Since February 2022, Network Rail teams have been carrying out extensive restoration work to the Victorian platform canopies which provide shelter for passengers on Wilmslow station's four platforms.
The essential upgrades have involved:
- Replacement of primary timber beams
- Replacement of platform glazing
- Replacement of canopy timber cladding
- Preparation and painting
- Additional structural repairs of existing timber beamsPartial reroofing work
The canopies were first built when the station opened in 1842 and have had ongoing maintenance over the years.
However when work started last year they were in need of a complete overhaul, with some steelwork corroded, flaking paintwork, dirty glazing and temporary structural props needed in certain areas.
Mike Cheadle, Network Rail senior asset engineer, said: "We take great care to look after our heritage buildings and this work at Wilmslow shows how we're committed to keeping the railway fit for the future while respecting its past.
"This major £1.6m investment we hope will make a huge difference for Northern passengers on the Manchester to Crewe line, creating a cleaner and brighter environment and improving their journeys for many years to come."
Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: "Wilmslow station is looking better than ever following this investment by Network Rail. Customers rightly expect their local heritage to be respected and I know the 1.7 million customers that use the station every year will appreciate the restoration work that has taken place."
Comments
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The 'Up' (Crewe-bound) platform at Alderley lost its canopy some months ago as it was found to be in poor condition and was demolished. It has not (yet) been replaced, meaning passengers waiting on that side of the station have no protection from the weather and can't even sit down if it's raining as the platform seats will be wet. The canopy on the 'Down' (Manchester-bound) side of the station, while extant, is looking pretty tatty and needs attention. Its condition contrasts strongly with the excellent improvements to the station's appearance carried out by the Alderley Station Volunteers.
Alderley's platform canopies almost certainly dated back to the railway's opening in 1842, whereas Wilmslow's, despite the article's claim, probably don't as the station was completely rebuilt when the Styal Line was added in 1909.
A bit like at Waitrose when going up to the top floor of the car park where the ramp lights have been on every day since when Waitrose was a Safeway store!
"....ext train at platform three ....il be the ...leven fifty eight to Manchester Piccadilly. ...Iss train ..omprises three ..oaches".
Why on earth can't that be fixed!
"..ugh next train to pass ..latform three ..ous not stop here. ...Lease stand back from the ...latform ..dge".
The station staff are obviously aware of this. Why isn't it sorted?