Chippenham Station
Client: Sisk Rail, on behalf of Network Rail
Project Overview
Chippenham Station
4-metre cantilever
Service: Commercial & Retail Refurbishment, Roofing
Sector: Heritage & Conservation, Rail
- Approved Contractor: MLG UK Ltd
- Client: Sisk Rail, on behalf of Network Rail
- Duration: 4 months
- Work Carried Out: Structural timber reconstruction, roof void strengthening, heritage canopy restoration
Scope of Work
Years of neglect had left the front canopy at Chippenham Station severely rotten. MLG reconstructed it in full: a Grade II listed structure restored and structurally strengthened rather than patched over.
- Complete reconstruction of the listed front canopy
- Specialist timbers imported from Canada to meet the specific size and length requirements
- Substantial work within the roof void to strengthen the internal timber frame
- Reinforcement of the cantilevered structure, which extends 4 metres unsupported
Systems installed
- Structural timber: Specialist timber imported from Canada for the required size and length
Challenges & Constraints
Years of neglect
Neglect had left the front canopy severely rotten, in a Grade II listed structure where every intervention has to satisfy the listing.
A 4-metre cantilever
The canopy extends 4 metres unsupported, and the original members carrying it had already failed once.
Timber not available here
Timber of the required dimensions was not available domestically.
Project Execution & Techniques
Reconstructed, not patched
The listed front canopy was reconstructed in full and structurally strengthened rather than patched over.
Timber imported from Canada
Specialist structural timbers were imported from Canada to meet the specific size and length the reconstruction required.
Roof void strengthened
Substantial work inside the roof void strengthened the internal timber frame, so the cantilever is properly supported rather than relying on members that had already failed.
Original dimensions kept
Sourcing timber to the original dimensions, rather than substituting smaller sections, kept the canopy honest to its listing.
Outcome & Long-Term Benefits
Canopy back in service
A listed canopy that had been left to deteriorate was returned to service.
Structurally sound
The reconstruction is structurally sound, with the cantilever reinforced from within the roof void.
True to its listing
The canopy keeps the form its listing protects, with heritage preserved rather than traded away.
No added supports
Because timber of the original dimensions was used, no intermediate support had to be introduced beneath the cantilever.
Conclusion
Years of neglect had left the Grade II listed front canopy at Chippenham severely rotten, with a 4-metre cantilever depending on members that had already failed. MLG reconstructed it in full rather than patching it, strengthening the internal timber frame from within the roof void so the cantilever is properly supported.
Timber of the required dimensions was not available in the UK, so specialist structural timber was imported from Canada to match the original sizes and lengths. That avoided substituting smaller sections and adding intermediate support, so the canopy is durable and structurally sound while remaining true to its listing.
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