Rail station boost thanks to £16 million government investment

Rail passengers are set for better journeys with five new stations to be built across England and Wales, the government announced today.

The Department for Transport (DfT) has given approval for the stations, which will provide long term benefits to passengers and the wider economy.

The government will invest over £16 million under the new stations fund, which gives local communities improved rail services. All of the new stations will be accessible, with step-free access throughout.

The successful bids announced include: Horden Peterlee in County Durham which will receive £4.4 million; Warrington West in Cheshire which will receive £4.23 million; Reading Green Park which will receive £2.3 million; Bow Street in Wales which will receive £3.946 million; and Portway Parkway near Bristol which will receive £1.672 million.

The stations will improve access to the rail network and create new leisure, training, employment and business opportunities, as well as supporting new housing developments.

The investment is the second round of funding for the scheme. The initial round has already delivered improvements to stations at Newcourt (Exeter), Lea Bridge (London), Pye Corner (Newport), Ilkeston and Kenilworth.

All of the stations will be completed by March 2020.

Paul Maynard, rail minister, said: “We are committed to improving journeys for passengers right across the country. This means delivering more trains, quicker journeys and making more seats available.

“The new stations fund is a great example of how our record investment in the railways and work with local authorities and industry is delivering better journeys for passengers and boosting local economies.”

David Biggs, managing director for Network Rail Property, said: “More people than ever are choosing to travel by train and this ambitious investment into brand new stations allows us to meet growing demand while providing greater connectivity across Britain.

“New stations are proven to have a hugely positive effect on local areas, acting as a catalyst for regeneration driving social and economic improvements. We look forward to beginning work on these schemes as part of our continued efforts to create a better railway for Britain.”