News & Media > Rail Services
21:12:2011
Skills recognised at Railway Heritage Awards
The National Railway Heritage Awards are dedicated to encouraging and rewarding best practice in the restoration and continued upkeep of the rich heritage of railway and tramway buildings and structures. The 2011 awards were presented at a ceremony in London on 7 December.
The Middlesbrough Station Access for All project (pictured), to which May Gurney made a major contribution, won the Partnership Award category, which is given for improvements to or restoration of an historic railway or tramway building or structure in any ownership, in a jointly funded project.
Two other May Gurney/Network Rail schemes were also short-listed; the project to refurbish the life-expired roof at London Victoria Station, and the restoration of the canopy and footbridge at Halifax Station in Yorkshire.
The project to install two passenger lifts at Middlesbrough Station was part of Network Rail's ‘Access for All' programme to provide ‘step-free' access at selected railway stations.
The local planning authority was particularly concerned that the works would not adversely affect the Grade 2 listed station building, and several meetings were held on site with their conservation architect to discuss the works.
Particular care was taken not to introduce any fixings into the stonework, and to ensure that this and other sensitive surfaces were not damaged in any way. Both lifts required separate control rooms and these have been incorporated within the existing infrastructure in a sympathetic manner and without affecting the station aesthetics.
The works were carried out in public areas and public access had to be maintained at all times. Noisy operations were carried out overnight and solid hoarding prevented public access to working areas. No complaints were received throughout the works and several members of the public expressed their appreciation in writing for the assistance volunteered to them by the workforce.
A good working relationship with the station manager and his staff was maintained throughout the project and they regularly confirmed the works had no adverse impact on operational activity.
