Of all the buildings developed specifically for the railways, the signal box is one of the most instantly recognisable in the landscape. The refurbishment of Garsdale Signal box has restored it to its former glory at the same time as bringing the signaller’s working environment into the 21st century without having any impact on the appearance of the listed building.
The Grade II listed signal box in Garsdale is located on the world-famous Settle and Carlisle railway line. It was in poor condition and needed to be upgraded and restored to its former glory as part of a £500,000 Great North Rail Project investment. Sympathetic finishes and sustainable materials were used whilst retaining the existing features of the Grade II listed historic building. The following works were undertaken:
· Stairs and windows (to match existing) replaced.
· Works to floor joists.
· Major timber replacement and repairs.
· Improvement to weather resistance.
· External timber work treated and painted.
· Drainage replaced.
· Internal works including new kitchen units, sink, electrical sockets etc.
· New thermal insulation.
The repair, restoration and reinstatement of the heritage building features formed part of Network Rail’s civil engineering and railway regeneration projects. The work needed to be planned and programmed so the signal box could continue operating to keep passenger and freight trains moving. Friends of the Settle and Carlisle were consulted about colour schemes and all works were designed in consultation with conservation officers.
The signal box was awarded Grade II-listed status for its architectural merit and historical interest. Originally known as Hawes Junction, the Garsdale signal box replaced two earlier boxes. In December 1910, the box was the source of a signalling error that resulted in fatalities which led to safety changes across the rail network. In addition to its historical interest, the box was granted listed status due to its fittings. It retains a Midland Railway lever frame with its interlocking mechanisms housed on the floor of the operating room.
The Settle to Carlisle railway line is massively important to both local commuters in Cumbria and its visitor economy. It is one of the most scenic routes in the UK. The positive impact and outcomes of project are apparent from the comments added to a LinkedIn post about the refurbishment project:
“It looks absolutely fab and very distinctive. I would love to travel that route once on a steam train”
“Amazing keeping the nation’s history for the future”
“It’s so pleasing to see how NR has made this refurbishment blend into the rest of this atmospheric station high in the Pennines, at the same time as being the Signallers’ working environment into the 21st Century.”
