The inspiration for the refurbishment came when the Blackheath Society stumbled upon a 20th century ‘weight restriction’ sign, which had gone missing from the front of the station, in an antiques shop.
This set in motion a train of events that led to the Grade II listed station securing funding for a vibrant refurbishment that uses the classic Victoria rail-era cream and green colour scheme throughout. The weight sign has been restored back into position, and the canopies, beams, columns and dagger boards have all been re-painted, along with the station’s eye-catching façade.
Invited guests from Lewisham council, the Blackheath Society and the Railway Heritage Trust were on hand to see the weight sign unveiling and to take a tour around the refurbished station to see the impressive results of the makeover, which also includes:
- New floor coverings in the booking hall and waiting room
- Restored heritage fireplace in waiting room
- New platform benches
- Heritage signage
- Refurbishment of the male and female accessible toilets
Celebrations took place throughout the morning for customers and guests. Commemorative gifts and birthday cake were given out and there were a host of children’s activities, including wooden train painting and hook-a-duck, which helped to raise funds for the local St Christopher's Hospice.
There was also an opportunity to view a specially curated photo gallery that steps though 176 years of history to tell the remarkable story of Blackheath station and the local village community.
Steve White, South Eastern Railways Managing Director, said:
“We are incredibly proud of our railway heritage in south east London and Blackheath station really does looks stunning with its Victorian-era cream and green colour scheme restored throughout.
As the first in a new era of integrated railways under public ownership, South Eastern Railway are developing integrated plans for all of our stations to ensure work completed is done in a joined up manner, which is more efficient, less disruptive and delivers a better outcome for customers.
When it opened in 1849, Blackheath was described as an ‘elegant station’ and today it is a perfect example of what can be achieved by Network Rail and operators working together. It is a beautiful restoration packed with modern, accessible customer amenities and a great coffee shop.
Blackheath station’s 176th birthday and the Railway 200 centenary year are all part of highlighting the vital role that rail plays in connecting communities, whether in the past, the present, or the future.”
Nicola Peers, Trustee of The Blackheath Society, added:
“My inspiration for the renovation was sparked when we found the ‘weight restriction’ sign a few years after its mysterious disappearance. I contacted the Railway Heritage Trust, and they agreed that this Grade II listed building should be fully restored with the sign re-instated into its original position. Working closely with South Eastern Railway we have now transformed it into a heritage station, and we are absolutely thrilled with the results.”
Andy Savage, Chair of the Railway Heritage Trust, said:
“The Railway Heritage Trust is delighted with the restoration work South Eastern Railway has carried out at Blackheath station. It is a shining example of how an operational station can have a heritage enhancement that really benefits passengers. We have now awarded three grants totalling £195,000 to aid the restoration and heritage work there.”
The 176th birthday event at the refurbished station follows a 10-week programme of essential repairs in the Blackheath tunnel, which also opened in 1849, with trains running as normal again between Charlton, Blackheath and Lewisham from Monday.
