A Grade II-listed viaduct where Harry Styles is said to have had his first kiss will be protected from “well-meaning damage” perpetrated by the pop star’s fans.
Twemlow Viaduct, near the singer’s home village of Holmes Chapel in Cheshire, has become a must-see site for his fans, who have begun writing their names and messages into the bricks in the same way he is claimed to have.
Network Rail, which owns the facility, stated that the 183-year-old viaduct was no longer “as it was” and required protection.
The organization stated that a replacement wall with blank panels will be installed, providing a “alternative place for fans to leave messages to Harry” while safeguarding the Victorian structure from “potential, well-meaning damage”.
Principal route engineer Rob Stephens stated that while Network Rail “understands how much the viaduct means to Harry Styles fans,” the property should be treated with respect.
“To preserve the viaduct’s historic status and not spoil anyone’s fun, we have fitted an alternative wall to allow them to continue to leave their messages of love and support,” added the engineer.
Holmes Chapel Partnership, which takes fans to the site as part of its famous Harry’s Home Village Tour, said it was thrilled that Network Rail recognized the location as a “mecca” for Styles admirers.
The tour operator stated that it had previously advised guests not to write on the wall and had offered slate hearts for fans to sign instead.
Chairman Peter Whiers stated that the new wall was “an important next step in both protecting the heritage of Twemlow Viaduct and continuing to raise the profile of Holmes Chapel on the tourist map for Cheshire”.
“We are excited to see how fans react and take ownership of the wall over the coming weeks, while ensuring the viaduct remains a cherished landmark for future generations,” he added.
According to a Holmes Chapel Partnership spokesman, the tour has grown in popularity since its appearance on BBC Breakfast in May, with fans traveling from Bangladesh, India, Australia, and Canada to attend.
