Keighley railway station has been honoured with two accolades at the National Railway Heritage Awards 2025, recognising the extensive restoration work carried out over recent years. Network Rail completed a comprehensive refurbishment earlier this spring, delivering modern facilities while retaining the historic features that earned the site its grade II-listed status.

The £9.9 million project saw major improvements across the station, including the renewal of timber structures in ramps and roofing, structural strengthening works, drainage upgrades and significant masonry repairs. Crucially, the station remained operational throughout the renovation, serving both Northern services and the Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR), a much-loved heritage line.

The work earned the scheme top place in the Urban Heritage category at the awards ceremony in London on 3 December. Adding to the celebration, KWVR also received the Volunteers award for transforming the former water tank base into a new visitor centre, creating additional space for the public to explore the site’s history.

Jonny Ham, Network Rail lead portfolio manager, said:

“We’re very proud of the Keighley station project – and delighted to see it recognised by the National Railway Heritage Awards. We took painstaking care over the restoration and used innovative engineering solutions to keep the station open to the public throughout. We’ve maintained the station’s 19th century heritage while making sure it’s equipped to serve passengers for decades to come, and to be recognised by the judges in this way is excellent for everyone involved.”

Chris Pennock, framework director at AmcoGiffen, added:

“We’re really proud that the restoration of Keighley Station has been recognised with this award. Working closely with Network Rail, Keighley Worth Valley Railway, Northern and the local planning authority, our team put a lot of care and attention into repairing and preserving this much-loved station. It’s great to see that effort celebrated, and we’re delighted to have helped protect the station’s heritage for the local community and everyone who uses it.”

Matthew Stroh, chairman of the Keighley & Worth Valley Preservation Society, praised the dedication of volunteers:

“It’s a great honour for the railway to be recognised nationally for our volunteers' hard work. We've been a key partner in the refurbishment of Keighley station, so are joint winners with AmcoGiffen and Network Rail for the work that's seen so much of the fabric of the station renewed. In addition, and with generous support from the Keighley Town Deal and Friends of the railway, have opened the Water Tank House to passengers with a fabulous visitor centre. To get such an accolade against such stiff competition is testimony to the dedication, commitment and vision of our 800-strong team of volunteers. They’ve done the railway proud.”

In their remarks, the judges commended the station for its renewed appearance and role as a gateway to both the town and countryside:

“Keighley is a credit to all concerned. As well as being a safer, more welcoming passenger environment for all railway users, the station is now a more fitting gateway to both the urban environment of Keighley and the more rural charms of the Worth Valley. I have had the pleasure of judging many large stations during my 30-plus years with the awards; Keighley stands very prominently among the best of these.”

Image: Network Rail