Full steam ahead for Bromsgrove's new station (From Bromsgrove Advertiser)

Full steam ahead for Bromsgrove's new station

12:16pm Tuesday 11th August 2009 in Local

IT’s full steam ahead for Bromsgrove’s new railway station after funds for the £14m project were provisionally secured from the Department for Transport.

The announcement moves the revamp and modernisation of the station, the biggest in over 150 years, closer to becoming a reality.

An artists impression of the station’s layout has been released, and there are plans to give town residents a chance to have their say on the design and layout during a consultation in the New Year.

The station includes plans for more, longer platforms, a new car park offering 200 spaces, a terminal station building, and new cycle parking facilities.

It is proposed to relocate the station to land 150 metres south of the current station, in Aston Fields, which previously housed an oil terminal. Contaminated land from the site would need to be removed before the station could be built.

Plans are also in place to improve road junctions near the station, and to begin negotiations with bus operating companies for the introduction of new bus services.

The project is being led by Worcestershire County Council working with Bromsgrove District Council, Centro, London Midland and Network Rail. The allocation of funding is still subject to the acceptance of the project's business plan, but the county council's transport team is now moving to set up a project board which will oversee delivery of the station.

Leader of Worcestershire County Council and Marlbrook district councillor, Dr George Lord, said: "I am relieved that after extended negotiations we have finally achieved what we set out to do and we will be providing a first class station for the 21st Century."

Councillor Derek Prodger, Worcestershire County Council's cabinet member for transport, said: "This is great news for the people of Bromsgrove as it will provide a first class facility for all train users.”

Slideslow Councillor Caroline Spencer (Con) said she welcomed the news of a possible resident parking scheme for Aston Fields, included in the plans, which would prevent rail users parking inconsiderately in residential streets.

She said: “It is good news the number of commuters has been growing but residents have suffered enough with congestion. We want commuters using the car parking facilities.”