CORRODED Victorian canopies have been given a facelift at a Cheshire railway platform.

Wilmslow station has received a £1.6 million facelift.

Since February 2022, Network Rail teams have been carrying out extensive restoration work to the Victorian platform canopies which provide shelter for passengers on the station’s four platforms.

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The essential upgrades have include replacing primary timber beams, glazing and canopy timber cladding.

Knutsford Guardian: The new look Wilmslow station platform following a £1.6m faceliftThe new look Wilmslow station platform following a £1.6m facelift (Image: Supplied)

Surfaces have been painted and additional structural repairs have been carried out on existing timber beans.

Partial reroofing work has also been completed.

Knutsford Guardian: The repaired glazing at Wilmslow stationThe repaired glazing at Wilmslow station (Image: Supplied)

The canopies were first built when the station opened in 1842 and have had ongoing maintenance over the years.

However, when work started last year they were in need of a complete overhaul, with some steelwork corroded, flaking paintwork, dirty glazing and temporary structural props needed in certain areas.

Knutsford Guardian: Dirty gazing before work was carried out on the canopiesDirty gazing before work was carried out on the canopies (Image: Supplied)

Now this latest renovation is complete, the Victorian canopies are looking good as new for people using the Manchester to Crewe line.

Mike Cheadle, Network Rail senior asset engineer, said: “We take great care to look after our heritage buildings and this work at Wilmslow shows how we’re committed to keeping the railway fit for the future while respecting its past.

Knutsford Guardian: Poor state of the timber soffit at Wilmslow station before the upgradesPoor state of the timber soffit at Wilmslow station before the upgrades (Image: Supplied)

“This major £1.6 million investment we hope will make a huge difference for Northern passengers on the Manchester to Crewe line, creating a cleaner and brighter environment and improving their journeys for many years to come.”

Knutsford Guardian: Repaired glazing at Wilmslow stationRepaired glazing at Wilmslow station (Image: Supplied)

Craig Harrop, regional director for Northern, said: “Wilmslow station is looking better than ever following this investment by Network Rail.

“Customers rightly expect their local heritage to be respected and I know the 1.7 million customers that use the station every year will appreciate the restoration work that has taken place.”