FRODSHAM’S decaying station master’s house – boarded up and derelict for more than 30 years – will be restored to its former Victorian glory in a £400,000 project aimed at breathing new life into the historic building.
Work started last week after Cheshire West and Chester Council finally approved the long-awaited scheme which property owner, Network Rail, hopes will transform the Grade II-listed landmark into a restaurant, bar, art studios/workshops or ‘some form of community use’.
And the long-awaited preservation project – expected to be completed by May – has sparked a double celebration for volunteer station caretakers North Cheshire Rail Users Group, who picked up the coveted overall winner award for Frodsham in this year’s Cheshire Best Kept Stations competition.
Group chairwoman Janet Briggs said: “Things are looking up at last and rail passengers and residents will be absolutely delighted that, after so many false dawns, the station house is being brought up to modern standards, whilst retaining its historic features and curtilage.”
The station house dates back to 1850 and its decline has been a major concern for residents and town leaders. They have been pressing for it to be brought back into use, but feared restoration and maintenance costs had frightened off potential developers.
Deputy mayor Rita Shearn said: “This is a wonderful initiative and it will brighten up the whole village.”
Spence Refit Ltd has been commissioned for the station house project and Network Rail building surveyor Chris Dawson said all work will be ‘sympathetic to the original design’.
Externally, the Welsh slate roof will be removed to renew the underlay and insulation before it is put back, chimney stacks will be re-pointed using traditional lime mortar and external doors and windows will be renewed to match the Victorian originals, using materials agreed with conservation officers.
Finally, all external masonry will be cleaned and repaired with isolated patch re-pointing, again using lime mortar.
“Inside the building will, in effect, be new because all rotting structural timbers will be replaced, as will the concrete and wooden ground and first floors and the stairs linking them,” said Mr Dawson.
Network Rail assured passengers that train services running from Frodsham Station will not be affected by the restoration project.
The company is currently marketing the station house and hopes to find a tenant as soon as possible. Anyone interested should call the Network Rail Property Helpline on 0800 830 840.
