Gloucester railway station redevelopment taking shape

Local MP Richard Graham visited Gloucester station recently to see the multi-million-pound redevelopment works taking shape.

The works include long-awaited improvements to the subway. This includes removing the blind corner in the subway and making it step-free so it is fully accessible to all. It will also include better lighting and CCTV.

Running through the underpass is an 11kv National Grid cable that provides back-up power to Gloucestershire Royal Hospital. Work to protect the cable and ensure supply has now been successfully completed, taking advantage of the underpass closure.

The subway continues to be closed during the work and is not set to reopen until the summer. Work also continues on improvements to the car park at Gloucester.

GWR Business Development Portfolio Director, Tom Pierpoint, said: “It was great to have Richard here today. The underpass is a key element of the station improvement, supporting both rail users and the community of Gloucester, and completing the work on the cable is a significant milestone.”

The southern car park at Gloucester station was closed in October to facilitate the redevelopment and upgrade of the station forecourt and car park.

Parking continues to be available in the northern car park on Great Western Road, where passengers will also find the relocated taxi rank and pick-up and drop-off. If the overflow car park is full, those looking to park for extended periods can use any of the council’s pay & display car parks nearby.

Pedestrian and cycle access will continue to be available via a segregated walkway which can be accessed from Bruton Way.

The project is the next phase in the development and improvement of the station and is jointly funded by GFirst LEP, GWR, Network Rail, Gloucestershire County Council, Gloucester City Council and the Department for Transport.

Rail customers are able to use the bridge through the station. This includes holders of the Pay As You Go smartcard. Details of how to apply for the smartcard are on our website https://www.gwr.com/your-tickets/smart-tickets/payg. The card ensures the best daily or weekly walk-on fare (calculated automatically) for rail users, and will also allow access through the station.

Robin Basu, Network Rail’s project sponsor, said:

“We’re pleased to be working with Gloucestershire County Council, Great Western Railway and other key partners to facilitate improvements to Gloucester station. This next stage of the multi-million-pound project builds on the ongoing work to improve accessibility at Gloucester station.

“Effective, accessible transport links are vital and we will continue to work with GWR and other partners to ensure Gloucester station is accessible and welcoming for everyone.”

Gloucester News Centre – http://gloucesternewscentre.co.uk