South Western Railway (SWR) has just wrapped up a massive multi-year restoration of Richmond station, and the result is seriously impressive. One of London’s busiest suburban stops has been given a full makeover, with its elegant art deco details polished up and put back centre stage.
First opened in 1937, Richmond station was designed by Southern Railway’s chief architect James Robb Scott – the man also behind Waterloo’s grand Victory Arch. Over the decades, the building’s clean lines and Portland stone façade were dulled by grime, alterations and sheer commuter footfall. By the 2020s, much of its character had been hidden or weathered away.
Starting in 2023, SWR and Network Rail teamed up with the Railway Heritage Trust, Richmond Council and a team of expert craftspeople to put things right. The first phase scrubbed the exterior back to brilliance: deep-cleaning the stone, reinstating bronze lettering across the façade and polishing up the mahogany and bronze entrance doors. Even the flagpoles are back in their rightful place, proudly flying the National Rail Double Arrow.
Inside, the transformation is even more striking. The once-tired ticket hall now gleams thanks to a meticulous revival of its original features. Later cladding was stripped away to reveal the 1930s timber frieze and distinctive green glass signage. Missing pieces were recreated by hand, while new chandeliers modelled on original art deco designs now hang from the ceiling. Look closely and you’ll also spot restored oak shopfronts, retro poster frames, replica ‘left luggage’ signs and even a preserved WH Smith sign.
To top it all off, the entrance canopy has been rebuilt with handmade bronze fascia panels and retro rooflights, while subtle LED lighting ensures the station glows beautifully after dark.
Speaking at the completion of the project, Chris Gregory, Asset Enhancement Manager for SWR, said: ‘We are very proud of what has been achieved, bringing the station back to its original heritage condition and providing a fantastic gateway to Richmond.’
The project marks 200 years of Britain’s modern railway, but it also gives Richmond a proper architectural showpiece once again. Next time you’re heading for a pint by the Thames or a walk around Kew Gardens, look up before you dash for the train – the station itself is worth the journey.
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