Spans 1, 2, 3 & 4 Paddington Station Spans

The Span 4 structure had been hidden from public view since the mid-1990s following the installation of a protective deck and canopy. Network Rail embarked on a £43m refurbishment project to restore Span 4 and the parcels deck covering platforms 9 - 12, while accommodating the technical requirements of a modern mainline station within the Grade I listed structure.

Spans 1, 2 and 3 were in better condition but required a further £26m programme of works, including redecoration, new lighting and electrical services, replacement roof glazing and improvements to platform surfacing. The wider refurbishment also required the careful integration of major services distribution throughout the historic structure, alongside lighting and colour scheme development and detailed masonry and cladding design.

OA were engaged by WSP to provide architectural design and heritage consultancy during the construction stage, working closely with Westminster City Council, English Heritage, Morgan Ashurst and lead consultant WSP to balance the operational requirements of the station with the conservation of its historic fabric.

OA were named as finalists in the British Construction Industry Civil Engineering Project of the Year Awards 2012 for the Span 4 project.