Station Hall is closing to undergo a full re-roofing, repair work and redecoration. A Grade II-listed building originally constructed in the 1870s, its roof has deteriorated to such a degree that a full replacement is necessary. In addition, the baffle wall (the false wall at the rear of the hall) will be removed to allow the installation of glazing to the four central arches. We will reopen in 2024 with a revitalised and reimagined Station Hall space.
Station Hall will close to visitors and colleagues from 3 January 2023. It is anticipated that the work will be completed by late 2024.
The project is being managed by Naomi Atherton Ltd and Buttress Architects are appointed as the Lead Consultant and responsible for the design and management of the Main Contractor. A suitable Main Contractor will be appointed to undertake the works in March.
South Yard will be closed to visitors and colleagues at the same time as the Station Hall closure, 3 January 2023. The outdoor play area will consequently be out of use and the Miniature Railway will also be closed. We’re exploring all options to reopen South Yard this summer.
Many smaller collection items will be temporarily relocated or stored elsewhere for the duration of the project by the collections team. Where items are physically fixed or are too delicate or too large to be moved, these items will require protective measures to be put into place in advance of any construction works getting underway.
The café in Great Hall will continue to operate as normal during the Station Hall closure period.
Alternative picnic spaces will be provided.
Rocket is one of the museum’s star objects and we are currently exploring display options.
The royal carriages will remain in situ and not on public display while the work is completed and will be fully protected from the works. All vehicles will be accessed and monitored by the Collection Team for the full duration of the works.
Yes. The works are essential to ensure that this important Grade II listed building remains usable and in a state of good repair for visitors to enjoy for years to come. Buttress have been appointed as experienced heritage architects. The removal of the wall added in the 2010s at the far end of Station Hall, will enhance the appreciation of the full extent of the hall, creating views to South Yard through the new windows.
The new roof being installed is a Kingspan system. This will provide a thermally efficient, weather tight roof which will mean that it will be easier to control the temperature in the building, making it more efficient for the collection, visitors and colleagues.
The museum will remain open for school bookings as normal. Please visit www.railwaymuseum.org.uk/learning for more information or if you have any concerns.
The overall budget envelope, which includes construction costs and fees, is £10.5m and is fully funded by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport.
We are planning for train rides to be a part of the long-term vision of the redevelopment of South Yard.
We will keep our website updated with the latest information to help visitors plan their trips. When you book a ticket there will be a reminder that Station Hall is closed sent via email.
We’re confident that during this closure we can still offer an unrivalled visitor experience, thanks to the many wonders of Great Hall and North Shed.
Vision 2025 is the biggest programme of investment, improvement and change to the National Railway Museum and Locomotion since they first opened. A multi-million-pound programme of construction and restoration projects will transform and modernise both sites with new buildings, galleries, visitor attractions, outdoor spaces and vital conservation work. It will secure the long-term future of both sites as reinvented, sustainable, inspiring 21st-century attractions.
Current major project completion dates are as follows:
- Wonderlab: The Bramall Gallery – June 2023
- Locomotion New Hall - Autumn 2023
- Station Hall – late 2024
- Central Hall – Autumn 2025
Inevitably during construction work, there will be an element of disruption across both NRM and Locomotion sites as work is completed. We will work with contractors to minimise the impact on our neighbours and will communicate any upcoming work in advance.
While both sites will remain open in the run up to 2025, it is inevitable that some parts of the visitor offer, such as Station Hall, will be affected by this disruption. We are confident that the museum will still offer a rewarding and enjoyable visitor experience during this period.
The museum will remain free to visit and North Shed and Great Hall will remain open with highlights such as Mallard, the Bullet Train and thousands of smaller railway items. More than 40 rail vehicles will be on display for the public to enjoy.
