An “iconic” train station in South West London is getting a £325,000 makeover aimed at helping to return it to its former 1930s glory.
The improvements at Richmond Station are expected to be finished by the end of this year, but it is hoped they will form part of a larger project to restore its original Art Deco features.
South Western Railway (SWR) is carrying out the works at the station, which include repairing and polishing its timber entrance doors, repairing its flagpoles, refurbishing its customer toilets and cleaning its Portland stone façade.
The works are being funded by SWR, Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust.
Lib Dem Richmond Council leader Gareth Roberts said the works will improve the station for commuters. He said: “Residents will be able to benefit from modernised toilets and repaired entrance doors whilst enjoying the restoration of some of the station’s historic Art Deco features.
“Maintaining the borough’s sustainable travel network is key to the borough’s wider economic recovery.
“These works at Richmond station are one of the many ways our transport network is being improved to build a safer, more convenient borough for all residents.”
The station was designed in 1936 and last underwent major refurbishment in 1985. Its Art Deco style is thought to have been inspired by the work of architect Charles Holden, who designed many London Underground stations.
SWR is working with the Railway Heritage Trust and Benedict O’Looney Architects on designs that restore or replicate some of the station’s original features, which have been lost or covered up over time.
The station’s original plans are being considered along with promotional images from when it first opened to the public. These wider restoration works would be brought forward, on top of the current improvements, if extra funding is made available.
The works to repair and polish the station’s doors are expected to be finished this month, along with the façade cleaning.
The revamp of its customer toilets is set to be completed by December.
David Wilby, regional development manager at SWR, said: “We’ve already made great progress on the timber entrance doors, including their Art Deco metal detailing, while the façade has also been cleaned in recent weeks.
“These are just the first of many original features we’re keen to see brought back to life. We appreciate our customers’ patience while work is carried out and it’s our hope that we can find the funding we need for future phases.”
Tim Hedley-Jones, executive director of the Railway Heritage Trust, said the works will help restore the station to its “former 1930s glory”.
He added: “It has some beautiful features that have been lost or hidden over the years. We are very pleased that, once again, these will be enjoyed by rail passengers and the local community.”
