The long-running refurbishment of the side canopy at Eastbourne station is finally finishing, with the drop-off point likely to re-open within the next two weeks.
The work was severely delayed due to extensive wood decay which was discovered by workers.
The area on Ashford Road (below) was closed in May 2021 so work could take place and the drop-off point moved to the station car park on the opposite side of the building.
The canopied area, part of the Grade II-listed station which was built in 1886, had been due to re-open in December 2021.
However, workers found more widespread decay than expected in the wood around the glass panels, according to Network Rail. It will have been closed for 17 months.
A spokesman said the discovery meant that work took much longer than previously expected.
He said: “Although we had investigated the state of the roof before starting work, it was only when we began to remove the glass that we could see how much more work we needed to do.
“So instead of just putting new glass in, we’re doing a proper job and repairing the timber and providing a long-lasting repair. Thanks to everyone for bearing with us!”
Posters on the information board near the area have yellowed with age since May of last year (above left). But now new posters in the station car park (above right) announce the re-opening of the ‘trainshed’ area at the end of this month.
The station was designed by F. D. Bannister, engineer to the London, Brighton and South Coast Railway.
It was granted Grade-II listed status in 1981 and is described by Historic England as having a large semi-domed French pavilion roof with fish-scale tiles and iron cresting, and iron and glass canopies on the outside. The glass roof over the concourse is a more recent replacement.
Comments are welcome but they are pre-moderated
:: If you like my original journalism, please support me so I can keep going
