Twinfix’s Role in Restoring Lancaster Station’s Historic Platform Canopies

The Challenge

Lancaster Station is a prominent historic asset on the West

Coast Main Line. First opened in 1846, the station has

evolved over more than 175 years, including significant

remodelling in the early twentieth century that introduced

its distinctive mock Elizabethan character.

In 2023, a major investment programme was announced

to restore the existing platform canopies. The objective

was clear but complex: to sympathetically replace the

canopy glazing in a way that respected the station’s

Grade II listed status, while meeting contemporary safety,

performance, and regulatory requirements.

This was not simply a refurbishment exercise. It was a

carefully coordinated effort to preserve an important piece

of railway heritage while futureproofing the station for

modern use.

A Collaborative Delivery Model

The successful restoration was underpinned by close

collaboration between all project partners, including

Network Rail, Story Contracting, Orchard Roofing and

Building, Seed Architects, and Twinfix.

Story Contracting led the on-site delivery, coordinating

the programme and managing the operational challenges

of working within a live station environment. Their

approach ensured works were delivered safely, efficiently,

and with minimal disruption to passengers and rail

operations.

Orchard Roofing and Building brought specialist heritage

expertise to the installation process. Their attention to

detail and understanding of historic structures ensured the

new glazing system was integrated seamlessly, preserving

the architectural integrity of the original canopies.

Seed Architects guided the design strategy, balancing

heritage sensitivity with modern performance standards.

Every design decision was carefully considered to respect

the station’s character while enhancing safety and

longevity.

Twinfix worked closely with all stakeholders throughout

the project, providing technical support during design

development and advising on system integration to

ensure the glazing solution met heritage, safety, and

operational requirements.

The Twinfix Solution

To reflect the appearance of the original Georgian wired

glass while delivering modern performance, the Twinfix

Multi-Link-Panel Non-Fragile (NF) system was selected.

The Multi-Link-Panel NF system was glazed with Georgian

wired polycarbonate, providing the traditional visual

aesthetic required for a heritage environment while

delivering enhanced impact resistance, non-fragile

performance, reduced weight, and long term durability

compared with traditional glass.

Its lightweight, modular design allowed panels to be pre

assembled off site, reducing installation time, minimising

disruption, and significantly lowering working at height

risks.

More than 100 integrated inspection hatches were

incorporated within the Multi-Link-Panel NF canopy

glazing, enabling safe and efficient future maintenance

without compromising the overall appearance of the

structure.

The use of recyclable polycarbonate and aluminium also

supported wider sustainability objectives, aligning with

long term asset management and net zero ambitions

within the UK rail sector