Burgess Hill station receives £1.2m facelift

Network Rail has replaced two 50m canopies which stand over the platforms as well as making improvements to the station building.

The cast iron columns, longitudinal timber beams, timber cross beams, timber box gutter and roof sheeting have been replaced and a new steel frame structure supports the steel sheeting roof, Network Rail said.

The first station at Burgess Hill was opened on September 21 1841 by the London and Brighton Railway (L&BR), at the time of the completion of the route to Brighton. The original facilities were all in the small wooden hut (which still stands on platform 1) and wooden platforms set beside the main line.

Shaun King, Sussex route director for Network Rail, said: “We are committed to investing in the rail network to improve facilities for passengers.

“The improvements at Burgess Hill station represent a significant investment, which will result in a modern and pleasant environment for rail passengers and staff at the station.”

The L&BR became the London Brighton and South Coast Railway (LB&SCR) in 1846 and a track plan of the station dating from 1874 shows that by then, several sidings and a signal box had been constructed at the station. Trains changed the town’s fortunes, and the second half of the 19th century saw a residential boom that continues today.

Burgess Hill station sees over one and half million passengers per year, who still use the original 1877 station, although it’s been renovated several times. Located on the Brighton Main Line, trains run to Brighton and London Victoria.

Chris Fowler, Customer Services Director for Southern, said: “We’re working with Network Rail to make Burgess Hill station look and work better for our customers.

“The town’s population will grow considerably over the next few years so it’s important that its historic station is ready for more customers.

“This welcome investment by our partner will be complemented by projects from our own network-wide, multimillion-pound station enhancement programme, including a new waiting room, more seating and improved toilets.

“I’d like to reassure our customers that if you need to use the train, our intensive cleaning and testing regimes ensure you can travel with confidence. Please follow Government advice and wear a face covering.”