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Faber Maunsell were commissioned by Railtrack to act as design team leaders for major refurbishment and re-modelling works at Blackburn Station. Initially this involved undertaking a detailed study and assessment of the Victorian train shed and roof to establish its remaining useful life. The study concluded that the train shed life had expired.
The next phase of the project was the development of options for the replacement of the train shed, with the objective of creating a 21st century landmark station with improved connectivity and legibility from Blackburn town centre. At the same time the opportunity was to be taken to improve "out of guage" track alignment running through the station and to replace and re-guage life expired platforms.
The whole project from demolition through to final handover required very close liaison, planning and phasing with Railtrack and the train operating companies to ensure both safe working and minimum disruption to passenger services. New passenger facilities including waiting rooms, toilets, staff accommodation and offices, with disabled access, were incorporated within a new "speeding bullet" glazed toroid canopy structure.
Key tasks comprised:
Complete demolition of the existing trainshed and construction of the new station to tie in with the retained Grade II listed frontage building.
Rebuilding and upgrading of platforms together with track realignment to achieve optimum stepping distances. Enhanced platform and subway lighting, security and PA systems.
The project was successfully completed in June 2001 and is considered to be an excellent example of the improved integration of railways with the community. It has been nominated and has been successful in securing a number of awards in recognition of the quality of design achieved.
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