Harlow Town Rail Station, Essex, UK

Work to restore Harlow Town rail station’s faded exterior to its former glory has won a national award. Train operator, Greater Anglia, which manages the Grade II listed station, replaced all the old station canopy fascias with new ‘Hollybush Green’ colour Dura Dagger Board fascias – which will be maintenance free and prevent the colour from fading for many years to come. The work, which was made possible thanks to funding from the Railway Heritage Trust, has received the BAM Nuttall Partnership Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards.

The original plywood of the fascias was over 60 years old and had come to the end of its life. At some point, the original green colour had been painted white, dramatically altering the look and character of the station. In close collaboration with Greater Anglia and historical building consultants, we prepared samples and designs for approval.

With Dura Composites able to replicate the old hollybush green colour in a composite material without the need for regular repainting, the Railway Heritage Trust supported the upgrade work to make the station fascias fit for the future. Composite fascia replacements were carried out across all platforms, the overbridges and on the station forecourt.