Great Malvern Railway Station, Worcestershire

Taziker was contracted by our client Murphy to undertake preparation, painting and steelwork repairs at the historic Great Malvern Station in Worcestershire on behalf of Network Rail. The Grade II listed station was opened in 1860 and boasts several distinctive features, including charming floral adornments on cast iron columns, showcasing its authentic Victorian heritage.

The challenge

Due to the stations advanced age, restoration works were required to ensure its continued longevity. In preparation for the painting works, the surfaces were mechanically prepped, with the failing paint system removed. During this process, defects were discovered in the steel guttering that ran across Platform 1 on both sides, with several holes causing extensive leaks.

Working on listed buildings comes with unique challenges and it was crucial that the paint system adhered to the original Victorian design, requiring 12 different colours. Alongside this, there was the added complexity of the floral adornments, which were in considerable disrepair due to age. Also situated on site were key historical artifacts, such as the station clock on Platform 1, which could not be removed while our blasting and painting works progressed.

The solution

Utilising the expertise of our in-house engineering department, our team were quick to react to the defects and carried out a full measured survey of the guttering, identifying the works required. Once agreeable with the client, we collaborated with our valued sub-contractors to undertake the steelwork repairs, blasting and painting to an N1 paint system standard off-site.

Once the new guttering system was returned to site and ready to install, we worked with our client, undertaking the complex task of lifting off the timber roof, which was approximately 20% of the platform length, using an approved temporary works design for lifting the roof in phases. The existing guttering system was then carefully lifted out and the new system installed in its place.

We worked collaboratively with our client and key stakeholders in discussions around the aesthetic of the painting works. To protect the artifacts on the station, the team carefully wrapped the items so these important heritage pieces would be protected from any debris or paint that could lead to damage. The flower adornments, an eye-catching piece for the station, were carefully removed and taken off-site to a cast iron fabrication facility for repair. While this was underway, the team worked across both platforms, applying the topcoat, undercoat and gloss to the rest of the platform, following the intricate colour system. As the final step, the flower adornments were then returned to site and fitted back into place before any paintwork final touches.

The result

The final result saw the platforms at the station strengthened, with the installation of a brand new guttering system and steelwork repairs successfully completed. The painting works and repairs to the flower adornments has breathed new life into the station, all whilst keeping true to its Victorian roots.