Leamington station doors mystery
A plea for folks who care about Leamington's unique heritage (which seems to be under constant ongoing threat) to comment on the Listed Building consent app. Details below from the Leamington Society.
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THE MYSTERY OF LEAMINGTON STATION'S MISSING GWR DOORS
Leamington Spa Station is one of Warwickshire's finest Art Deco railway buildings and is Grade II listed.
Yet several original oak doors have disappeared and been replaced with modern plain brown doors. (See Leamington Society objection for more images]
The original doors can still be seen in historic photos and videos of the station. But despite enquiries, Environmental Information Requests, and even an Information Commissioner's Office ruling requiring information to be released, there is still no explanation of:
- Why the original doors were removed
- What happened to them
- Whether they were repaired, stored or discarded
- Whether they can still be recovered
The current listed building planning application does propose replacement "heritage-style" doors. However, the original doors have already been removed and the application does not provide sufficient evidence to show that the proposed replacements would accurately replicate the original Great Western Railway doors in their materials, craftsmanship, fittings and appearance.
In short, the question is not simply whether new doors should be installed, but whether the loss of original historic fabric has been properly justified and whether the proposed replacements genuinely preserve the character of this Grade II listed station.
The Leamington Society has submitted a detailed objection to the current Listed Building Consent application because we believe important questions remain unanswered.
Compare the photos and judge for yourself.
This isn't about stopping improvements to the station. We recognise and appreciate the investment Chiltern Railways has made in Leamington Spa over many years, including award-winning restoration projects and support for station improvements.
It is precisely because Leamington Station is such a well-loved and important heritage asset that we believe the loss of original historic fabric deserves proper explanation.
The application to install "heritage-style" doors (and not to reinstate the original doors) is expected to be decided very shortly (next week).
If you care about Leamington's railway heritage, please take a look and submit your own comments on what you think should be happening, while there is still time.
W/26/0514/LB | Reinstatement of 4no. oak platform doors to WC's & baby change rooms. Doors to be suitably constructed and finished replicas of the original oak doors and ironmongery. Removal of additional lining timbers and painted finish to original doors frames and finishing of new replica doors to match the original varnish finish. Installation of wall mounted waste bins & divider adjacent to baby changing room. | Leamington Spa Railway Station, Old Warwick Road, Leamington Spa, CV31 3NS