The restoration of Richmond railway station has been recognised with a prestigious National Railway Heritage Award, marking a major success for South Western Railway (SWR) and Network Rail. The honour was announced at the 46th National Railway Heritage Awards ceremony, held at Merchant Taylors’ Hall in London.

The Rail Minister, Lord Hendy, presented the Railway Heritage Trust Conservation Award to SWR representatives and project leads Chris Gregory and Bryan Robilliard. They were joined by Cllr Chris Varley and Nick O'Donnell from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, as well as Anna Jipps and Andy Savage MBE from the Railway Heritage Trust.

The winning project began in 2023 and focused on reviving the station’s Art Deco design, following decades of wear and subsequent modifications. The exterior façade and canopy, along with the ticket hall, were carefully restored and refreshed to highlight the building’s original character.

Work concluded in September, with support from the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames and the Railway Heritage Trust. The station now features period styling including bronze fascia panelling, an authentic “Glasscrete” canopy finish, timber detailing and green glass signage, while Art Deco chandeliers complete the interior.

Despite the scale of the works, the station remained open throughout the project, continuing to handle nearly 8.9 million passenger entries and exits in the 2023–24 year.

Chris Gregory, SWR’s Asset Enhancement Manager, said:

“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!”

Richmond station was originally opened in 1937 and designed under Southern Railway architect James Robb Scott, whose portfolio also includes Surbiton, Woking and stations on the Chessington branch. The restoration has already gained wider recognition, having secured a Richmond Society Award earlier this autumn.

Image: South Western Railway