The CLASP system was a scheme developed in the 1950s by English local authorities to devise a method of designing and assembling prefabricated buildings for use in the public sector

Public sector

The public sector, sometimes referred to as the state sector, is a part of the state that deals with either the production, delivery and allocation of goods and services by and for the government or its citizens, whether national, regional or local/municipal.Examples of public sector activity range...

. The former Southern Region

Southern Region of British Railways

The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...

 of British Rail

British Rail

British Railways , which from 1965 traded as British Rail, was the operator of most of the rail transport in Great Britain between 1948 and 1997. It was formed from the nationalisation of the "Big Four" British railway companies and lasted until the gradual privatisation of British Rail, in stages...

, the state-owned railway operator, adopted the system in the 1960s and 1970s and used it for signalboxes and station buildings. The Western Region

Western Region of British Railways

The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...

 also rebuilt some stations using the same methods.

History

After the Second World War, many stations and signalboxes on the Southern Region's large and busy network required renewal or replacement, but funds were limited: several electrification

Railway electrification system

A railway electrification system supplies electrical energy to railway locomotives and multiple units as well as trams so that they can operate without having an on-board prime mover. There are several different electrification systems in use throughout the world...

 schemes had to be paid for, new trains were required and other modernisation work was taking place. By the 1960s, the need for immediate action became so great that the Region's management had to abandon traditional individual rebuilding projects in favour of a mass-produced solution using factory-made parts.

The CLASP method, used since the 1950s by local authorities for schools and other public buildings, was chosen. The prefabricated buildings were made of steel and concrete, and had several distinctive characteristics: a steel-framed

Steel frame

Steel frame usually refers to a building technique with a "skeleton frame" of vertical steel columns and horizontal -beams, constructed in a rectangular grid to support the floors, roof and walls of a building which are all attached to the frame...

, flat-roofed "box", usually one storey high (although some two-storey versions were produced), with a large water tank mounted on the roof. Windows were small and placed high on the building, immediately below the roof. Evenly spaced wooden or metal pillars held up canopies which were usually wood-panelled underneath. Pre-formed panels of aggregate

Aggregate (composite)

Aggregate is the component of a composite material that resists compressive stress and provides bulk to the composite material. For efficient filling, aggregate should be much smaller than the finished item, but have a wide variety of sizes...

-coated concrete formed the outer walls.

The first CLASP signalboxes were built in 1964; in 1965, the scope was widened to include stations. The structures were cheaply built and quickly decayed; several have already been replaced by new buildings. The Southern Region abandoned the scheme in 1973, although the Western Region adopted it at three locations between 1971 and 1977.

