About the Project

What is Raise the Roof?

Raise the Roof is the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust's £1 million fundraising campaign to build a new heritage-style canopy at Kidderminster Town Station. The project will improve visitor facilities while enhancing the station's Great Western Railway character and preserving an important piece of railway heritage.

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Why is the canopy needed?

The canopy will provide welcome shelter from the weather, improve accessibility and comfort, create a more inviting gateway to the Severn Valley Railway and provide a flexible space for education, community activities and special events. It will also create a lasting asset for future generations.

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Why is this project special?

The project will restore and reuse historic steelwork rescued from the former Wolverhampton Low Level Station. By combining heritage conservation with improved visitor facilities, Raise the Roof celebrates the past while investing in the future of the Railway.

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Who is running the campaign?

The campaign is being led by the Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust, the independent charity that supports the preservation, restoration and development of the Severn Valley Railway, working in partnership with the wider Railway.

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Why are you raising money now?

The project has reached a stage where the design has been developed sufficiently for fundraising to begin with confidence. It is also a unique opportunity to conserve important railway heritage while delivering a significant improvement for visitors, volunteers and the wider community.

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Heritage & Design

​Why model the canopy on Wolverhampton Low Level?

Alan Davies, a much-loved volunteer and Director of the SVR led a team which rescued the steelwork from Wolverhampton Low Level, with the intention of using it for a canopy at Kidderminster station.

 

Who has been involved in the design and specification?

A multi-disciplinary team of both volunteers and SVRS personnel has been put together. The Presentation Committee, made up of volunteers, which reports to Severn Valley Railway Company Ltd, has been also providing feedback on design.

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Is this an authentic Great Western Railway canopy?

The design is based on the former Wolverhampton Low Level Station canopy and will incorporate original Great Western Railway steelwork wherever practical, creating an authentic heritage structure using historic materials.

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Why wasn't a traditional apex canopy chosen?

The chosen design reflects the original Wolverhampton Low Level canopy and allows the rescued steelwork to be returned to public use. It represents the most authentic way of preserving this important piece of Great Western Railway history.

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How much of the original steelwork will be reused?

As much of the rescued steelwork as is practical and appropriate will be carefully restored and incorporated into the new canopy. Where new materials are required, they will be sympathetically designed to complement the original structure.

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Will the canopy change the character of Kidderminster Town Station?

No. The aim is to strengthen the station's Great Western Railway character by completing a feature that was always envisaged as part of its long-term development. The canopy has been designed to sit comfortably alongside the existing buildings and appear as though it has always belonged there.

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Will any historic features be lost?

The new canopy will feature period-style LED lighting that preserves the historic appearance while meeting modern safety requirements.

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Construction & Visitor Experience

​Will the canopy be enclosed?

The canopy will create a substantial covered concourse while remaining open and welcoming. The current weather protection at the end of the concourse relies on canvas sheeting.  This will be replaced, although no designs have been finalised at this stage yet as this will only happen after the canopy has been installed. There will be no compromise of the heritage appearance or views along the station.

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How will the canopy improve accessibility?

​The covered concourse will make the station more comfortable for everyone, particularly older visitors, families with young children, organised groups and those with limited mobility. By improving shelter and circulation, the project will make the station easier to enjoy throughout the year.

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Will the canopy allow more events to take place?

Yes. The additional covered space will support exhibitions, educational activities, community events, fundraising, entertainment and family activities in all seasons, making Kidderminster Town Station an even more vibrant destination.

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When will construction begin and how long will it last?

Construction is panned to start in early 2027 to make full use of the annual maintenance shutdown period. We expect the project to be complete by the end of March 2027. Updates will be shared as the project progresses.

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Will train services be affected?

Any impact on railway operations will be carefully planned and managed to minimise disruption. Visitors will be kept informed of any temporary arrangements.

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Supporting the Campaign

​How much will the project cost?

The project is expected to cost approximately £1 million. Funding will come from a combination of public donations, corporate sponsorship, grant funding and charitable support.

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How can I support Raise the Roof?

You can support the campaign by making a donation, becoming a sponsor, using our Tap to Donate points, encouraging others to get involved and sharing the campaign with friends, family and local businesses.

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Can I Gift Aid my donation?

Yes. If you are a UK taxpayer, your donation may qualify for Gift Aid, allowing the Trust to claim an additional 25p for every £1 donated at no extra cost to you.

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Will my donation only be used for the canopy?

Yes. Donations made through the Raise the Roof campaign are restricted funds and can only be used to support the Kidderminster canopy project.

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Can businesses become involved?

Absolutely. We welcome support from businesses of all sizes through sponsorship, fundraising and corporate partnerships.

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How will sponsors be recognised?

Recognition depends on the level of sponsorship and may include certificates, acknowledgement on the campaign website, sponsor boards, invitations to campaign events and recognition in publications.

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Can I donate in memory or celebration of someone?

Yes. Donations may be made in memory of a loved one or to celebrate a special occasion. Please contact the Trust if you would like to discuss the available options.

 

​Governance & Legacy

​Can I volunteer to help?

There will be opportunities to support the campaign through fundraising, promotion and, where appropriate, practical project activities. We'd be delighted to hear from anyone who would like to become involved.

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How will the canopy be maintained?

The canopy has been designed as a permanent heritage asset. Modern construction techniques combined with sympathetic heritage detailing will help ensure it can be maintained efficiently while preserving its historic appearance for decades to come.

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How can I be sure my donation will be used properly?

The Severn Valley Railway Charitable Trust is a registered charity. Donations to Raise the Roof are held as restricted funds and may only be used for the canopy project. The Trust's accounts are independently examined, providing transparency and accountability.

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What difference will my donation make?

Every donation, whatever its size, brings the project closer to reality. Your support will help conserve railway heritage, improve the visitor experience and create a lasting legacy for future generations.