Morpeth Railway Station wins the Conservation Award at the National Railway Heritage Awards 2020

Morpeth Railway Station has won the Conservation Award, sponsored by the Railway Heritage Trust, at the National Railway Heritage Awards 2020.

The building, designed by architect Benjamin Green, originally opened in 1847. Green, together with his engineer/architect father John, was responsible for numerous civic and public buildings, including many railway stations on the East Coast Main Line. Prior to its refurbishment Morpeth Station had been largely vacant for a number of years with just a small ticket office in operation.

Napper Architects teamed up with John Curtis (a conservation architect and former director of Napper) to successfully deliver the project on behalf of the client, the Greater Morpeth Development Trust. Conservation work included removing inappropriate infill to allow the entrance portico to be re-opened, re-instating the historic chimney stacks, repairing the stonework, and exposing and repairing the roof structure. The station now accommodates a new entrance hub, ticket office, café, taxi office and managed business units.

Funding came from the Heritage Lottery Fund, The Railway Heritage Trust, Northumberland Council Rural Growth Fund, Northern Rail and Network Rail.

“Morpeth is an important and attractive station. All work has been completed to a high standard and all original features have been retained and restored.”

Award Judges.

“I have no hesitation in recommending Napper Architects for this type of conservation work. Napper Architects advised the client team effectively through the whole process to achieve an appropriate restoration of the features.”

David Lodge, CEO Greater Morpeth Development Trust.