Work is underway to refresh Bookham station, a Grade II listed building in Surrey, to improve passenger journeys and preserve the much-loved structure.
The work – which is likely to take about six months – will take place while the station is open and will not affect South Western Railway services.
The main focus is to repair the station’s structure, which unfortunately has been plagued with wet rot, a fungus that attacks timber. Teams from Network Rail and its contractor Osborne will also replace a large section of the roof.
Engineers will also refurbish and repaint the station’s footbridge – which is also Grade II listed – with most of that work taking place at night when there are no passengers.
As a result of the work on the roof, passengers will not be able to access the station building, and a temporary ticket office has been built in the car park. Once the affected timber is removed, all of the floors and walls will need to be treated by chemicals before the station can be returned to its former glory.
Located on Church Road in Leatherhead, the station was opened in 1885 and has 2 platforms which provide train services to Guildford and London Waterloo via Epsom and Worcester Park.
Mark Killick, Network Rail Wessex route director, said: “We are delighted to be able to refresh the historic station at Bookham for the benefit of passengers and the local community.
“While the work is taking place on this Grade II listed station, we will try to keep noise to a minimum and apologise for any disruption.”
Alan Penlington, South Western Railway customer experience director, said: “Our customers will see big improvements at Bookham station, and it will be great to see the footbridge restored to its former glory.
“We recognise these works will be disruptive, but the station will remain open and operational throughout. I’d like to thank our passengers for their patience whilst these vital works are carried out.”
Photo credit: Network Rail
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