Coventry Station completes £600,000 skylight renewal on Platform 1

Coventry Station has finished a £600,000 project to replace all 27 skylights on Platform 1, marking another milestone in a multi-year programme to modernise the Grade II-listed interchange while respecting its mid-20th-century heritage.

Joint funding and scope of works

The initiative was funded jointly by Avanti West Coast, Network Rail, and the Railway Heritage Trust. It involved:

• Removal of the original 1960s skylights, which had reached the end of their economic life.
• Installation of 27 new modular skylight units—each made up of eight removable panels—to maximise daylight and allow routine cleaning from newly created roof access points.
• Integration of energy-efficient LED luminaires alongside the glazing to reduce overall station electricity consumption.
• Deployment of updated wayfinding signage across all public areas.

Enhancing passenger experience

The new glazing significantly increases natural illumination on Platform 1, creating a brighter environment and reducing day-time reliance on artificial lighting. In addition, easier roof access means maintenance teams can keep the structures clear of dirt, preserving light levels and lowering long-term costs.

Dean Duthie, Engineering & Infrastructure Director at Avanti West Coast, said the improvements “make a remarkable difference” and form part of a wider strategy to deliver “easy accessibility, simple wayfinding and a relaxing atmosphere” for West Coast Main Line customers using the station.

Part of a wider £82 million transformation

The skylight scheme complements Coventry’s ongoing £82 million redevelopment, which has already delivered:

• A purpose-built main building opened in 2022 with retail outlets and a multi-storey car park.
• A covered footbridge linking all four platforms.
• A new waiting courtyard on Platform 1.
• Restoration of the station’s distinctive tiled walls and a prominent display for steam locomotive nameplate City of Coventry.

Network Rail Principal Route Engineer Federica Labanca emphasised the importance of balancing heritage conservation with modern passenger requirements, while Railway Heritage Trust Director Tim Hedley-Jones noted that “clear natural light and visible signage” are critical to customer satisfaction on a historic yet operational asset.

Local authority support

Coventry City Council welcomed the project. Councillor Naeem Akhtar, Cabinet Member for Housing and Communities, stated that the upgrades “enhance the station’s architectural heritage while also meeting modern-day needs.”

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