Leach delivered bespoke graphics, lightboxes and interactive exhibition elements for the National Railway Museum, helping transform Station Hall while preserving the site’s historic character.
Leach partnered with the principal fit out contractor for the National Railway Museum to help transform Station Hall into a modern and immersive visitor destination, carefully balancing contemporary exhibition design with the preservation of the site’s historic character.
Produced entirely in house, the project included large format wallpapers, vinyl graphics, bespoke interpretive panels and four intricate large-scale lightboxes designed to sit alongside valuable heritage artefacts without impacting the surrounding environment. Leach also worked closely with heritage specialists restoring the original newspaper stand, combining modern production techniques with preserved historical features throughout the space.
The installation demanded meticulous attention to detail, with layered panel systems, floating display elements and interactive features including audio points and lift out content panels. Working within a live heritage environment presented several technical challenges, particularly around third-party framework tolerances and environmental conditions required for graphic adhesion, all of which were carefully managed on site by the installation team.
Spanning approximately eighteen months from tender to completion, the finished transformation has given Station Hall a bright and engaging new identity. First opened by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1975, the revitalised space now offers visitors a more interactive museum experience while continuing to host a wide range of public events and activities.
The redevelopment of Station Hall plays an important role in preserving and presenting Britain’s railway heritage in a way that feels relevant and accessible to modern audiences. By combining carefully restored historic features with contemporary exhibition design, the space allows visitors to engage more closely with the stories, artefacts and engineering achievements that shaped the nation’s rail history.
The enhanced visitor experience also creates greater opportunities for education and interaction. Through tactile displays, layered storytelling and audio elements, guests are encouraged to spend more time exploring the collection and connecting with the history behind the exhibits. The refreshed environment introduces a stronger sense of immersion while remaining sensitive to the significance of the original architecture and objects on display.
As one of the UK’s most recognised cultural destinations, the National Railway Museum also holds an important place within the identity of York. The transformation of Station Hall contributes to the city’s wider cultural and tourism offering, supporting its reputation as a centre for heritage, history and visitor engagement. By helping modernise one of York’s landmark attractions, the project ensures the museum can continue welcoming future generations while safeguarding the stories and spaces that define its history.
James Charlton, project manager at Leach, said: “We were incredibly pleased to be involved in such an important and high-profile heritage project. Station Hall is an iconic space, and it was a privilege to help bring together modern exhibition elements with the history and character that make the National Railway Museum so special.”
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