New station boost for passengers thanks to £16 million government investment

Rail passengers are set for better journeys with 5 new stations to be built across England and Wales, the government announced today (28 July 2017).

The Department for Transport (DfT) has given the green light for the stations, which will provide long term benefits to passengers and the wider economy. The government will invest over £16 million in the schemes 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 today are:

• Horden Peterlee in County Durham which will receive £4.4 million of DfT funding towards a scheme worth £10.55 million.
• Warrington West in Cheshire, which will receive £4.23 million towards a total project cost of £17.2 million.
• Reading Green Park which will receive £2.3 million towards a total project cost of £16.5 million.
• Bow Street in Ceredigion, Wales which will receive £3.945 million towards a total project cost of £6.76 million.
• Portway Parkway near Bristol which will receive £1.672 million towards a total project cost of £2.23 million.

Rail Minister Paul Maynard 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."

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. All of the stations will be completed by March 2020.

Today’s announcement is the second round of funding for the scheme. The initial round has already delivered improvements to passengers and communities with stations at Newcourt (Exeter), Lea Bridge (London), Pye Corner (Newport) and Ilkeston already open and Kenilworth due to be completed later this year.

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."

Details on each of the stations are:

• Horden Peterlee - The new station, which will have 2 platforms, will deliver improved access to employment opportunities to the area, which has low levels of car ownership, making it easy for people to get around.
• Warrington West - Key benefits include reducing congestion on the M62 motorway and supporting the Chapelford Urban Village housing development. The station will have 2 platforms and a 268 space car park.
• Reading Green Park - The station has the potential to unlock 7,500 new jobs and 1,500 homes, serving an area currently only accessible by road. It will have 2 platforms.
• Bow Street - The station will act as a park and ride site for Aberystwyth and Borth stations and will help traffic congestion in Aberystwyth.
• Portway Parkway - The station will serve an existing park and ride site and will reduce congestion on inner Bristol roads.

About The UK Department for Transport

The UK Department for Transport works with our agencies and partners to support the transport network that helps the UK’s businesses and gets people and goods travelling around the country. We plan and invest in transport infrastructure to keep the UK on the move.