A newly-formed charitable trust is poised to take over the signal box on Haslemere railway station and transform it into a working museum once it is de-commissioned by Network Rail as part of a major re-signalling programme in October 2025.

Haslemere Signal Box Trust (HSBT) was formed in early 2023 by a group of local enthusiasts with the aim of preserving the Grade II-Listed signal box, after its operational use had ended, and opening it as a visitor attraction.

After lengthy negotiations, HSBT is poised to sign a lease from Network Rail to take-over the signal box, and is also working hard to secure a wedge of derelict railway line near the box to landscape and transform into a memorial garden to commemorate the lives of the 626 Southern Railway workers who died during World War II.

Haslemere has one of three surviving signal boxes on the Portsmouth Direct route, and its 1895-vintage box gained a Grade II Listing in September 2013 due to its retaining many original features, with the exterior largely unaltered since its opening and the survival inside of an original 47-lever frame and associated block instruments.

In addition, Haslemere Signal Box is a rarity, being the only remaining London & South Western Railway (LSWR) Type 4 six-window bay designs to survive and only of only two platform-mounted Type 4 signal boxes.

Its 2013 Listing citation also highlighted what is known as group value, since it forms part of a group of un-designated, but historic, station buildings that includes the station booking hall (1858), waiting rooms and lattice-girder footbridge.

Under Network Rail’s (NR) heavily-delayed re-signalling plans, Haslemere signal box will close in October 2025, along with the two other remaining boxes at Farncombe and Petersfield, when control of the Portsmouth Direct Line is taken over by the NR Railway Operating Centre (ROC) at Basingstoke.

The box as Haslemere is unique amongst the trio of surviving boxes in retaining its original lever frame, with 19 red and black painted levers remaining in use to this day, with the other disused white-painted levers having once controlled points and signals in the goods yards that stood on each side of the railway.

Two major local events this Spring have helped draw attention to the signal box and its preservation. On 26 April the box signalled its last steam-hauled train, when Merchant Navy class 35208 Clan Line stopped for water at Haslemere station on the first leg of a nationwide rail tour called Great Britain XVII.

Then on VE Day (8 May) HSBT organised a gathering of distinguished guests from Network Rail, South Western Railway, the Railway Heritage Trust, Railway 200 as well as local MP Gregory Stafford, for a ceremony  at the rear of the signals box to unveil  a memorial plaque commemorating the 626 Southern Railway victims of World War II.

HSBT now plans to take over the signal box, once it becomes redundant, and develop it as a visitor attraction to complement the existing Hub in the main station building and to showcase its fittings (lever frame and block instruments) as an example of a heritage British signal box.

The HSBT steering committee behind this preservation project combines expertise in rail, civic affairs, communication, marketing and volunteering. Further offers of interest and memorabilia are always welcome, so to get involved please email HSBT Chairman Ken Griffiths – ken@haslemere.com