REVIEW OF PROJECTS
in 1853, fell into dereliction, and with a very poor quality finish where the original building had been demolished, and a visually most-intrusive fire escape combined with advancing dilapidation, its historic provenance could hardly be recognised. The Trust has sponsored, along with Network Rail Commercial Property and the East Midlands Regional Development Agency, a project to totally restore the building over two financial years. Most of the original interior has been lost, but some features survive in one small area, and the Trust has asked for these to be retained. The removal of the fire escape,
DERBY STATION Derby Station was originally built in the 1840s to the design of Francis Thompson. The original station was massive, some 350 yards (320 metres) long, as was appropriate for the station serving the headquarters of the Midland Railway. The station survived, albeit heavily modified, until the early 1950s. As it had been partly bomb damaged in the war it was then demolished and replaced by a more modern structure. However, the southernmost part of the station survived. This section, originally two storeys high, but with a third added
Above left: Underpanel detail to window Above centre: Cornice details remain Above right: Refurbished roof & chimneys
provision of a new brick skin on the demolished north face and restoration of doors and windows will provide a new suite of modern offices in a muchimproved, externally-restored building, a great improvement of this historic structure. We look forward to seeing the completed job in 2011/12. Sponsor: Network Rail Commercial Property, London Architect: Maber Associates Ltd, Derby Contractor: Osborne Rail, Bristol
replacement was constructed by the London & North Western Railway 437 yards (400 metres) to the north of the original and this is the current station, built in yellow brick with the main facilities located alongside the viaduct upon which the railway was constructed. During the early period of its existence the station name was spelt Berkhamstead. The station was heavily refurbished in the 1990s but recently has required further restoration work, particularly to the subway and platform canopies. Initial work has been undertaken by the train operator, London Midland, with refurbishment and redecoration of the main booking hall and the two station entrances, together with repairs to the doors to the platform waiting rooms, and the Trust has provided some support to enable this to be effectively carried out. The Trust awaits proposals for the refurbishment of the platform canopies and it is anticipated that this will be the subject of a future grant award.
BERKHAMSTED STATION
Malcolm Wood
The original station at Berkhamsted was opened by the London & Birmingham Railway in October 1837. In 1875 a
Sponsor: London Midland, Birmingham Architect: Seymour Harris Architecture, Birmingham Contractor: Murphy Group, Cannock, Staffordshire
Above: Frontage canopy reglazed and repainted
Above: Booking hall redecorated and tidied
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RAILWAY HERITAGE TRUST 2011