Knaresborough rail station has won a prestigious national award after some of its disused buildings were transformed into stunning modern community facilities.
Significant recent investment that has seen a new tearoom, antiques store, and contemporary gin and real ale bar introduced at the the station, which is managed by Northern.
At The National Railway Heritage Awards, held at the start of December, Northern, Network Rail and Gorilla Brothers picked up the Urban Heritage Award in recognition of consistent high-quality upkeep, the enhancement of the station environment, and the restoration, conservation and re-use of railway infrastructure.
Tony Baxter, Northern’s Regional Director said:” “We are delighted with the new look Knaresborough and the super facilities that have been delivered as part of the investment programme. The Heritage award is great recognition for the team’s vision of transforming disused buildings into busy and active businesses.”
The Track and Sleeper bar which is located on platform two is operated by craft beer brewers, The Gorilla Brothers, who transformed former derelict storage rooms into a now popular micropub.
Jason White, Co-Founder of Gorilla Brothers said: “We had been looking for a second venue for our growing business and fell in love with Knaresborough station when we first saw it. It’s Victorian facade and mix of Hercule Poirot and The Orient Express look and feel was exactly the right vibe for us. It has been great to work with Northern and Network Rail and together we have transformed the disused space into a really smart and contemporary bar.”
Knaresborough station was built in 1851 and is grade II listed, any restorations and changes need to be carefully and tastefully planned. The National Railway Heritage Awards have been presented annually since 1979 and were granted charitable status in 2004.
The train timetable for Knaresborough was also recently updated and there are now two services an hour in both directions to York and Harrogate.
