Railway station restoration work celebrated

The completion of a significant project to improve Berwick railway station has been marked with an official ceremony.
Mayor Brian Douglas with members of the civic party and representatives from LNER and those involved in the renovation project at Berwick Railway Station. Picture by Jane ColtmanMayor Brian Douglas with members of the civic party and representatives from LNER and those involved in the renovation project at Berwick Railway Station. Picture by Jane Coltman
Mayor Brian Douglas with members of the civic party and representatives from LNER and those involved in the renovation project at Berwick Railway Station. Picture by Jane Coltman

The project, which was jointly funded by LNER and the Rail Heritage Trust, aimed to restore some of the stations original features as well as improving the customer experience.

The ticket office has been returned to its original position and a new Costa/Travelines outlet has also been built at the station.

Mayor Brian Douglas with members of the civic party and representatives from LNER and those involved in the renovation project at Berwick Railway Station. Picture by Jane ColtmanMayor Brian Douglas with members of the civic party and representatives from LNER and those involved in the renovation project at Berwick Railway Station. Picture by Jane Coltman
Mayor Brian Douglas with members of the civic party and representatives from LNER and those involved in the renovation project at Berwick Railway Station. Picture by Jane Coltman
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In addition, Heritage Architraves were also installed in the concourse area, and an original ‘LNER’ drinking water fountain on the platform has been restored.

On Friday, staff from LNER were joined by Andy Savage, executive director of the Rail Heritage Trust, Berwick’s civic party and the Berwick MP’s chief of staff Tom Forrester.

To mark the occasion an official blue heritage plaque was unveiled. It reads: ‘The North British Railway built Berwick on Tweed station in 1843, on the site of a 12th century castle. In 1913 it designed a new station, with many Scottish overtones in its design, but the Great War prevented construction until 1924. Thus the London & North Eastern Railway built the present station, with its island platform and footbridge. The station is Listed Grade II’

Elaine Hunter, head of property at LNER, said: “Berwick station is certainly one of the most beautiful stations on our route. We’ve therefore been delighted to work with the Rail Heritage Trust on the restoration and to be able to improve the facilities at the station. It has been a big project so it’s great to see the work celebrated with the unveiling of the plaque.”

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Andy Savage said: “The Trust has been delighted to add to its previous sponsorship of the wonderful station to give new space for the booking office and a much-improved café, both of which recognise the unique heritage of this station. We look forward to working with LNER and Network Rail on further projects to improve the appearance of the station.’