The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust has launched a major new fundraising appeal to raise £1 million for the construction of a heritage platform canopy at Kidderminster Town station.
The Raise the Roof campaign will help complete the original vision for the railway’s award-winning southern terminus, creating an authentic Great Western Railway-style canopy along the station’s double platform.
The project has been made possible by a substantial legacy gift, providing the momentum to embark on one of the most ambitious station enhancement projects in the Severn Valley Railway’s history. The Charitable Trust is now inviting supporters, visitors, businesses and the wider community to help bring the vision to life.
Kidderminster Town station has been developed over several decades to reflect the quality and character of a traditional Great Western Railway station. The new canopy will complete that transformation, enhancing the visitor experience while preserving the station’s historic authenticity for future generations.
Judith Meredith, Chair of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, said:
“It feels like we’re finally putting the last missing piece into place at Kidderminster. This is an aspirational project that will transform the platform and complete the original vision for the station.
“Through our Raise the Roof campaign, we are inviting everyone who loves the Severn Valley Railway to be part of this moment. Every contribution will help create a lasting legacy, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a station that truly reflects the heritage and character of the Great Western Railway.
“We hope people will join us in helping to Raise the Roof at Kidderminster.”
The completed canopy will provide improved shelter for passengers while becoming a striking architectural feature in its own right. Part of the structure will be built using authentic salvaged steelwork from the former Great Western Railway station at Wolverhampton Low Level, helping to preserve an important piece of railway heritage.
Gus Dunster, Chief Executive Officer of the Severn Valley Railway, said:
“Kidderminster is the front door of the Severn Valley Railway, and this project will make it a gateway worthy of what lies beyond.
“A canopy will transform the welcome we can give our visitors, making a wait on the platform part of the experience itself. It will strengthen the sense of arrival at one of Britain’s leading heritage railways and enhance the station for everyone who visits.”
The Trust is offering a variety of ways to support the campaign. Alongside donations, a range of sponsorship opportunities will enable individuals and organisations to play a visible and lasting role in bringing the canopy to life.
Every contribution will help write the next chapter in the story of Kidderminster Town station and secure a fitting legacy for generations of future visitors.
Facts about Kidderminster Town station
- Kidderminster Town station may look more than 100 years old, but it was built in the mid-1980s.
- The spectacular glazed canopy over the station concourse was added in 2006.
- The new platform canopy will be partly constructed using authentic salvaged steelwork from the former GWR station at Wolverhampton Low Level.
- More than 70 tonnes of steel will be used in the construction of the canopy.
For further information about the Raise the Roof campaign and to make a donation, visit svrtrust.org.uk/raisetheroof