Refurbishment programme for historic station

Translink submitted the application for Whitehead Railway Station, which was constructed between 1860-1879, last month.

It is the first major refurbishment planned for the railway station since 1993.

The scheme of works will range from external repairs and refurbishment at the Victoria Avenue building.

This will include “replacing and repointing brickwork, roof repairs, serving of, renewing and applying finishes to windows, doors and roller shutters, and maintenance works to rain water goods.”

Due to the station’s status as a B1 listed building, all materials and specifications used will be based on a like for like basis.

The planning application is currently out to public consultation.

With its central location, the railway station has in the past been a prime focus for community gardening groups involved in the Carrickfergus in Bloom, Ulster in Bloom and more recently Britain in Bloom floral competitions.

The resulting displays have secured the ‘Best Railway Halt’ accolade at the station for a number of years.

Commenting on the timescale for the project, a Translink spokesperson said: “Works are expected to commence in spring 2015 for a duration of 12 weeks; however this will be dependent on tender returns, approvals and so on.

“The works were initiated by a Planned Maintenance Survey highlighting improvement works required to the exterior of the station.

“Similar issues were identified at Lisburn Railway Station, which will also be rectified over a similar timescale.”