Bat and Ball Station, Sevenoaks
Client: Sevenoaks Town Council
Role: RIBA Client Adviser
S. Williams Architects was appointed by Sevenoaks Town Council to serve as RIBA Client Adviser for the sensitive restoration and transformation of Bat and Ball Station—a much-loved local landmark with deep historical roots.
A Grade II listed building dating back to 1862, Bat and Ball Station is an early example of Victorian railway architecture, featuring distinctive terracotta details, London stock brick, and elegant canopy structures. Though still functioning as a station, the building had stood largely derelict for over 25 years.
As part of a broader regeneration strategy for the Bat and Ball area, Sevenoaks Town Council commissioned Theis and Khan to lead the refurbishment. The aim was to breathe new life into the station, preserving its heritage while reimagining it as a welcoming hub for community use. Importantly, the works also enabled full public accessibility to the London-bound platform for the first time.
Sarah Williams supported the client throughout the process—from developing the project brief to guiding the appointment of the design team and advising on design development. Collaboration was key. The project involved close coordination with SouthEastern and Network Rail to secure necessary approvals and clarify the extent of works, with the council leasing the building from the railway network on a peppercorn rent.
To help bring the vision to life, the council successfully secured Heritage Lottery funding. Working alongside the local conservation officer, the team carefully retained and restored key historical features, including architrave panels, timber panelling, original ticket windows, and counters—ensuring the building’s character was respectfully preserved.
The completed and revitalised station now includes a new café, accessible community spaces, and a transformed ticket hall and luggage room that serve as vibrant social areas for local residents and visitors alike.
In recognition of its quality and impact, Bat and Ball Station was shortlisted for the RIBA South East Regional Awards in 2019—a testament to the project’s thoughtful design and community value.
