Worcestershire Parkway work is gathering pace impressively - The Worcester Observer

Worcestershire Parkway work is gathering pace impressively

Worcester Editorial 12th Jul, 2018   0

THE COUNTY’s new multi-million-pound railway station which will provide quicker journeys from Worcestershire into London and Birmingham is beginning to take shape.

A steel outline of the major new transport hub is emerging on the landscape and, once complete, the station, which is a key part of Worcestershire County Council’s plan to improve rail travel to and from the county, will be a key part of efforts to tackle the expected rise in train passengers in the next 25 years.

Rail passenger volumes on Worcestershire routes are set to increase by up to 97 per cent in the next quarter of a century, according to industry forecasts and the council is getting the county ‘rail travel ready’.

Progress at Worcestershire Parkway continues and the steel frame for the main station structure can now clearly be seen. Once fitted out, this will house the ticket office, toilets and a retail outlet.




Coun Dr Ken Pollock, cabinet member for Economy and Infrastructure, said: “It’s great to see the progress on this much-needed station which will help to transform rail travel across the county.

“The improvements already made at Worcester Foregate Street, Malvern Link and more recently Bromsgrove station mean these stations are now better equipped to deal with the predicted increase in passenger numbers.


“Along with the Kidderminster Station redevelopment and Worcestershire Parkway completing next year, rail travel to and from the county will soon be easier than it has been for the last 40 years.”

The footbridge over the Birmingham-Gloucester railway line is almost complete and the platforms, which are being built away from the railway in sections, will be lifted into place next to the railway line towards the end of the year.

The 500-space car park, which will be a key benefit to the station, will include disabled parking, electric vehicle charging points and cycle and motorcycle parking facilities.

Throughout the design and build stages of the scheme, the ecological aspect has been a priority.

Once complete, the station will house a nature area, designed to be a potential habitat for the native species in the area. In addition, the Public Right of Way which has been diverted as part of the works will be back in place across the site.

Online Editions

Catch up on your local news by reading our e-editions on the Worcester Observer.

Buy Photos

Buy photos online from the Worcester Observer newspaper.

Announcements

Weddings, Birthdays, Bereavements, Thank you notices, Marriages and more.

Printing

We can provide all of your printing needs at competitive rates.