Coventry railway station has undergone a fresh round of improvements following a GBP 600,000 investment to replace the skylights on Platform 1, as part of an ongoing programme to enhance the customer experience.
Jointly funded by Avanti West Coast, Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust, the project has seen all 27 skylights—dating back to the 1960s—replaced with modern, easy-to-maintain structures that allow more natural light into the station. New LED lighting has also been installed alongside the skylights to improve energy efficiency.
Each skylight now consists of eight removable panels for cleaning and maintenance, while new roof access points at either end of the platform ensure future upkeep is more manageable.
In addition to the skylights, new wayfinding signage has been introduced throughout the station to support passenger navigation. These upgrades build on wider regeneration efforts at the Grade II listed station, including the 2022 opening of a new GBP 82 million station building, a multi-storey car park, and improved footbridge links.
Dean Duthie, Engineering and Infrastructure Director at Avanti West Coast, said: “Walking along Platform 1, the work has made a remarkable difference where customers will see a more vibrant look and feel from the natural light streaming through the new skylights.”
He added: “Coventry station boasts a rich railway history… undergoing a huge transformation to ensure that rail customers are given the best experience possible through easy accessibility, availability of shops, simple wayfinding and a relaxing atmosphere.”
Federica Labanca, Principal Route Engineer at Network Rail Central route, said: “We’re really pleased to have been able to support this fantastic station improvement project for passengers.”
“At Network Rail, we take great pride in working with our industry partners to preserve and enhance Britain’s iconic railway stations whilst making sure they meet the needs of the modern-day passenger.”
Tim Hedley-Jones, Director of The Railway Heritage Trust, said: “Our twentieth century railway heritage is just as important as that dating from the nineteenth century. Network Rail and Avanti West Coast are to be congratulated on looking after this iconic Grade II listed station so well.”
He added: “Having clear natural light and visible signage for passengers waiting for trains is an important part of the customer experience and we are pleased to have supported this work with three grant awards.”
Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities at Coventry City Council, welcomed the improvements, noting: “It’s great to see upgrades like these enhance the station’s architectural heritage while also meeting modern-day needs.”
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