Network Rail spent millions on Stoke Station. It fixed its glass walls, honoring its history. New upgrades make it look much better.
Network Rail fixed the timber-framed glass walls, also called “gable ends,” to make them safer for decades. These walls are 25 meters long and sit above the West Coast Main Line. Time and weather had damaged them.
This upgrade replaced the old timber frames, matching the station’s original design, as the station has listed building status. Network Rail worked with Murphy on this project, replacing all 220 glass panes, and they finished before Christmas.
Alistair Bush, working for Network Rail, said they improved the railway while honoring the station’s history. He noted the frames and glass match the old design, and hopes it stays safe and stunning.
The project planning took a long time, with consultations involving heritage experts at Stoke Council. The Rail Heritage Trust contributed £75,000, aiding in paying for the improvements.
Chris Robinson, working for Stoke-on-Trent City Council, said they worked closely with Network Rail. He stated this ensured the work matched the station’s look, as the station is an important city gateway, and other work will improve the station, too.
Tim Hedley-Jones, director of the Railway Heritage Trust, mentioned their funding of the gable end restoration. He emphasized Stoke-on-Trent, dating from 1847, is a part of the city’s railway past, and praised careful work and attention to detail.
Laura Warwick manages the station for Avanti West Coast. She loves how the key feature looks again, noting Stoke-on-Trent has rail history. The work preserved the building’s part, and she thanked customers for patience during the work.