A MAJOR new fundraising appeal has been launched to raise £1million to add the ‘missing piece’ to Severn Valley Railway’s Kidderminster Town station by constructing a heritage platform canopy.
The Raise the Roof campaign will help complete the original vision for the railway’s award-winning southern terminus, creating a Great Western Railway-style canopy along the station’s double platform.
It has been hailed as one of the most ambitious station enhancement projects in the Severn Valley Railway’s history.
Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust has been given a legacy gift is now inviting supporters, visitors, businesses and the local community to help bring the vision to life.
Kidderminster Town station has been developed over several decades to reflect the quality and character of a traditional Great Western Railway station.
Judith Meredith, Chair of the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, said: “It feels like we’re finally putting the last missing piece into place at Kidderminster. This is an aspirational project that will transform the platform and complete the original vision for the station.
“Through our Raise the Roof campaign, we are inviting everyone who loves the Severn Valley Railway to be part of this moment. Every contribution will help create a lasting legacy, ensuring that future generations can enjoy a station that truly reflects the heritage and character of the Great Western Railway.
“We hope people will join us in helping to Raise the Roof at Kidderminster.”
The completed canopy will provide improved shelter for passengers while becoming a striking architectural feature in its own right.
Gus Dunster, Chief Executive Officer of the Severn Valley Railway, added: “Kidderminster is the front door of the Severn Valley Railway, and this project will make it a gateway worthy of what lies beyond.
“A canopy will transform the welcome we can give our visitors, making a wait on the platform part of the experience itself.
“It will strengthen the sense of arrival at one of Britain’s leading heritage railways and enhance the station for everyone who visits.”
The Trust is offering a variety of ways to support the campaign, including donations and sponsorship opportunities.
Visit svrtrust.org.uk/raisetheroof for more information and to donate.
