London,7th October, 2024 – Capel C.S Ltd, a leading name in the construction industry, is pleased to announce a project completion for Greater Anglia involving refurbishment works at Lowestoft Train Station in Suffolk. The construction contractors were brought on board by long-term client and UK-leading TOC (Train-Operating-Company), Greater Anglia (GA), after working on various projects on their network over the last few years.
120-year Old Canopy
Capel C.S. were contracted by Greater Anglia for renovation works on the main canopy at Lowestoft train station, the fourth-busiest station in Suffolk situated just a short walk from the sea.
From the initial surveys and pre-build works, the construction contractors began carpentry works in April 2024, to address structural requirements and strengthen the canopy for durability in today’s climate. The project’s purpose consisted of enhancing both the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal of the canopy.
“Lowestoft station has a rich history, and we are pleased to deliver a smart, refurbished and restored entrance that will enhance the experience for passengers. “It was really important that we preserved the original look of the entrance, and I am pleased that, through our contractor Capel C.S Ltd, we have delivered an upgraded canopy that is fit for a station with such a historical significance.” said Simone Bailey, Director of Asset Management, Greater Anglia.
GA’s request in design was to preserve the canopies existing features but renewing the canopy from timber to a maintenance friendly GRP. After addressing the initial works to be undertaken, Capel kicked off refurbishment
works by replacing old roof covering and installing boarding installation with EPDM roof membrane laying that ensures superior weather resistance and longevity.
Brick and stone restoration were identified and undertaken to improve the front elevation of the building. The construction contractors replaced defected structural timbers and supported the building further by installing additional structural timbers to increase to the canopy loading for future maintenance. In addition, the canopy now has a man-safe system that was designed and installed to mitigate any fall from height when inspection and maintenance is required.
The original 1855 Lowestoft station canopy was relocated to its current position in 1903 when the station buildings were extended with the opening of the Lowestoft to Yarmouth line. At the time, the station had two ticket offices for passengers- one for the Midland Railway and one for the Great Eastern Railway as the new Lowestoft-Yarmouth line (opened in 1903) was being operated by the Midland and Great Northern Joint Railway.
Working with Railway Heritage Trust
The station has a rich history and now showcases much of its maintained heritage thanks to Capel’s experience in this specific field. Capel C.S were also able to provide assistance to GA in procuring funding from Railway Heritage Trust for various aspects of the project.
Funding from Railway Heritage Trust for Greater Anglia aided the cost of GRP mouldings, some painting works as well as stone repairs. Capel also preserved elements of the canopy of British Heritage by the recovery and re-fixing of set aside Lowestoft station letters upon project completion, honouring the station’s historical significance. The canopy then saw the incorporation of modern materials to enhance the canopy’s resilience and visual appeal, including GRP Dagger boards panels.
