Sheme to improve access into and around Plymouth rail station is now complete

Developed by Plymouth City Council and its highways contractor Amey in partnership with First Great Western and Network Rail, the scheme aims to better connect the train station with the city centre and has been part-funded by the Department for Transport (DfT) and Sustrans, the national walking and cycling charity.

Improvements include new footways between North Road East and the station, a new, segregated, off-road cycleway linking the station and the centre of North Cross, cycle parking, safer pedestrian crossing points (including two new zebra crossings), new direction signage and better street lighting.

Work began in August 2011 and has been carried out in four phases, with a total investment of £929,000. This includes a contribution of £668,000 from the DfT, made up of £418,000 through its Local Sustainable Transport Fund ‘Access to Stations’ project and £250,000 through the Sustrans-managed ‘Links to Communities’ project.

Councillor Mark Coker, Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “Improving this key gateway into Plymouth was one of our priorities and will benefit not only regular rail passengers but also visitors to Plymouth and the local economy. We are pleased to have been able to work in partnership with First Great Western and Network Rail to make access to the train station easier and safer, as well as give visitors a warm welcome and good lasting impression of the city.”

Previous improvements made inside the station by First Great Western saw the concourse extended and new customer information screens fitted, as well as works to waiting rooms and toilets. Early next year, the final phase – to upgrade the station pedestrian subway – is set to begin.

Station Manager Mark Chorley said: "First Great Western prides itself on putting its customers first and supporting the communities it serves. We recognise the key role that rail travel has in supporting the local and national economy and we are delighted to be able to have completed this vital phase of work – with works to the subway due to begin shortly. During the previous franchise over £85 million was invested across our network of 210 stations, by working with rail industry partners, the DfT and local authorities."

Patrick Hallgate, route managing director for Network Rail, said: “More and more people now choose to travel by rail to get to and from work and to access leisure activities. It is vital that we provide a robust railway to support this growth and most importantly, the city’s economy. By working with partners to improve the environment at Plymouth station, we are sprucing up the railways’ shop-front, revitalising the city’s environment as well as creating the station into a welcoming gateway.”

Rail Minister Baroness Kramer said: “This Government recognises the importance of improved access at Plymouth, a scheme which will benefit all rail users. We are investing record amounts to transform our railways as well as improving safety for both cyclists and pedestrians. Access is a vital part of those improvements, which is why we have committed this funding.”

For more information about the station accessibility improvements visit www.plymouth.gov.uk/stationaccessproject