it in a heritage livery to match the wider station colour scheme.

The old roof covering was replaced by an Ethylene Propylene Diene Monomer (EPDM) rubber roof membrane, which provides better weather resistance and longevity.

It also incorporates a man-safe system that will protect workers from falling during inspection and maintenance.

To improve the appearance of the front of the building, the bricks and stonework were restored as part of the project, defective structural timbers were replaced, and extra supports installed to improve future maintenance.

Funding for part of the project came from the Railway Heritage Trust and went towards the cost of some mouldings, repainting, and stone repairs.

The original canopy dates back to 1855, but was moved to its current position in 1903 when the station buildings were extended at the time both the Great Eastern Railway and Midland Railway had ticket offices at the station, and the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway operated services on the Lowestoft to Yarmouth line.

Elsewhere in Lowestoft, last year, a former cattle dock at the station was transformed into a community space and Network Rail planted 30 young willow trees on disused railway land between the railway and Denmark Road.

“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 Ltd, we have delivered an upgraded canopy that is fit for a station with such a historical significance.”

Simone Bailey, Greater Anglia’s Director of Asset Management