The Architectural heritage Fund (AHF) has been celebrating the Past Present and Future of Railway Heritage for Railway 200 marking the 200th anniversary of the opening of the Stockton and Darlington Railway.
The AHF writes:
On 27th September 1825, Locomotion No.?1 set off on what is regarded as the first steam-hauled fare-paying passenger journey on a public railway, travelling 26 miles from Shildon to Stockton via Darlington. This milestone event transformed how the world traded, travelled, and communicated forever, and is widely recognised as the birth of the modern railway.
To celebrate Railway 200, we have retraced our tracks to find a selection of significant historic railway buildings that the Architectural Heritage Fund (AHF) has supported over the years, including former stations, goods sheds and signal boxes. All aboard as we delve into the past, present and vibrant new future of these buildings and explore how they are being repurposed for community and cultural use, keeping these key pieces of railway heritage alive for future generations.
Station South, Manchester
Originally just called ‘Levenshulme’, this train station was opened in 1892 to serve the Manchester, Sheffield and Lincolnshire Railway ‘Fallowfield Loop’ line. After the line was discontinued in 1988, the track was converted into an urban greenway, providing a place for cyclists and walkers to travel away from cars. The station’s future was less certain; though it remained in use in a variety of incarnations until 2016 – including a window shop, a television repair shop, and a short-lived Cash and Carry – it was subject to many unsympathetic alterations and modifications.
The building was vacant and in disrepair for several years before Station South CIC decided to take on the project to transform it. The beautiful Victorian building has now been restored as a destination cycle café, bar, bike workshop and urban garden, offering a space for the people of Levenshulme to come together, with a focus on improving health and wellbeing within the community. The AHF has supported this project with three grants since 2018, enabling Station South CIC to carry out a viability study, advance the project to a stage where the group could tender for capital works, and complete work to get the building open.
Former Cumberland Street Station, Glasgow
Eglinton Street Station, later renamed Cumberland Street Station, was designed by architect William Melville. It opened in 1900 for Glasgow and South Western Railway and, although the railway lines themselves are still in use, the station closed in 1966. Today, the Category B listed building is empty and in a state of disrepair. However, it stands as an important part of Glasgow’s railway history in an area which has changed considerably in the last 55 years since its closure.
Many Studios CIC is exploring options for the future use of Cumberland Street Station, with the ambition of repurposing it as a centre for cultural, community and commercial uses – including spaces for events and classes – and artist studios for rent. The AHF has supported this project with two Historic Environment Scotland-supported grants since 2020, enabling Many Studios CIC to carry out initial viability and development work, including a feasibility study, business planning and detailed surveys.
The Signal Box, St Albans
This quaint signal box was first brought into use by the Midland Railway in 1892, when the line was expanded from two to four tracks southwards. It was listed Grade II in February 1979 before closing in early 1980. In 2003, St Albans Signal Box Preservation Trust was formed to lease the box and save it from decay, preserving it as part of the city’s railway and architectural heritage. Professional and volunteer work has since helped to revive the box, which has been structurally restored, painted and rewired.
Today, as well as being one of the few preserved boxes that’s open to the public and next to a busy main line railway, it stands as a valued community resource and heritage attraction. Signalling demonstrations are run on the operating floor upstairs, while railway videos and a slideshow of the restoration are shown downstairs, with many signalling items on display. Additionally, in the garden, visitors can operate working signals and a point; on display are old signs, lit oil lamps, a telegraph ‘pole route’ and a garden railway. The AHF supported the early stages of this project with two grants, awarded in 2003 and 2004 respectively.
Wingfield Station, Derbyshire
Wingfield Station is a remarkable survivor from the early days of the railway. Opened in 1840 to serve the new North Midland Railway line, the station remained unchanged throughout its operational life and remains largely unaltered to this day. After its closure in 1967, it was let as commercial premises by British Rail until being sold into private ownership in 1977. Sadly, it was left empty and fell into substantial disrepair.
Following a local campaign, the listing status of Wingfield Station was upgraded to Grade II* in 2015. Amber Valley Borough Council subsequently purchased the building and handed it over to Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust, which set out on a journey to rescue, repair and conserve it to enable a sustainable long-term use as office space.
Now, having been restored to its former glory, the building is leased to a charity – Wingfield Station 1947 – which operates it as a heritage centre, café, local community amenity, event space and private hire venue. The AHF supported this project with two grants towards viability and early development work, awarded in 2015 and 2017 respectively.
Llanelli Railway Goods Shed
Designed in the style of Isambard Kingdom Brunel, the Grade II* listed Goods Shed was built around 1852 for the South Wales Railway and once played a crucial role in Llanelli’s development as a major industrial centre. The building ceased operation as a goods station in the 1960s, with the adjoining offices occupied by British Rail for various administrative uses until the 1980s, after which it became derelict. Today, the shed remains as one of the few surviving buildings of its kind.
The Llanelli Railway Goods Shed Trust is working to transform the shed into a hub for cultural, heritage, community and enterprise activities, creating a dynamic, welcoming space for Llanelli’s diverse community to use however they may need. Phase one of this project, completed in 2022, focused on restoring the adjoining two-storey office block as flexible office, teaching and meeting space for community groups and businesses. The Trust is currently preparing and sourcing funding for Phase two, which will bring the Goods Shed back into sustainable use. The AHF has supported this project with a series of grants since 2011, enabling the Trust to develop its plans and secure further funding, carry out emergency works, and commission a design team.
The Station, Richmond
The Grade II listed station at Richmond first opened in 1846, serving as a crucial part in the railway network of North Yorkshire. Originally built to facilitate transportation and trade, it soon became a busy hub bringing tourists, produce and soldiers to the town. The main station building was opened in April 1847 and comprised of various offices, waiting rooms, and a Refreshments Room. Following a decline in railway use, trains left the platform for the final time in 1969, and the station faced potential dereliction. Though it was later repurposed for use as a farm and garden supply centre, this closed in 2001; the building remained vacant until it was acquired by Richmondshire Building Preservation Trust (RBPT).
Following a transformation by RBPT, The Station has been restored and its interior reimagined. Re-opened in 2007, it is now run as a vibrant creative space and community hub that serves as a gateway to the Yorkshire Dales. Offering a unique experience for both locals and visitors alike, it is home to an award-winning Station Café, a three-screen independent cinema, art galleries, The Station Shop, and a range of independent businesses. The AHF supported this project with four early-stage grants, awarded between 2003 and 2004.
