The National Railway Heritage Awards have declared the restoration of Richmond station in South West London the winner of their Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award.
Rail Minister, Lord Peter Hendy, presented the award to representatives of South Western Railway (SWR), Network Rail and the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames at a ceremony held today at the Merchant Taylors’ Hall in the City of London.
Richmond Station’s building first opened in 1937. It was designed in the Art Deco style popular at the time by Southern Railway’s lead architect, James Robb Scott, who had also worked on other stations which are now managed by SWR, including Malden Manor, Surbiton, Woking, Chessington North and Chessington South.
After repainting it in 2022, the following year South Western Railway began more extensive work on the station. The renovation has involved improving the exterior facade, canopy and interior booking hall of the station.
The renovation project was officially completed in September this year.
Richmond station now boasts 1930s-style features, which include bronze fascia panels and a “Glasscrete” effect for the canopy. The renovated booking hall has a timber frieze and green glass signage, as well as chandeliers with a design inspired by the Art Deco style.
The station remained fully operational throughout the renovation work, with passengers entering and exiting the station nearly 8.9 million times in the course of 2023-24.
“It’s an honour to receive this award for the restoration of Richmond station. The station is one of the architectural jewels of our network and the project to bring it back to life has been a labour of love by SWR and Network Rail, our partners Richmond Council and the Railway Heritage Trust, as well as many talented contractors and craftspeople.
“The greatest reward, however, has been providing Richmond with the gateway it truly deserves; one that will make our customers, colleagues, and the local community proud. If you haven’t been to see the station yet, hop on a train and pay it a visit!”
Chris Gregory, SWR’s Asset Enhancement Manager
