Station project is helping spearhead economic growth
A NATIONAL regeneration of Britain’s railway stations is spearheading economic growth, and Wokingham’s facilities have been highlighted as a template in a new report.
The report by the Rail Delivery Group (RDG) explains how stations can boost the local economy and the surrounding area.
As natural focal points for growth and regeneration, the report says that station investment can help to create jobs, stimulate house-building and reinvigorate local public spaces.
Wokingham station is one of six station to recently undergo a revamp, at a combined cost of more than £800 million, and highlighted as a ‘template’ for regeneration in the report, Regenerating Britain’s Railway Stations: A Six-Point Plan.
At Wokingham, a new building was built, 50 metres north of the old one, with a lighter, more contemporary design, upgraded amenities, step-free access to platforms, an improved public realm surrounding the station, more parking and a new link road for better road connections.
The site of the old building became the southern section of the new link road. Delivering the new station building in a different location to the old station building meant that no temporary facilities were required during the construction phase.
Paul Plummer, Chief Executive of the RDG said: “Everyone has the right to new opportunities delivered by a better railway. Together with local communities the railway is making significant investment in a new generation of iconic, design-led transport hubs, which help make towns and cities stronger.
“With a regular flow of people, some of whom may not intend to even catch a train, railway stations can be ideal places for all sorts of local businesses and services.
“Stations of the future need to adapt to meet rising customer expectations, and those highlighted in our report show how we are reinvesting for today and tomorrow, spreading wealth across Britain, protecting local communities for the future and making local economies stronger and fairer.”
Margaret Kay, Managing Director for South West Trains, said: “We’re delighted that the Wokingham station redevelopment has been recognised in the RDG report.
“Wokingham station is now completely step-free in terms of access to platforms and as well as improving the appearance and facilities of the station for passengers, we have built a brand new car park providing 200 extra parking spaces. There is also a new link road which has improved connections for road users around the station and eased congestion.
“The feedback from the local community and businesses has been overwhelmingly positive and we’re delighted the Wokingham redevelopment is seen as a blueprint for future station redevelopments.”
Cllr David Lee, executive member for strategic highways and planning at Wokingham Borough Council.
“Our part of the project – the new Station Link Road – has helped to improve transport connections to and from the new station and ease congestion. But it’s also benefited the wider community and businesses.”