£11m boost for Crewe and Stockport stations
TWO major regional rail stations are set for major improvements after securing £11m funding.
Crewe station will receive £6.1m from the Government’s £100m rail stations improvement fund, while Stockport has £5m for a new 1,420-space car park by its main-line station.
Cheshire East Council welcomed news that its joint project with Network Rail was successful. The scheme is central to the council-backed plans to regenerate and revitalise the town centre called ‘All Change for Crewe’
The £6m will fund the first phase of a comprehensive overhaul and enhancement of historic Crewe station and the adjoining former Royal Mail site.
Phase one includes: a new surface-level car park of about 250 spaces;
improved facilities for taxis; a new drop-off/pick-up area; new ticket machines and passenger information displays; reopening the pedestrian subway linking the new facility straight into platforms one to five and six to 11; a new area for servicing vehicles to access the station; and a new commercial development site to provide a business opportunity for activities, which will be ancillary to the station.
Councillor Jamie Macrae, cabinet member with responsibility for prosperity, said: “This is wonderful news and a keystone of long-term regeneration not only of the town centre but also the wider 20-year All Change for Crewe project.
“The station is vital to our work to enhance the attractiveness of Crewe as a place to live, work and do business.”
The new car park at Stockport will be built next to the station and the leisure complex, Grand Central.
The Council bought the Grand Central site earlier this year to secure a high quality office quarter and attractive gateway to the town centre.
Cllr Dave Goddard, leader of Stockport Council, said: “Since taking the decision to buy Grand Central, we have been working tirelessly to make sure we get the best deal for the borough. We’re determined to unlock the site’s fantastic potential as a premier office and commuter destination.
“Part of that plan was to improve and expand the parking offer. This announcement is great news and will give us a significant head start with the redevelopment plans.
“It’s a prime spot, right next to the station, which sees three trains every hour to London. We want to make it even easier for residents, visitors and commuters to take advantage of our great transport links.”
Robin Gisby, managing director, network operations at Network Rail, added: “This is a fantastic example of the rail industry, local authorities and other organisations working together to improve the passenger experience without increasing the burden on the taxpayer.”
Discussions are currently underway with shortlisted developers to progress the 4.7 hectare Grand Central scheme which will include offices, parking and a hotel. A decision on the development partner will be announced by the end of the year.
