Devon stations row
Network Rail is tight-lipped over why the cost of new stations at Marsh Barton and Edginswell have soared.
NETWORK Rail is refusing to explain why the construction costs of two proposed stations in Devon have soared.
In May 2014, Marsh Barton station (Exeter) was expected to cost £4.3 million while £2.5m was quoted for Edginswell (Torbay), during public consultation.
But by 2015 the cost for Marsh Barton had risen to £10.42m and Edginswell to £9.2m, according to business cases published by the Heart of South West Local Enterprise Partnership.
The two-platform stations will accommodate six-coach trains, with waiting shelters, and include a footbridge with ramp, ticket machines and small car parks.
In a statement, Devon County Council, which has helped develop the schemes, says Marsh Barton alone will cost £13m, a £2.58m increase on the Heart of South West LEP’s figures, and a threefold increase on the 2014 estimate.
Meanwhile, in 2017 Torbay councillors were asked to vote on proposals to pause further spending on Edginswell station, after its costs also reached a reported £13m.
Devon Council blames changes to Network Rail design standards for the cost increases at Marsh Barton, with a spokesman saying: “At the time of the tender preparation and scheme design, the station met Network Rail’s design standards as agreed by the steering group (which includes Network Rail).
“However, following the award of the contract to design and build the station, Network Rail’s design standards changed, and this has led to rising costs.
“We were extremely disappointed not to receive New Stations Funding from the Department for Transport, which has unfortunately further delayed the proposed scheme. The DfT shared our concerns about the rising costs, but they have recognised the merit of the scheme and we are continuing to discuss the proposals with them, as well as other stakeholders.
“The 2015 estimate of £7.4m of funding for this scheme was agreed by the Steering Group as an appropriate estimate. Looking now at current proposals for similar new stations, with the new design standard, it would suggest a sum of £13m is appropriate.
“We are working on reducing costs and securing additional sources of funding from the DfT, and Network Rail. The proposed Great Western Railway franchise extension from 2020 to 2022 offers an opportunity to consider the opportunities this brings jointly with GWR and DfT.”
RAIL asked Network Rail how standards have changed and why they have increased costs so much, why no derogation from these was sought, and how much work could be undertaken on the stations without having to close the routes.
In response, it said of Marsh Barton station: “We have, with Devon County Council, conducted a detailed study into the feasibility and cost of a new station at Marsh Barton.
“Through each stage of our study we gain a clearer picture as to the cost of the project against the scope of the original plan. The stages, known as Governance for Railway Investment Projects (GRIP), is currently at GRIP 5 with a cost of £13m - a figure that has not changed while at this stage.
“Throughout the process, changes to the original scope may be made. However, this can affect the costing estimates at each GRIP stage. We will continue to work with Devon County Council to provide a comprehensive overview regarding the feasibility and cost of building a new station at Marsh Barton.”
NR refused RAIL’s requests to provide a detailed explanation of how and why the costs of the stations have increased so much, or to speak to staff involved in the projects to gain a greater understanding of the issues involved.
The DfT, meanwhile, suggested timetabling issues counted against Marsh Barton station, and refuted suggestions it has refused to fund both stations due to the cost increases.
“It is completely untrue to suggest the Department refused to fund these stations on the grounds of cost escalation,” it said.
“While both bids had a strong strategic case, they needed further development, particularly around timetabling, before we could support them through the New Stations Fund.
“As with other third party delivered schemes, it is for the project promoter to manage development and construction costs to ensure value for money.”
RAIL understands that even with a Department for Transport contribution, there would have been insufficient funding to complete Marsh Barton station.