List of stations rebuilt using CLASP methods

Station	Image	Region	Year	Notes	Refs
Sunbury Sunbury railway station Sunbury railway station is in the Spelthorne district of Surrey, England. The station and all trains serving it are operated by South West Trains.There is a manned ticket office on the London-bound platform and there ticket vending machines...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1965
Fleet Fleet railway station Fleet railway station serves the town of Fleet in Hampshire, England. It is situated on the South Western Main Line, which has four tracks through the station. There are two platforms on the outer pair of tracks, which are served by trains between London Waterloo, Basingstoke and Southampton...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1966
Crawley Crawley railway station Crawley railway station is a railway station serving the town of Crawley in West Sussex. The station is 47 km south of London Victoria and is owned and operated by Southern...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1967	Incorporated an office development above
Ashtead Ashtead railway station Ashtead railway station is a railway station serving the village of Ashtead in Surrey.-History:Designed by David Field in 1858 and opened by the Epsom and Leatherhead Railway, A part of the London and South Western Railway, it became a joint station between that railway and the London, Brighton...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968
Aylesham Aylesham railway station Aylesham railway station serves Aylesham in the English county of Kent. It is served by Southeastern.The station lies on the Canterbury East to Dover Priory line. It was built by Southern Railway on 1 July 1928 to cater for the considerable increase in passenger traffic brought about by the...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968
Belmont	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968	Now demolished
Belvedere Belvedere railway station Belvedere railway station is a railway station in South East London between Abbey Wood and Erith. It is served by Southeastern. A level crossing beyond the platforms' western limits was closed prior to the westerly extension of platforms circa 1994 and the ticket office and passenger shelters were...	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968	Rebuilt in 2000
Charlton Charlton railway station Charlton railway station is in Charlton in the London Borough of Greenwich. The station and all trains serving it are operated by Southeastern...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968
Crayford Crayford railway station Crayford railway station is in the London Borough of Bexley in south-east London, in Travelcard Zone 6. The station and all trains serving it are operated by Southeastern....	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968	Destroyed by fire in 2000; replaced by new building in 2001
New Eltham New Eltham railway station New Eltham railway station is in the London Borough of Greenwich in south-east London, in Travelcard Zone 4. The station, and all trains serving it, are operated by Southeastern. Originally opened in 1878 as Pope Street Station, it was intended to be a luxurious station for first class season...	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968	Since rebuilt
Slade Green Slade Green railway station Slade Green railway station is in the London Borough of Bexley, southeast London, on the North Kent Line. The station, and all trains serving it, is operated by Southeastern.- Services :The typical off-peak service from the station is:...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1968
Berrylands Berrylands railway station Berrylands railway station is a national rail train station in the borough of Kingston upon Thames, London.-Location:Berrylands railway station, operated by South West Trains, is on the South Western Main Line. Normally only Hampton Court Branch trains serve it, but in service disruptions Guildford...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1969
Hampton Wick Hampton Wick railway station Hampton Wick railway station is in the London Borough of Richmond upon Thames, in south west London, and is in Travelcard Zone 6. The suburb of Hampton Wick is on the opposite bank of the River Thames from Kingston upon Thames and lies at the eastern end of Hampton Court Park...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1969
Catford Catford railway station Catford railway station serves the London suburb of Catford. Mainly used by commuters, it is on the line from mostly Kentish Town to Sevenoaks, between and in Travelcard Zone 3. Connections to London Victoria and are available at Peckham Rye....		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1970
Poole Poole railway station thumb|right|Down stopping train in 1958Poole railway station is a railway station on the South Western Main Line serving the town of Poole in Dorset, England. The station is situated in the town centre next to Holes Bay...	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1970	Since rebuilt
Oxford Oxford railway station Oxford railway station is a mainline railway station serving the city of Oxford, England. It is about west of the city centre, northwest of Frideswide Square and the eastern end of Botley Road, and on the line linking with . It is also on the line for trains between and Hereford via...	–	Western Region Western Region of British Railways The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...	1971	Since rebuilt. Opened 1990.
Longfield Longfield railway station Longfield railway station is on the Chatham Main Line, and serves the villages of Longfield and Hartley in north Kent. Train services are provided by Southeastern.-History:Although situated in Longfield, the station opened as Fawkham station in June 1872...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1971
Meopham Meopham railway station Meopham railway station is on the Chatham Main Line, and serves the village of Meopham in north Kent. Train services are provided by Southeastern....		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1971
