Keighley station has steamed into a bright new chapter following an 18-month, £9.9 million restoration project that has revitalised the Grade II-listed station, preserving its Victorian charm while future proofing it for generations of passengers.
Opened in 1885, the historic station had seen parts closed due to safety concerns. Now, after an extensive refurbishment, it has been restored in its classic “Keighley maroon” and yellow vanilla livery—though the work has gone far beyond cosmetic.
🔨 A Heritage Upgrade
Key elements of the transformation included:
- Full refurbishment of the station forecourt, frontage, waiting room, and footbridges
- Repairs to timber ramps, roof structures, and the gable end of the café
- Structural strengthening of platforms and link bridges
- Restoration of chimneys, masonry, and historic drainpipes (reproduced in aluminium to mimic the original cast iron)
- Refitting over 100 window panes using handcrafted timber frames
- Drainage upgrades to reduce long-term maintenance issues
A major engineering challenge included addressing unexpectedly extensive timber rot—prompting a deeper and more robust overhaul than first planned.
🛠️ Partnership with Keighley & Worth Valley Railway (KWVR)
The Keighley & Worth Valley Railway, which connects heritage services to the national rail network at the station, played a vital role. Notably:
- The water tower has been converted into a visitor centre
- A new beam has been added to the western bridge to enable safe access to platforms 3 & 4
- KWVR also refurbished its platform canopy and ramp from the forecourt
🗣 Matthew Stroh, KWVR Chairman:
“Thanks to this partnership, the station has been restored to its former glory. This project has truly transformed the station, inside and out.”
🎉 A Celebration of the Past and Future
To mark the occasion on Friday 4 April, invited guests enjoyed a steam train ride along the KWVR, with a locomotive dating from the same era the station was built.
🗣 Jonny Ham, Network Rail:
“Everyone involved has taken great pride, knowing we’re preserving the station’s heritage while providing modern benefits. The scaffolding coming down revealed just how dramatic the transformation has been.”
🧱 Local Skills and Community Impact
Contractor AmcoGiffen included community engagement as part of the project:
- Hosted 30 construction students from Keighley College for site tours
- Delivered talks on early careers in engineering and subcontractor management
🗣 Chris Pennock, AmcoGiffen:
“It’s been a privilege to help preserve a key piece of Keighley’s history and inspire future talent at the same time.”
🚆 A Hub for Locals and Tourists
Used by over 1.5 million Northern passengers each year, Keighley is now even better equipped as a gateway to the town and the heritage railway.
🗣 Kerry Peters, Northern:
“Keighley station is now a true asset to the community—modernised but respectful of its history.”
🗣 Robbie Moore MP:
“This project is a great example of levelling up in action and is only the beginning. There are still tens of millions in further investment for Keighley on the horizon.”
With both commuters and heritage enthusiasts now benefitting from the restored facilities and historical flair, Keighley station stands proudly as a railway gem, blending the best of the old and the new.
