Listed tearoom removed in 8,000 pieces for Transpennine Route Upgrade

The historic timber-boarded structure has been removed in over 8,000 pieces and is now in storage ready to be reassembled when major works to Huddersfield station have progressed further.

It is one of several initiatives that led to the Transpennine Route Upgrade (TRU) receiving a flawless 45/45 score in a Considerate Constructors Scheme assessment at Huddersfield station - a site that includes the newly-opened HD1 offices.

Major works to the roof at Huddersfield station as part of the Transpennine Route Upgrade (Image: TRU) To facilitate work at the station, the TRU team needed to relocate the Grade II listed tearoom to a new location on its current platform.

Network Rail's planning application to Kirklees Council stated: "The structure will be repaired and repainted, in keeping with the original building, to provide an improved space for passengers while they wait for services.

"It is a distinctive feature of the Huddersfield station complex and of considerable architectural and historic significance.

"The tearoom building dates from the construction of the island platforms in 1886 and consists of a timber-boarded, single-storey structure, divided onto 12 bays, articulated by Tuscan pilasters topped with paired finial brackets and a plain cornice. Each bay contains either a door or window."

It is said to be an "important example of an increasingly rare structure of its type in modern railway stations."

Consequently, it was deemed essential to retain this "fine example of its type" but it needed to be relocated as the new platform arrangements, canopies and adjustment of subway access would have compromised the structure.

The platform and tearoom prior to work starting (Image: T&A)

TRU presence in the Huddersfield station area has ramped up this year, as the team deliver a series of upgrades to modernise the station whilst retaining and restoring its historical features.

Ensuring the programme had a dedicated approach to making a positive impact on the community during these works was vital, and full marks in the Considerate Constructors Scheme is a reflection of those efforts, project bosses said.

Pete Sollitt, TRU West Alliance Managing Director, said: “I am very proud of the score achieved by HD1 and Huddersfield Station.

"This result reflects the commitment of the West Alliance to positively impact the communities we are delivering works in, the surrounding environment, and our workforce. I would like to extend my thanks to everyone involved in making this possible.”

An overhead view of the HD1 offices at Huddersfield station (Image: TRU)

As well as the tearoom project, a number of other key initiatives contributed to this recognistion, including:

• The installation of cassettes (temporary working platforms) allowing for the continued operation of the station

• Largest JCOP 10.1 (the latest and highest standard of fire protection available in temporary accommodation) building installed in the UK

• Industry-leading and gold-standard recreational facilities for staff and operatives

• Public engagement through historical information displays

• Sustainable solutions such as waterless urinals, solar lighting and ultra-low carbon tarmac

• Local procurement of furniture and accomodation

The TRU West Alliance has consistently delivered ‘Excellent’ scores across several other sites, including those in Batley, Mirfield, Hillhouse, Weaving Lane, Gorton Road and Grimshaw Lane.