International Timber and Cox Ltd join forces to restore a 155-year-old signal box in Anglesey, Wales, utilising Accoya to ensure longevity and maintain the structure’s historic charm.

The Valley Station signal box, dating back to 1867, was in need of an upgrade after decades of decay. Due to faulty drainage, wet rot was taking over the original timber structure, which would eventually disintegrate if the refurbishment didn’t take place.

This was a particularly significant project, as this signal box is considered a historic landmark and was given Grade II status by the Welsh Government in 1998. Originally, this structure was built as one of the fifteen new huts along the Chester and Holyhead Railway and has managed to stand the test of time for a whopping 155 years! The restoration of this structure was hugely important; therefore, Peter Cox Ltd was brought in to assess how it could be brought back to life. This is where the expertise of the local International Timber team comes in to save the day!

It was vitally important to our team and to Anglesey council that the character of the building remained intact, given the historic and cultural significance of the Valley Station Signal Box. As such, a bespoke custom treatment plan was drawn up to ensure that this aspect of the building was maintained.

This involved removing and replacing internal structural timber frames throughout the building. Some of the timber was replaced with Accoya wood – a sustainable softwood known for its longevity and durability. Stainless steel splice plates were also added to adjoining half lap joint timber to strengthen and maintain the building’s structure. As a last step, all timber was treated with fungicidal fluid to help prevent growth of wet rot fungus in future.

This project is a brilliant example of how integrating Accoya wood into the restoration of a building is a sustainable and durable way to help maintain a property’s signature look and flare.