Bristol Parkway Bristol Parkway railway station Bristol Parkway railway station is situated in Stoke Gifford in the northern suburbs of Bristol, England. It is part of the British railway system owned by Network Rail, and is managed by First Great Western....	–	Western Region Western Region of British Railways The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...	1972	Station opened 1 May 1972 with temporary CLASP buildings; since rebuilt
Kidbrooke Kidbrooke railway station Kidbrooke railway station serves Kidbrooke in the London Borough of Greenwich, south-east London. The station and all trains serving it are operated by Southeastern....	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1972	Since rebuilt
Rainham (Kent) Rainham (Kent) railway station Rainham railway station is on the Chatham Main Line in north Kent, between Gillingham and Newington. Train services are provided by Southeastern.Rainham station is 38 miles and 1694 yards from London Victoria, according to the mileage sign on the footbridge....	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1972	Demolished in 1989; rebuilt in 1990
East Grinstead East Grinstead railway station East Grinstead railway station serves the town of East Grinstead in West Sussex. The station was formerly divided into two levels: the higher level platforms serving the Three Bridges to Tunbridge Wells Central Line, whilst the lower level platforms received services from the Oxted Line 49 km ...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1973
Hassocks Hassocks railway station Hassocks railway station serves Hassocks in West Sussex. It is on the Brighton Main Line and Thameslink 12 km north of Brighton railway station, and train services are provided by Southern and First Capital Connect.-History:...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1973
Sunningdale Sunningdale railway station Sunningdale railway station serves the village of Sunningdale in Berkshire, England.-Location:The station is situated on the Waterloo to Reading line in Broomhall, which – prior to boundary changes enacted in 1995 – was part of the civil parish of Windlesham in Surrey.-Services:The...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1973
Virginia Water Virginia Water railway station Virginia Water railway station serves the village of Virginia Water, in Surrey, England. The station, and all trains serving it, are operated by South West Trains....		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1973
Wokingham Wokingham railway station Wokingham railway station is a railway station in the town of Wokingham in Berkshire, England. It is situated at the junction of the Waterloo to Reading line with the North Downs Line...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...	1973
Gloucester Gloucester railway station Gloucester railway station serves the city of Gloucester in England. The station was originally built as the terminus of the Birmingham and Gloucester Railway in 1840, but the arrival of the Bristol and Gloucester Railway and Cheltenham and Great Western Union Railway in 1844, and then conversion...		Western Region Western Region of British Railways The Western Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992...	1977	Incorporated an office development above
Lower Sydenham Lower Sydenham railway station Lower Sydenham railway station is just to the north of the boundary between the London Borough of Lewisham and the London Borough of Bromley in south east London, in Travelcard Zone 4...	–	Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...		Since rebuilt
Strood Strood railway station Strood Railway Station serves the town of Strood in Medway. It is on the North Kent Line and is a terminus for the Medway Valley Line. Train services are operated by Southeastern.-History:...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...
Forest Hill Forest Hill railway station Forest Hill railway station is situated in Forest Hill, part of the London Borough of Lewisham. The station is located on the South Circular Road ....		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...
Brockley Brockley railway station Brockley railway station is on the main railway line between and .The station is operated by London Overground, with London Overground and Southern trains serving the station. First Capital Connect and some Southern services pass through the station. It is in Travelcard Zone 2.-History:The line...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...		An unusual two-storey CLASP structure
Wool Wool railway station Wool railway station serves the town of Wool in Dorset, England. It is on the South Western Main Line between London Waterloo and .-History:...		Southern Region Southern Region of British Railways The Southern Region was a region of British Railways from 1948. The region ceased to be an operating unit in its own right in the 1980s and was wound up at the end of 1992. The region covered south London, southern England and the south coast, including the busy commuter belt areas of Kent, Sussex...

SCOLA

The SCOLA (Second Consortium of Local Authorities) scheme, similar to CLASP, was also developed for use by schools. Its buildings made use of brick and timber instead of concrete. British Rail used it twice on the Southern Region, when Newington

Newington railway station

Newington railway station is on the Chatham Main Line in north Kent, England. Train services are provided by Southeastern.The station has two platforms, capable of accepting 12 car EMUs on the "slow" lines, with two "fast" through lines.-Services:...

 and Teynham

Teynham railway station

Teynham railway station is on the Chatham Main Line in north Kent, England, and serves the village of Teynham. Train services are provided by Southeastern...

stations were rebuilt in the late 1970s to suit one-man operation.

Post-1970s developments

From 1980 and throughout the next ten years and into the 1990s, British Rail adopted a new system of brick buildings with apex roofs, smaller examples resembling a 'chalet'.