The Challenge
Lancaster Station—originally known as Lancaster Castle—is a historic landmark on the West Coast Main Line. Opened in 1846, it has served the city for over 175 years. The station underwent major remodelling in the early 1900s, gaining its distinctive mock-Elizabethan architecture and expanded facilities. Over the decades, it has adapted to changing rail needs, including electrification and rationalisation of track layouts.
In 2023, a significant investment was announced to restore the platform canopies—an essential part of the station’s character and function. The challenge: how to sympathetically restore the canopy glazing while meeting modern safety and building standards, all without compromising the station’s Grade II listed heritage. This wasn’t just a refurbishment—it was a shared mission to protect a piece of railway history.
A Joined-Up Approach
The success of the Lancaster Station canopy restoration was built on strong collaboration between Network Rail, Story Contracting, Orchard Roofing and Building, Seed Architects, and specialist suppliers. Each partner brought unique expertise, but it was the shared commitment to quality, heritage, and safety that made the project stand out.
Story Contracting led the delivery on the ground, coordinating the programme and ensuring that all works were completed safely, efficiently, and to the highest standard. Their role was pivotal in managing the complexities of working on a live station, balancing operational needs with restoration goals.
Orchard Roofing and Building brought deep experience in heritage roofing and installation. Their hands-on craftsmanship and attention to detail ensured that the canopy system was installed seamlessly, preserving the station’s historic character while integrating modern materials.
Seed Architects played a key role in shaping the design vision—ensuring that every architectural decision respected the station’s heritage while embracing modern performance and safety standards. Their input helped align the aesthetic and technical elements of the project, creating a solution that was both beautiful and functional.
Working closely with Network Rail, the team took a joined-up approach—aligning design, safety, and heritage considerations from the outset. This collaborative ethos ensured that every decision supported the shared goal: restoring Lancaster Station as a proud gateway to the city.
The Technical Solution
To replicate the original Georgian wired glass, lightweight polycarbonate panels were selected—offering the appearance of traditional glazing with the strength and durability of modern materials. Over 100 integrated inspection hatches were included to support safe maintenance access. The system was pre-assembled into panels off-site, reducing on-site handling and minimising working-at-height risks. The use of recyclable polycarbonate and aluminium also supported sustainability goals, aligning with the UK’s net-zero railway ambitions.
The Outcome
The result is a station transformed. The restored canopies flood the platforms with natural light, provide shelter from the elements, and preserve the architectural integrity of this historic site. From a passenger’s perspective, the station feels brighter, safer, and more welcoming. From an operator’s viewpoint, the new system reduces maintenance costs, improves safety, and enhances long-term resilience. But most importantly, the project stands as a testament to what can be achieved when teams come together with a shared vision.
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
