A historic piece of Surrey’s railway heritage is set to enter a new chapter as the Haslemere signal box prepares to close after more than 130 years of service. The Grade II-listed structure, which has guided countless trains through the area since the late 19th century, will officially hand control to a modern signalling centre in Basingstoke following its final service at 00:30 BST on Saturday. Though its operational life is ending, the box’s future remains bright with plans for full restoration already under way.

Once the last lever is pulled, work will begin to return the signal box to its 1930s appearance, just before the electrification of the railway. The restoration will include period-accurate fittings and décor, giving visitors an authentic glimpse into a bygone era of British rail. The site is expected to reopen to the public by Easter, offering guided tours led by volunteers from the Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust.

Ken Griffiths, chairman of the Trust, reflected on the milestone with mixed emotions. “It's a shame to see it go but life does move on,” he said. For many, the signal box has stood as both a working landmark and a reminder of the human skill once essential to running Britain’s busy railways. Signalman Gary Pannell, who has worked at Haslemere alongside his team, shared a similar sentiment. “It's the end of an era. Unfortunately I've seen other signal boxes go as well,” he said. “It will be different to this but essentially the same principle. I just accept that it's the way it is but I'm grateful I had the chance to work there.”

The signal box project forms part of a broader initiative to celebrate Haslemere’s railway heritage. The offices above the main station building will be transformed into a small museum, housing memorabilia and a detailed model railway layout depicting Haslemere and its 1930s goods yard. Plans also include the creation of a memorial garden dedicated to the 636 Southern Railway employees who lost their lives during World War Two, commemorating both those who served the railway and those who fell in active service.

Image: Haslemere Community Station and Signal Box Trust