Priority list for new station investment
Rail campaigners have welcomed the Government’s new £20 million fund for new railway stations and have proposed a list of priority candidates for this new investment.
Rail Minister Paul Maynard announced funding for new stations which will deliver better journeys, boost local economies and link communities.
“This scheme is hugely welcome, not least because it’s 'phase two,' and is starting to look as if it might be a regular source of funding for new stations, which we would strongly support. It’s an acknowledgement by Government that new stations are needed, and despite their high cost, they can offer effective solutions to transport problems.” said Chris Austin, who leads Railfuture’s Investment and Networks Group. “We’ve looked at this in some detail, to assess the most likely station candidates. This fund is aimed at schemes where most of the planning work has been done, and match funding is available. The grant will 'close the gap' to enable it to happen, and also to allow ministers to cut the ribbon on opening day within a reasonably short timescale, within a couple of years.”
The priority list is:
- Addenbrooke's (South Cambridge) - in conjunction with Cambridge City Deal
- Edginswell, Devon - funding from new housing development and a welcome rail scheme to compare with the adjacent £110m Kingskerswell by-pass. Targeted to open 2018.
- East Leeds Parkway - location still to be agreed with developers.
- Maghull North - Merseytravel sponsored, funding from developer and DfT, targetted to open December 2017.
- Marsh Barton, Devon - developer funded scheme which will help address the traffic gridlock at this Exeter retail park.
- Parkgate (Rotherham) - new station on former Midland Route sponsored by SYPTE.
- Peterlee - new station on Durham coast line supported by LEP.
- Soham, Cambridgeshire. Local authority sponsorship supported by GA and NR, in conjunction with planned Soham to Ely track doubling and hourly Ipswich to Peterborough service. Could open 2018.
- Warrington West - LEP and developer support, with Warrington Borough Council as sponsor. Targeted to open 2017.
- Worcester Parkway - DfT approved, local authority sponsored and has planning permission. Targeted to open in 2018.
“We’re also looking at a number of other schemes that are not yet as advanced as those, but where the prospects still look good. £20m doesn't buy very much these days, and we feel that there is scope for Network Rail to find ways of bulding stations for less money. Nevertheless it recognises that there is public pressure for reopenings, and we will continue to be part of this.”
Please see also our New Stations page
Notes to editors:
Railfuture is the UK's leading independent organisation campaigning for better rail services for both passengers and freight.
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