The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust’s Raise the Roof appeal has reached another significant milestone, with the fund now standing at just under £500,000 thanks to multiple donations and the addition of remaining funds from a significant legacy. At the same time, the SVR has signed a major construction contract for the construction of the long-awaited canopy at Kidderminster Town station.
The latest developments mark an important step forward for the project to complete the original vision for the Severn Valley Railway’s award-winning southern terminus. At the same time, the Charitable Trust is continuing its efforts to secure the remaining funding needed to bring the full scheme to completion, with supporters being urged to help build on the appeal’s growing momentum.
The Raise the Roof appeal aims to fund the construction of a heritage Great Western Railway-style platform canopy that will transform the appearance of Kidderminster Town station while providing much-needed shelter for passengers. Part of the structure will be built using authentic salvaged steelwork from the former Great Western Railway station at Wolverhampton Low Level, preserving an important piece of railway heritage for future generations.
In a major boost for the project, a contract has now been signed with Walsh Construction, the Worcester-based specialist civil engineering company. Established for more than 50 years, Walsh Construction is already familiar with working at the Severn Valley Railway and will deliver the project in carefully planned phases designed to fit around the railway’s operational requirements.
The project has also reached another key milestone, with arrangements now being made to place the order for the canopy’s steelwork, ensuring preparations are in place ahead of construction starting on site in January 2027.
During the first phase of the programme, taking place throughout the railway’s winter shutdown period, Walsh Construction will install foundations and drainage, erect the steel framework and resurface the platform. The works schedule has been specifically designed to allow the smooth operation of the railway’s February half-term services and its popular Boogie Lights experience.
This initial stage of construction is expected to be completed by the end of March 2027, after which work will pause while the railway concentrates on delivering its busy operating season.
The second phase is planned for November 2027, during the pre-Christmas pause in services, when the roof cladding will be installed. The final phase is scheduled for January 2028 and will complete the fascia boarding and finishing details that will bring the canopy project to its full and impressive conclusion.
Judith Meredith, chair of the SVR Charitable Trust, said:
“The Raise the Roof fund now stands at just under half a million pounds, boosted by the addition of remaining funds from a significant legacy. This is a fantastic milestone and testament to the generosity of our supporters.
“With the construction contract signed and steelwork ordered, this long-held ambition is becoming reality. But there is still work to do, and we are redoubling our fundraising efforts to secure the funds needed to complete the full project.
“We’re hugely grateful for the support so far and urge everyone who cares about the future of the SVR and railway heritage to help us maintain this momentum.”
The SVR’s chief executive officer Gus Dunster added:
“We’re delighted to have reached this stage and to be working with Walsh Construction on the delivery of the canopy. Their experience, expertise and understanding of the railway environment make them an excellent partner for the project.
“This canopy will be a striking addition to Kidderminster Town station and the culmination of many years of planning. As each phase is completed, visitors will begin to see the transformation of the station and the creation of a fitting Great Western Railway-style gateway to the Severn Valley Railway.”
Antony Bartlam, infrastructure director, said:
“A great deal of work has gone into developing a construction programme that allows us to make substantial progress while minimising the impact on railway operations. By delivering the works in phases, we can take advantage of planned shutdown periods and continue to provide the high-quality visitor experiences our passengers expect.”
With construction preparations now underway, fundraising momentum continuing and delivery plans firmly established, the Raise the Roof project has entered an exciting new chapter. The Charitable Trust is encouraging supporters, businesses and heritage railway enthusiasts to help close the remaining funding gap and play a lasting role in completing one of the Severn Valley Railway’s most significant heritage projects.
To find out more and to donate, please visit svrtrust.org.uk.