The Architecture The Railways Built - Series 2 Episode 10
You can watch the episode here.
Wingfield station in Derbyshire
This is a hidden gem – and one of the oldest stations in the world. Architecturally fascinating – built to impress both landowners and the public - but it’s now derelict. Having languished in the woods, disused as express trains roar past at over 100mph, it has recently been bought by the Derbyshire Historic Buildings Trust. They, working with a local architect practice (Bench Architects) and funding bodies such as Historic England, are set to restore the building and lease it out as viable commercial space.
The goods yard will then be used for visitor information – either using an existing structure, or housed in (appropriately) old railway vehicles converted for static use.
Welland Viaduct on the border of Rutland and Northamptonshire
Incredibly, this is the longest brick viaduct in the country. It’s ¾ of a mile long and ‘a handsome beast’ in the words of the presenter. It’s not used by many passenger trains at present since it’s now a relatively quiet rural route – but there’s a local scheme to increase services rather more: the Welland Valley Rail Partnership. The nearest station, if you’d like to visit it, is quite some taxi ride away at Corby. Just by the viaduct is the pretty village of Harringworth, too - and their website is worth a look.
Malmo, Sweden
A look at the new railway architecture that has sprung up in the city since the Oresund Bridge to Denmark was built. There’s a beautiful glass extension to the Central station and a fantastic underground station whose surface buildings look like bubbles on the street.
You can watch The Architecture The Railways Built - Series 2 Episode 10 here.