Construction set to start at Ilkeston station

Construction to bring a railway station back to Ilkeston for the first time in 50 years is set to begin.

Preliminary works − mine investigation and stabilisation − have been completed and phase two of the project is now due to start from 4th April.

Preparatory works will include erecting fencing around the site, improving access, establishing the contractor’s compound and site clearance. This is expected to take several weeks.

This will be followed by piling works − these form the foundations to support the platforms − and in the following months, construction of the platforms themselves, taking out the old and putting in the new footbridge and building the two car parks.

The whole project is expected to take up to seven months to build so it’s anticipated the station will open in late autumn.

Ilkeston has been without a station for around 50 years.

The new station, between Millership Way and Coronation Road, will have two platforms linked by a footbridge. The new footbridge will be wider than the old one, making it easier for users to pass by each other.

Each platform will have waiting shelters, ticket machines, customer information screens and help points and be covered by CCTV.

The main car park, on the east side of the tracks, will have 90 spaces. The west-side car park will be for disabled drivers, motorcycles and bicycles, along with a taxi rank and drop off and pick up point.

Buses already run past the station site but new waiting shelters will be provided.

Direct hourly trains will call at Ilkeston and run north to Chesterfield, Sheffield and Leeds and south to Nottingham. Some trains will also call at Liverpool and Norwich. It is estimated 160,000 passengers will use the station in its first year.

Councillor Dean Collins, cabinet member for highways, transport and infrastructure, said: “It’s great news that progress to build Ilkeston station is now well underway. The new station will be a great boost to the area. It will mean much quicker commuting times, helping to reduce congestion on the roads, and it will improve connectivity to nearby major towns and cities helping to encourage visitors and bring new business opportunities to the area.”

Rob McIntosh, route managing director at Network Rail, said: “Ilkeston station is set to transform the lives of thousands of people by giving easier access to rail services, to give access to work and leisure opportunities around the network. I am delighted that this project is on site and look forward to welcoming the first train in the coming months.”

Derbyshire County Council is leading on the project in partnership with the Department for Transport (DfT), Network Rail and Nottingham Housing Market Area. The station has been designed by consultants Aecom.

The final cost of the station is expected to be a round £10m.