We were asked to build platform canopies for a new DLR station built adjacent to the new High Speed 1 Stratford International station. The station has two large steel framed canopies covering entrances at opposite ends of the platform. The principal entrance is at the east, aligning with the pedestrian entrance at street level and has two lifts incorporated into the canopy. There are also escalators enclosed by a glazed canopy leading down to the low level DLR platforms.
The secondary entrance canopy is at the west end, opposite the bus station, it incorporates one lift and stairs surrounded by a glazed canopy leading down to the low level DLR platform. Each of these entrances are covered by a large independent steel structure.
In addition to this we also provided canopies at Stratford High Street, the station is a twin platform station where the platforms are either side of the tracks. It is located just south of the Stratford High Street with footbridge connections to Bridge Road to provide access to surrounding areas. In total there are five off our canopies on this site, one on each of the platforms, one on the footbridge, an entrance canopy to the north of the station and a cycle canopy to the south of the station.
Product Details:
Comprehensive Station Coverage Across Multiple Access Points
The Stratford development incorporated several distinct canopy installations, including: • Two large steel-framed entrance canopies at opposite ends of the DLR platform • Glazed enclosures protecting escalators and lift access • Platform canopies at Stratford High Street station • A canopy to the station footbridge • An entrance canopy to the north of the station • A dedicated cycle canopy to the south
In total, five bespoke platform canopies were installed at Stratford High Street alone, ensuring consistent protection across platforms and access routes.
This coordinated approach delivered a fully integrated train station canopy system spanning entrances, vertical circulation points, and passenger waiting areas.
Engineering a Platform Canopy for Complex Urban Infrastructure
The principal eastern entrance canopy aligns directly with the street-level pedestrian access and incorporates two lifts within its footprint. The secondary western entrance, positioned opposite the bus station, integrates a lift and stair access surrounded by glazed enclosure.
Each station platform shelter was designed as an independent steel structure, allowing flexibility in installation sequencing and structural performance.
Key design considerations included: • Accommodation of lift shafts within canopy footprints • Clear pedestrian circulation beneath the structures • Alignment with adjacent bus and street infrastructure • Integration with glazed escalator enclosures • Structural independence for long-term resilience
Construction and Material Specification
Durability, safety, and maintainability were central to the canopy design. The Stratford platform canopy installations incorporate: • Aluminium standing seam roof system • Integral concealed gutter and downpipe arrangement • Fall arrest system for safe maintenance access • Bespoke pressed aluminium soffit and fascia • Integrated CCTV, lighting, public address, and communications equipment • Lift shafts clad with rainscreen systems
The aluminium standing seam roof provides long-term weather resistance and efficient rainwater management, while the concealed drainage system maintains clean architectural lines.
Integrated Services and Passenger Experience
Unlike standard shelters, these bespoke platform canopies were engineered to accommodate essential station infrastructure within the canopy envelope. Lighting, CCTV, and communications systems are integrated into the soffit and fascia detailing, reducing visual clutter and improving passenger safety.
The result is a coherent, well-lit, and clearly defined arrival and waiting environment for DLR passengers.
Bespoke Platform Canopies for Urban Rail Networks
Delivering multiple canopies within an operational transport corridor required close coordination with contractors and stakeholders. The Stratford installation highlights Broxap’s experience in producing bespoke platform canopies for: • Urban rail networks • Interchange stations • High-speed rail connections • Footbridge-linked access routes
Each canopy was tailored to its specific location while maintaining a unified architectural language across the station complex.
Durability in High-Footfall Environments
Rail infrastructure demands robust materials capable of withstanding constant use and exposure. The Stratford canopies were engineered to: • Resist corrosion in exposed urban conditions • Support integrated services without compromising structure • Allow safe maintenance access via fall arrest systems • Provide consistent weather protection across platforms and entrances
This ensures long-term operational reliability within a heavily trafficked DLR environment.
Integrated Transport and Public Realm Infrastructure
In addition to platform coverage, the project incorporated canopies to cycle storage and pedestrian connections. These elements can be specified alongside: • Cycle shelters and secure storage • Wayfinding signage • Bollards and pedestrian barriers • External seating and waiting areas
This integrated approach enhances connectivity and supports a cohesive transport interchange design.
A Proven Platform Canopy Solution for Major Rail Schemes
The Stratford installation demonstrates how a platform canopy can be engineered to meet the complex demands of modern rail infrastructure. By combining independent steel structures, integrated services, and durable aluminium roofing systems, the scheme delivers reliable weather protection and architectural consistency across multiple access points.
For rail operators, local authorities, and principal contractors seeking high-performance railway platform canopy solutions, the Stratford project exemplifies coordinated design and long-term resilience.
Delivery Message
Broxap offer a standard carriage service for all products, this usually takes between 3-28 days as lead times vary on specific products and quantities.
As part of a multi-million pound project in conjunction with Skansk & Volker Rail Broxap were commissioned to produce platform canopies for various stations throughout the Stratford area in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games...
As part of a multi-million pound project in conjunction with Skansk & Volker Rail Broxap were commissioned to produce platform canopies for various stations throughout the Stratford area in preparation for the 2012 Olympic Games...
The new DLR station has two large steel framed canopies covering the street level concourse entrances at opposite ends of the platform, from where escalators and lifts lead down to the low level DLR platforms...
