Network Rail Upgrades Berrylands Station Platforms for £6M

Network Rail upgraded Berrylands station platforms for £6 million, replacing timber with glass-reinforced plastic from 11 May.

April 1, 2026 4:31 pm | Last Update: April 1, 2026 4:32 pm

⚡ In Brief: Network Rail will close South Western Railway’s Berrylands station in London from 11 May for a £6 million project to replace timber platforms with glass-reinforced plastic, with completion expected later in the year.

LONDON, UK – Network Rail is set to begin a £6 million upgrade at Berrylands station, requiring a full station closure from Monday 11 May. The project, delivered on behalf of South Western Railway (SWR), involves replacing the station’s two life-expired platforms. The station is scheduled to reopen later in the year with modernised facilities.

What Is the Full Scope of This Project?

The core of the project is the demolition of the existing platforms, which are partially constructed from timber and sit on a five-metre embankment. They will be replaced with new modular platforms made from glass-reinforced plastic (GRP), a material chosen to extend the station’s life. The total investment of £6 million also covers safety and passenger facility enhancements, including new lighting, CCTV cameras, Customer Information Screens (CIS), and station help points. Preparatory works, including vegetation clearance and utility diversions, are already in progress.

Key Project Data

Parameter	Value
Project / Contract Name	Berrylands Station Upgrade
Total Value	£6 million
Parties Involved	Network Rail (Wessex Route), South Western Railway (SWR)
Timeline / Completion	Starts 11 May; completion “later this year.” A specific reopening date has not been disclosed.
Country / Corridor	UK / London Waterloo to Woking Main Line

How Does This Compare to Similar Projects?

The £6 million budget for Berrylands is comparable to other recent station renewal projects on the UK network. For instance, Network Rail completed a similar platform replacement project at Mills Hill station in Greater Manchester for £6.4 million in 2023, which also included accessibility improvements. The selection of glass-reinforced plastic (GRP) for the platforms is an increasingly common choice for this type of renewal. GRP is significantly lighter than traditional pre-cast concrete, allowing for faster modular installation and reducing the duration of disruptive line closures, a key consideration on busy commuter routes. (Source: Network Rail, 2023).

Editor’s Analysis

This project at Berrylands station reflects a significant trend in UK rail infrastructure: a strategic focus on asset life extension and reliability on existing suburban networks over large-scale, new-build schemes. The use of modern, lightweight materials like GRP underscores a push for greater efficiency and reduced passenger disruption during essential maintenance. This approach aligns with Network Rail’s broader objective to modernise aging infrastructure within constrained budgets, prioritising the routes that serve the highest volume of daily commuters. (Source: Office of Rail and Road, Annual Assessment of Network Rail).

FAQ

Q: Why are the platforms being replaced?
A: The current platforms are partially constructed with timber and have reached the end of their design life. The upgrade to modern glass-reinforced plastic structures is required for long-term safety and operational reliability.

Q: How long will Berrylands station be closed?
A: The station will close to all services from Monday 11 May and is scheduled to reopen “later this year.” Network Rail has not yet announced a specific date for the completion of the main construction phase.

Q: How will passengers travel during the closure?
A: South Western Railway will operate a rail replacement bus service every 30 minutes between New Malden and Surbiton. Passengers travelling towards London are advised to use New Malden station, while those travelling towards Woking should use Surbiton station.