Photo by Dave Brown of Dave Brown Photography
One of the most historic railway landmarks in Southport is to undergo “essential” renovation in order to secure its “long-term structural preservation”.
The Grade II Listed Birkdale Signal Box, near Birkdale Railway Station, was built in 1905 and has great heritage value in telling part of the story of the historic former Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway.
But in recent years the 117-year-old signal box has become dilapidated and worn, with peeling paint and concerns over its condition.
Network Rail has now submitted a Listed Building Consent planning application to bring the beautiful structure back to its former glory, which will include essential repairs and the installation of security fencing.
The signal box is located to the immediate north of Birkdale Railway Station, to the northern side of the level crossing carrying Weld Road over the Liverpool to Southport railway line. The Signal Box was Listed at Grade II in November 2013.
Read More: Birkdale Signal Box is a 115-year-old hidden gem we must look after
In its application, Network Rail said: “The signal box can be said to provide both aesthetic value, as a consequence of its architectural qualities, including the retention of existing features such as original windows, lever frame etc, and historical value as to how the Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway was originally conceived and constructed.
“Having regard to the structure’s historic value, the Historic England document ‘Designation Listing Selection Guide: Transport Buildings’ (2017) sets out four ‘ages’ of railway construction which, in descending importance, is as below:
- • The pioneering first phase, 1825–41;
- • The heroic age, 1841–50;
- • The third phase 1850s–1870s, the consolidation of the network; and
- • The fourth period, up to 1914, the completion of the network.
“Given the construction date of 1905, it is apparent that the structure stems from the fourth ‘completion’ phase of railway construction. Therefore, although not amongst the oldest of historic railway structures on the network, there is nevertheless noteworthy historic significance attributable to it.
“As noted in the List Description, the signal box is a ‘rare surviving example of the hipped roof style of Lancashire and Yorkshire Railway signal box’.
“Network Rail is proposing to undertake a programme of repair work to the signal box. This is needed due to various elements of the structure showing signs of deterioration, which is resulting in the signal box appearing as unsightly.
“The Signal Box requires full external refurbishment in order to preserve the structural integrity of the building and prevent further degradation.”
The scope of works consists of:
1 Local repair to damaged / missing sections thorough pre-decorative preparation, coat treatment in colours to be agreed.
2 Overhaul all frames, sashes etc. (e.g.’window care’). Replace broken/missing glazing (include provision for ventilation).
3 Remove security boards. Secure/deglaze exposed sashes. Reinstate security screens, include provision for ventilation and vegetation. Overhaul, reglaze and reenable existing sash windows, consider alternate security ventilation.
- Ground/clearance to expose original paving levels within 3000mm of building.
- Remove the existing fence. Reinstate with 2400mm high steel palisade security fencing incorporating an access gate.
Network Rail said: “The package of repair works proposed are all essential to ensure the weatherproofing and long-term structural preservation of the signal box. They will be undertaken using historically-appropriate materials, and carried out using sensitive methodologies.
“The works, including the replacement timber cladding, doors and staircase, will all enhance the visual appearance for the listed structure, and by extension the setting of the Conservation Area.
“Doing so will facilitate an appropriate and sustainable continued future use of the signal box in its original purpose.
“It is considered that the works proposed are respectful to the character and appearance of the Listed structure.
“The proposed works which are essential to ensure the longer-term preservation of the signal box will be carried out in a sympathetic manner that harmonises with the context of the surrounding Conservation Area.”
Do you have a story for Stand Up For Southport? Please message Andrew Brown via Facebook here or email me at: mediaandrewbrown@gmail.com
The NR contacts for the works is Haley Smith & Marcus Barlow
Do you mind if I quote a couple of your posts as long as I provide credit and sources back to your blog?
My website is in the exact same niche as yours and my visitors
would certainly benefit from some of the information you provide here.
Please let me know if this ok with you. Appreciate it!
Enjoyed looking at this, very good stuff, thanks. “It is in justice that the ordering of society is centered.” by Aristotle.
I always emailed this blog post page to all my associates, since if like to read
it then my links will too.
Hi there friends, fastidious post and nice arguments commented at this place,
I am in fact enjoying by these.
Metal waste recovery Ferrous metal scrapyard Iron waste handling
Ferrous waste management company, Iron waste reclaiming services, Scrap metal reclamation and repurposing
naturally like your web site but you have to take a look at the spelling on quite a few of your posts. Many of them are rife with spelling problems and I find it very bothersome to tell the reality nevertheless I will definitely come again again.
Scrap metal reclamation facility Ferrous material recovery system Iron scrap reclamation yard
Ferrous material technology, Iron scrap recycling best practices, Metal waste exchange
Scrap metal treatment technologies Ferrous material lean practices Iron and steel scrapping and reutilization
Ferrous metal reprocessing center, Iron reclamation operations, Metal commodity trading
Metal waste recycling depots Ferrous metal assessment Iron scrap reprocessing yard
Ferrous material material reuse, Iron recovery yard, Metal reclamation and recycling yard
Very great post. I just stumbled upon your weblog and wanted to mention that I’ve really enjoyed surfing around your blog posts. After all I will be subscribing in your rss feed and I hope you write again soon!
Good – I should definitely pronounce, impressed with your web site. I had no trouble navigating through all the tabs as well as related info ended up being truly easy to do to access. I recently found what I hoped for before you know it at all. Quite unusual. Is likely to appreciate it for those who add forums or something, web site theme . a tones way for your client to communicate. Nice task.
You got a very fantastic website, Glad I observed it through yahoo.
Having read this I thought it was very informative. I appreciate you taking the time and effort to put this article together. I once again find myself spending way to much time both reading and commenting. But so what, it was still worth it!
F*ckin¦ awesome things here. I¦m very glad to look your post. Thanks a lot and i’m taking a look ahead to touch you. Will you kindly drop me a e-mail?