Martin Mill Station, Kent, UK

Project Overview

Martin Mill railway station serves the small village of Martin Mill in East Kent, England. The station and trains serving it are operated by Southeastern.

As part of platform canopy refurbishment works at Martin Mill Station in Kent, Network Rail’s contractor GS Moore Roofing Ltd specified Dura Composites’ Dura Dagger Board valance panels to replace the aging timber valance boards on Platform 1.

The upgrade formed part of wider renewal works including the replacement of roof sheeting, drainage improvements, canopy flashing, and repainting of structural steelwork. Given the short working windows available during overnight line blockages, the use of prefabricated composite panels was essential to achieving fast and efficient installation.

Dura’s Dagger Board system was supplied in large-format 2100mm x 1200mm sheet sizes, pre-cut to site-specific dimensions. This enabled GS Moore’s installation teams to fix the boards quickly and accurately, significantly reducing time on site and eliminating the need for on-site fabrication.

Enhancing Durability, Wellbeing and Weather Protection

The composite Dura Dagger Board valance panels installed at Martin Mill offer a low-maintenance, weather-resistant solution designed to outlast traditional timber alternatives. With their authentic timber-style appearance and improved stability, Dura Dagger Board supports the long-term performance of refurbished platform canopies without compromising aesthetics.

Importantly, Dura Dagger Board offers a wood-effect appearance while eliminating the vulnerabilities of real timber such as rotting, warping or the need for repainting – making it ideal for exposed railway locations.

In addition to its technical advantages, the use of wood-effect materials also delivers psychological benefits for passengers. According to the 2022 Network Rail Design Manual for Medium to Small Stations, materials that resemble wood—whether perceived visually or by touch—can help lower stress, reduce blood pressure, and enhance mood on the platform. This aligns with the broader goals of enhancing the passenger experience, especially at smaller stations with limited built infrastructure.

Martin Mill, like many rural and semi-rural stations, previously offered only minimal protection from the elements. By upgrading the platform canopy, the station now provides greater comfort and usability in all weather conditions – supporting Network Rail’s ambition to deliver inclusive, user-friendly spaces across the network.

Supporting Efficient, Low-Maintenance Infrastructure

The adoption of composite valance boards at Martin Mill highlights the shift towards modern materials that deliver enhanced performance, fast installation, and lower maintenance requirements. Dura Dagger Board’s ease of handling and compatibility with prefabrication made it an ideal solution for this time-sensitive station enhancement project – while also playing a key role in improving passenger comfort, wellbeing and long-term satisfaction.

The Dura Dagger Board system was ideal for this project – lightweight, easy to install, and a perfect visual match for the look we needed to preserve. With limited working windows on a live railway, the pre-cut panels helped us deliver a high-quality finish efficiently and safely. It’s a great example of modern materials supporting traditional station aesthetics.

Gary Moore

Managing Director at GS Moore Roofing Ltd

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