Arriva Rail London (ARL) today unveiled a significant heritage restoration project at Bruce Grove station, funded by Transport for London (TfL). 

TfL initially approached ARL, which operates the London Overground on its behalf, to deliver a project which would improve the station’s efficiency and reliability through repair and replacement of deteriorating assets. As the works progressed, the project team identified the opportunity to revive the historic station’s architectural charm whilst improving the station’s structural integrity.   

Alongside TfL, ARL worked on the project with Haringey Council, Network Rail, ArchCo and the Railway Heritage Trust.   

Charlotte Whitfield, Customer Experience Director at Arriva Rail London, said: “ARL and TfL are dedicated to preserving London’s iconic railway landmarks, as well as enhancing our customers’ experience of travelling on the London Overground. We hope that the rejuvenated station and new community spaces will serve the local community and rail users for generations to come.”  

Rory O’Neill, TfL’s General Manager for London Overground, said: “Customer experience is at the heart of everything we do on the London Overground, and these improvements at Bruce Grove are an excellent example of just that. The station improvements were made sympathetically to ensure the charm of the station is retained whilst ensuring it is fit for the future for many years to come.  We hope customers and the local community enjoy the improvements that have been made.” 

Cllr Ruth Gordon, Haringey Council’s Cabinet Member for House Building, Placemaking and Local Economy, said: “This project represents a significant investment in a vital landmark, heritage asset and transport hub in the heart of Tottenham. We’re delighted that TfL and Arriva Rail London took on this project to help preserve, restore and enhance Tottenham’s unique heritage and identity and the results speak for themselves. This is just the beginning of an exciting and fantastic journey for Bruce Grove and the wider N17 area. Tottenham has a bright future and even more great things are yet to come.” 

Nestled in the heart of Tottenham, Bruce Grove has been part of the capital’s rich railway history since it was opened in 1872 by Great Eastern Railway. The original layout of the station featured several rooms typical of the Victorian era, including a station master’s office, which were later decommissioned in 1980. The station became part of the London Overground network in 2015. 

ARL started works at the station in April 2023. The programme of works was carefully considered to ensure lasting improvements to the station, such as the installation of new floors with waterproof tongue and groove floorboards which allow for expansion in different weather, providing an extensive life span.   

Further works were agreed, including the renovation of the disused station rooms to create four new spaces for customers and employees: a community space, waiting room, staff mess room and maintenance storage facility.   

The waiting room and community space pay homage to the station’s history with Victorian-inspired features. A £35,000 grant from the Railway Heritage Trust funded the installation of fireplaces and electric radiators in cast iron, handcrafted reproduction benches, gothic arched doors and vintage-style coving. Heritage features continue onto the platform, with the restoration of the platform canopies and reinstating of the historic ivory-and-green Great Eastern Railway colour scheme. 

The waiting room and community space were officially opened by the Mayor of Haringey, Councillor Lester Buxton, alongside those who worked together to make the project a success.