‘Rail station will become a fitting gateway to the city’
MAJOR improvements to Swansea railway station are set to begin this month.
Transport for Wales and Network Rail are working together to deliver a series of new facilities for passengers and the wider community.
Network Rail and its partners Alun Griffiths Ltd will start the redevelopment of the station’s Platform 4 on October 12. The work includes the total rebuilding and lengthening of the platform, allowing longer trains to arrive and depart from it, and will provide the station with more flexibility.
While this work is ongoing, TFW will also be working to upgrade customer facilities as part of the Station Improvement Vision.
Swansea is one of the flagship stations of the improvement programme, and the work will include the full rebranding and refresh of the station, improved ticket-buying facilities, and refurbished space for use by local businesses and community groups.
The work is currently scheduled to be completed by summer 2021. Customers are reminded to allow extra time to check for any platform alterations that may be in place.
Alexia Course, Transport for Wales rail operations director, said: “I’m delighted we’re working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver improvements for passengers at Swansea station. The station is the first thing rail passengers see on arrival in Swansea, and the work we’re undertaking will help make it a fitting gateway to the city.
“Swansea is one of 247 stations we manage on our network, all of which are receiving better facilities over the coming years. This marks a major milestone in our Station Improv e - men t Vision as we continue to work hard to
deliver a transport network the people of Wales and the Borders can be proud of.” Bill Kelly, Network Rail’s route director for
Wales and Borders, said: “This is an exciting time for Swansea station and we are delighted to be working with our partners Alun Griffiths and Transport for Wales on these major improvements.
“Swansea was recently ranked one of the best places in the UK to do business, due to lower rents attracting more business start-ups to the area.
“We hope that these planned upgrades to the station will eventually encourage more people to visit and do business in the city, as passenger confidence begins to bounce back.”
Swansea Council leader Rob Stewart said: “We welcome this investment in our citycentre railway station. Improved rail services for passengers will be a welcome addition to the city centre’s transformed routes for cyclists and motorists.
“The railway station work will complement the tens of millions of pounds already being spent by private and public sectors on accommodation and modern work spaces in the High Street area.
“The council is leading on a £1bn regeneration story in and around our city centre; it’s fast becoming a place where people want to work, live and play.”
I’m delighted we’re working in partnership with Network Rail to deliver improvements for passengers at Swansea station. The station is the first thing rail passengers see on arrival in Swansea, and the work we’re undertaking will help make it a fitting gateway to the city
- Alexia Course, Transport for Wales rail operations director