Lancaster Station is a prominent historic asset on the West Coast Main Line. First opened in 1846, the station has evolved over more than 175 years, including significant remodelling in the early twentieth century that introduced its distinctive mock Elizabethan character.
In 2023, a major investment programme was announced to restore the existing platform canopies. The objective was clear but complex: to sympathetically replace the canopy glazing in a way that respected the station’s Grade II listed status, while meeting contemporary safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.
This was not simply a refurbishment exercise. It was a carefully coordinated effort to preserve an important piece of railway heritage while futureproofing the station for modern use.
A Collaborative Delivery Model
The successful restoration was underpinned by close collaboration between all project partners, including Network Rail, Story Contracting, Orchard Roofing and Building, Seed Architects, and Twinfix.
Story Contracting led the on-site delivery, coordinating the programme and managing the operational challenges of working within a live station environment. Their approach ensured works were delivered safely, efficiently, and with minimal disruption to passengers and rail operations.
Orchard Roofing and Building brought specialist heritage expertise to the installation process. Their attention to detail and understanding of historic structures ensured the new glazing system was integrated seamlessly, preserving the architectural integrity of the original canopies.
Seed Architects guided the design strategy, balancing heritage sensitivity with modern performance standards. Every design decision was carefully considered to respect the station’s character while enhancing safety and longevity.
Twinfix worked closely with all stakeholders throughout the project, providing technical support during design development and advising on system integration to ensure the glazing solution met heritage, safety, and operational requirements.
The Twinfix Solution
To reflect the appearance of the original Georgian wired glass while delivering modern performance, the Twinfix Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system was selected.
The Multi-Link-Panel NF system was glazed with Georgian wired polycarbonate, providing the traditional visual aesthetic required for a heritage environment while delivering enhanced impact resistance, non-fragile performance, reduced weight, and long term durability compared with traditional glass.
Its lightweight, modular design allowed panels to be pre assembled off site, reducing installation time, minimising disruption, and significantly lowering working at height risks.
More than 100 integrated inspection hatches were incorporated within the Multi-Link-Panel NF canopy glazing, enabling safe and efficient future maintenance without compromising the overall appearance of the structure.
The use of recyclable polycarbonate and aluminium also supported wider sustainability objectives, aligning with long term asset management and net zero ambitions within the UK rail sector.
The Outcome
The completed restoration has revitalised Lancaster Station’s platforms. The refurbished canopies maximise natural daylight, provide reliable weather protection, and retain the historic character that defines the station.
For passengers, the environment is brighter, safer, and more welcoming. For the operator, the Multi-Link-Panel NF glazing system delivers reduced maintenance requirements, improved safety performance, and enhanced long term resilience.
Above all, the project demonstrates the value of collaboration and considered design. By combining heritage understanding with modern engineering, the Lancaster Station canopy restoration stands as a benchmark example of how historic rail infrastructure can be preserved and enhanced for future generations, supported by Twinfix’s proven glazing solutions.
Voices from the Team
Our clients were happy with the outcome:
“The works to renew the platform canopies at Lancaster have transformed the station whilst retaining its grade II listed heritage. The new Georgian Wire effect Twinfix glazing has provided a great blend of new technology which will help to maintain the canopies for years to come whilst retaining the stations original look and feel.”
Mike Thomas, Scheme Project Manager, Network Rail
“Working with Twinfix on this project has been a seamless experience from start to finish. Their glazing systems are high-quality, easy to install, and supported by excellent technical guidance, helping us deliver outstanding results for our clients. The Twinfix team are always quick to respond to any questions, and their detailed drawings make life much easier for our installers on site. We’ve worked with Twinfix on numerous projects over the years, and their products have always been perfect. We’ll continue to use them in future thanks to their exceptional quality, reliability, and service.”
Ryan Hollands, Orchard Roofing and Building
“We were very pleased to support Network Rail’s restoration works to the canopies at Grade II listed Lancaster Station with a grant award. The finished work and use of Twinfix products brings natural light onto the platforms and shows off the dramatic station buildings to good effect. This work complements the painting of the station by Avanti West Coast so that Lancaster Station is once again a station the city can be proud of.”
Tim Hedley-Jones, Executive Director of The Railway Heritage Trust
