One of Birkenhead’s most iconic landmarks is set to be opened again to the public in partnership between owners Network Rail and heritage organisation, Big Heritage. As part of Wirral’s Heritage Open Days festival in September, this unique opportunity will allow visitors to explore the remarkable architecture and Victorian engineering hidden inside the building.

Built in the 1880s, Shore Road Pumping Station served as a crucial component of the Merseyside’s transport infrastructure. The station housed two steam powered beam engine pumps which removed water from the railway tunnel under the River Mersey. One of these giant steam engines, nicknamed the ‘Giant Grasshopper’, remains in situ.

Despite the industrial nature of its use, architects Brunlees and Fox created a beautiful Italianate style brick and slate building to house the machinery, and the site was given listed building status in 1992. It opened as a museum in the 1990s, but has been closed permanently to the public for over 15 years.

Dean Paton, CEO of Big Heritage, said “We are thrilled to partner with Network Rail to bring this Birkenhead gem back to the public’s attention. It’s a fantastic opportunity for people to learn about the engineering genius of the rail tunnels and the work that still goes on today by Network Rail to keep the tunnels clear of water. We are using these Heritage Open Days to gauge public interest in the site, with a view to opening the site permanently in 2024 to add yet another attraction to the already exciting new redevelopments happening around Woodside.”

Michael Gradwell, from Network Rail, shared his excitement, saying, “We are proud to support Big Heritage in opening up the Shore Road Pumping Station for public tours. This collaboration allows us to celebrate our shared commitment to preserving our heritage and engaging communities in the history that surrounds them.”

In addition to exploring Shore Road Pumping Station, visitors will have the chance to discover Big Heritage’s ambitious plans for the nearby Wirral Transport Museum and offer insights into the ongoing plans for the U-Boat Story, which the company is redeveloping into a Battle of the Atlantic visitor centre as part of a wider £19.6m Levelling Up funded redevelopment of Woodside led by Wirral Council.

Free public tours of the Shore Road Pumping Station will take place during the Heritage Open Days week in September.