Paddington Station Span 4 Roof Restoration
Paddington, London, UK · 2009–2011 · £35m (2011 prices)
The judgement call
Account-gated at launchThe project aimed to restore natural lighting and shelter to the platforms by uncovering and restoring the original roof. - Careful consideration of historical appeal, with Westminster City Council involved to ensure compliance. - The restoration was part of a larger improvement program for Paddington Station.
Key engineering challenges
Restoring an ageing glass roof that had been hidden by a false ceiling since 1961. - Strengthening, waterproofing, and resurfacing the parcel deck. - Repairing existing structures supporting London Street. - Integrating new mechanical, electrical, and communication systems while preserving the historic architecture.
Project facts
- Client / owner
- Network Rail
- Lead contractor
- Morgan Est and Morgan Ashurst (joint venture)
- Lead designers
- Oxford Architects (architectural design and heritage consultancy), WSP (station design)
- Project type
- refurbishment | upgrade
- Scale
- Restoration of Edwardian roof covering platforms 9 to 12.
- Disciplines
- Civil; structural; architectural; heritage engineering; railway engineering
- Standards & frameworks
- UK Building Regulations; heritage preservation standards; railway standards
Sources: Network Rail: The history of London Paddington station (https://www.networkrail.co.uk/who-we-are/our-history/iconic-infrastructure/the-history-of-london-paddington-station/) - Railway Technology: Paddington Station Restoration, London (https://www.railway-technology.com/projects/paddington-station/) - Network Rail Media Centre: BRIGHTER FUTURE FOR PADDINGTON COMMUTERS AS WORK TO RESTORE HIDDEN ROOF BEGINS (https://www.networkrailmediacentre.co.uk/news/brighter-future-for-paddington-commuters-as-work-to-restore-hidden-roof-begins)