Bruce Grove

Transport for London initially approached ARL to deliver a project which would improve the efficiency and reliability of Bruce Grove station 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.

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 community room was unveiled in February 2024.

Chingford

Whilst Chingford station has seen shifts in its customer base and operators over the years, the building has remained virtually unchanged since its construction in 1878 and still displays many features signalling its Victorian heritage. Many of the facilities became redundant with changes to travel, meaning that areas of the station fell into disuse.

Works by ARL on the unused areas began in 2021, totalling just under £30,000. The rooms were then handed over to Love North Chingford Community Interest Company to further renovate these areas in line with the community group’s plans. The group has converted the space into meeting rooms, a co-working area for remote workers and a podcast/Zoom room. The most recent transformation saw the basement converted from a damp, unused area into an atmospheric, multi-purpose space set up as an art gallery.

Highams Park

Highams Park station was redesigned at the turn of the century by William Neville Ashbee, the architect behind Liverpool Street station, and renamed Highams Park after the nearby manorial estate at the edge of Epping Forest. The same building stands today and is used daily by commuters heading into central London.

What is thought to have once been the station’s parcel office was neglected over the years, regressing to a cluttered storage room. ARL dedicated a fund of over £30,000 to initial works on the space, before handing over to Highams Park Planning Group to manage further refurbishment.

The Station Rooms at Highams Park are now available for hire and are in regular use for a wide range of activities including ‘knit and natter’, first aid training, art classes, committee meetings, shared work space and much more.