Frankham were appointed to deliver Structural and Civil design services for a transformative upgrade at Maidenhead Station.
- Morgan Sindall Construction & Infrastructure Ltd
- Maidenhead, Berkshire
With over 3.2 million journeys annually, the station had long faced challenges of congestion and ageing infrastructure.
The strategic upgrade aimed to resolve these issues by improving accessibility, enhancing safety, and optimising passenger flow.
Platform 2/3, an island platform serving the busiest part of the station, was accessible only via a single staircase and an outdated lift. This limited configuration led to severe bottlenecks, particularly during peak hours, resulting in overcrowding on the platform and within the connecting subway.
Network Rail recognised the need for targeted interventions and commissioned a major upgrade project spanning from late 2023 to autumn 2024. The initiative involved the demolition of the old lift, construction of a new lift and staircase, alterations to canopy structures, installation of a fatality mitigation fence, and enhancements to passenger-facing systems.
The new lift presented both spatial and technical challenges. Working within tight site constraints, Frankham delivered a dual-section lift shaft solution.
Below Platform:
- Existing concrete subway walls were repurposed to support the lift structure
- A reinforced concrete lift pit was cast beneath the subway floor, framed by two new brick walls
- A concrete substructure bridged the gap between troughing level and platform, avoiding impacts to the subway ceiling
Above Platform:
- New blockwork walls with brick facing were constructed above the substructure
- Concrete inserts were included to allow for future lift guide rail fixings
- A lift machine room was discreetly positioned at subway level, maintaining accessibility without compromising platform space
More than 150 tonnes of spoil were excavated and reused within the station footprint.
Timber salvaged from the old lift structure was donated to Braywick Plant Nurseries, supporting employment and training
for people with disabilities. These sustainable practices reflected our commitment to social value alongside engineering excellence.
“We are pleased to have delivered these upgrades, improving accessibility and safe use of Maidenhead station. Thank you to all involved, including our site team and delivery partners, who worked tirelessly to minimise disruption.”
Olivia Perkins, Morgan Sindall Infrastructure
