New use for old platforms

[whole diary]

[grahame]

A question I was asked the other day ... where (else) have re-opened stations reused the platforms from the previous station?  "Else" because we were in Melksham at the time ...

At Melksham, the station was closed in 1966 and the track alongside the platform face that remained became a siding. For re-opening in 1985, the running lines were rerouted along the siding, and the old platform was brought back into use - only in the last couple of years has the stone edging been replaced.

Fishguard and Goodwick has, I think, also got the old platform still - with the track being moved away during its closure and back for re-opening in (?)2012, though in that case new edging and surface were provided.

Many / most others are, I think, new build?? Anyone care to suggest other stations that closed and then re-opened using the same platforms?

[johnneyw]

I cannot remember exactly where but I do recall fairly recently reading the Facebook page for "Disused Railway Stations" where, I think, some stations in the north and/or Midlands in urban/conurbation areas were closed only to reopen as Metro Stations a little later using the old platforms. Might be barking up the wrong tree here and in any case a Metro service isn't 100% a like for like usage.

[martyjon]

I cannot remember exactly where but I do recall fairly recently reading the Facebook page for "Disused Railway Stations" where, I think, some stations in the north and/or Midlands in urban/conurbation areas were closed only to reopen as Metro Stations a little later using the old platforms. Might be barking up the wrong tree here and in any case a Metro service isn't 100% a like for like usage.

What about Ashchurch, did that close, I know it remained open after Beeching but did it close and re-open after much housing development took place particularly around the former site of Dowtys which was right next to the Bristol - Birmingham line and in sight of the original(?) station.

[grahame]

I cannot remember exactly where but I do recall fairly recently reading the Facebook page for "Disused Railway Stations" where, I think, some stations in the north and/or Midlands in urban/conurbation areas were closed only to reopen as Metro Stations a little later using the old platforms. Might be barking up the wrong tree here and in any case a Metro service isn't 100% a like for like usage.

What about Ashchurch, did that close, I know it remained open after Beeching but did it close and re-open after much housing development took place particularly around the former site of Dowtys which was right next to the Bristol - Birmingham line and in sight of the original(?) station.

According to Wikipedia ...

The buildings were demolished in June 1972, and the main line platforms and footbridge were removed early in 1974.

... which suggests that the platforms were cleared and new ones have been built.   Old pictures look to show solid platform construction; new ones that give a clue suggest a hollow (concrete verticals) structure, which would back up the Wikipedia suggestion of removal ... thus re-instatement for the new station.


Since posting, I've come across Dent and indeed other Settle and Carlisle line stations, and I suspect that many / most of them may have closed and re-opened using the same platforms.

[rogerw]

Templecombe was re-opened using the original platform, although a new one has now been bui;t on the alignment of the old down line to give better, step free, access.  Also on that line, Feniton an Pinhoe are other examples

[eightonedee]

I cannot remember exactly where but I do recall fairly recently reading the Facebook page for "Disused Railway Stations" where, I think, some stations in the north and/or Midlands in urban/conurbation areas were closed only to reopen as Metro Stations a little later using the old platforms.

Perhaps the Tyne Metro (or elements of it)?

[Robin Summerhill]

A question I was asked the other day ... where (else) have re-opened stations reused the platforms from the previous station?  "Else" because we were in Melksham at the time ...

My position here (and at Melksham on Saturday!) is clearly being disproved hands down 

[TonyK]

This gives me hope, albeit fainter than most distant black holes, that Tiverton Junction may yet return, as the platforms remain in place.

[Phantom]

Does anyone know why platform 2 at Temple Meads has never been brought back in?
Also there is a spare platform at Weston that apart from works trains I don't think has ever been used?

[johnneyw]

Platform 2 used to be the old Motorail facility and I'm not sure it was ever used after that finished. I see the occasional out of service DMU^▸ (Diesel Multiple Unit) set parked up there but that is about it.

Should the Portishead line just work as a shuttle service, then platform 2 might have a use there but it looks like there are grander ambitions for the line when it reopens.

[Robin Summerhill]

I've got a vague memory of Portishead trains using that platform many years ago (it was no.11 then) but that might be a false memory.

Can anyone else confirm?

[bradshaw]

Not quite on topic; when Cattistock Halt was closed it’s concrete platforms were taken away and reused, one each at Chetnole and Thornford Bridge. They replaced the original wooden ones. The line being singled only one was needed at each station.