MULTI-million pound work to renovate a city train station has got underway.
The platform canopies at Worcester Shrub Hill are undergoing a refurbishment.
Network Rail has invested £5.8 million in the project which will see overhead glazing replaced and ironwork repainted in a bid to persevere the canopies' heritage and improve passengers’ travel experience.
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.”
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The Grade II listed Georgian-style station was built between 1850 and 1854 by 19th-century railway engineer Edward Wilson.
It was first given listed building status in 1971.
Despite being 173 years old, the station has retained many of its original features.
The project to restore the canopies started this week and is expected to be complete by Spring 2024.
The work will not impact train services but passengers are advised that the look and feel of the station will be different while the restoration work takes place.
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.”
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The work on the platform canopies follows the major restoration of the station’s historic luggage bridge between platforms one and two in 2021.
Later this year lifts will be installed into the structure as part of the Government’s Access for All scheme.
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