Cromford Station History

Cromford Station was once part of the old Midland Railway line to Manchester and is the only original station within the Derwent Valley Mills World Heritage Site. In its heyday it was a noisy, bustling place with a booking hall, two waiting rooms and the Station Master's house. However, over time, the trains became fewer and the booking hall and waiting rooms disused.

In 1971, all the structures at the station were given Grade II listings due to their historical significance: Station Master's house, the Upside Waiting Room, the Downside building and the footbridge.

In 2005 the Arkwright Society launched a rescue operation designed to save the 1874 West Platform Building. Securing a 99-year lease of the Downside building from Network Rail, the Society's in-house building team set about restoring the old building to its once former glory after years of neglect. The mid Victorian exteriors belie the modern office accommodation now contained within and the Society's short-term aim is to sub-lease the two suites.

The decorative moulded ceilings have been restored to reinforce the lofty grandeur of the old booking hall and waiting rooms, and the tall sash windows have been reinstated, providing the offices with plenty of natural light.

Listed building consent was obtained to provide a new roof level gallery at the north end which offers a unique office or meeting space. This ingenious addition brings light flooding down into the gallery whilst creating a stunning room with 360 degree views across to the chateau-style Station House, up line to Cromford Meadows and down line to the mouth of Willersley Tunnel.

The newly restored buildings were officially opened by the Duke of Devonshire on 28^th May. The Duke said: “I’m very proud, as President of the Arkwright Society, that this work has been done. The workmanship and planning has been absolutely first class. I realise how lucky we are to work with so many stakeholders to preserve old buildings.” He added that Cromford Station was now a much nicer place for people to travel from, as well as for walkers who stop there. The Duke said the whole project was a “remarkable achievement and very well executed”.

The comprehensive yet sympathetic restoration work at Cromford Station shows how conservation and contemporary can work together in successful partnership.

For a detailed history of the station, The Arkwright Society has published “Cromford Station – A History” by Glynn Waite. The book is available from ABC Arts Books and Cards shop in Cromford Mill, priced £11.95.