It is 'business as usual' say South Western Railway (SWR) as refurbishment works at Richmond Station will not interfere with train services.

Announced earlier this year (1 August) as part of a collaborative improvement project between Network Rail, SWR, the Railway Heritage Trust, and Richmond Council, the massive scaffolding outside the station marks the next stage of these works.

On a sign positioned inside the station, SWR state: "Business as usual. The next phase of work requires scaffolding to be erected at the front of the station to replace the lighting and refurbish the canopy.

"We expect the scaffolding to be in place until early 2025. During this time, businesses will remain open as usual and access to the station will be maintained at all times.

"Thank you for your patience while these works take place."

An advisory from SWR making commuters aware of the renovations (credit: Cesar Medina).

Network Rail previously said repairers planned to replace the entrance canopy with "a heritage style bronze coloured fascia" by early next year.

To date, a wide range of improvements have already been completed at Richmond Station, including: 

• Refurbishing and re-polishing the entrance doors
• Cleaning the stonework to the façade
• Installing new station lettering to the façade at high level.
• Redecorating the windows and the inside of the booking hall with the original heritage colours.
• Replacing the flagpoles putting them in their deployed position.
• Refurbishing the customer toilets in the lower concourse.
• Installing a new wide aisle gate in the lower concourse gateline.

Previously, Mark Goodall, Wessex Route Director for Network Rail, said: "It's particularly pleasing to see the culmination of a joint effort by the rail industry and our local partners to improve the look and feel of Richmond station.

"The station has a rich heritage and was designed by James Robb Scott, and much of this work is about preserving and enhancing the charm of this fabulous station.

"It is clear to see the positive impact of collaboration and I hope passengers and the local community in Richmond recognise and appreciate the improvements that have and are continuing to be made."

The three main entrance can still be accessed despite the scaffolding (credit: Cesar Medina).

Councillor Gareth Roberts, Leader of Richmond Council added: "Residents will be aware that we are in the early stages of creating a vision for Richmond Town Centre.

"While that longer term project is in train, I am really pleased that this work is starting, to improve the overall experience of arriving into Richmond for all residents, visitors and businesses.

"This project is not just about aesthetics but about ensuring Richmond Station and the surrounding Town Centre remain a hub for good business and cultural heritage and I'm confident that the new station look will boost the appeal and status of Richmond within the borough and beyond."

Richmond Station first opened back in 1846, with the current station building opening in 1937. It was designed by James Robb Scott in Portland Stone.

We want to provide Richmond with more and more clickbait-free local news. To do that, we need a loyal newsletter following. Help us survive and sign up for our free weekly newsletter by clicking the link HERE.

Follow Richmond Nub News on Facebook , Instagram and X to stay updated on the latest news in your area. Don't miss out!