Work starts on £1m improvement scheme at Chippenham station

Work has begun on a £1m project which will make Chippenham station fully accessible.

The work at the Wiltshire station is being carried out by Great Western Railway on behalf of Wiltshire County Council.

The project includes a third lift on the north side of the station which will allow step free access to platforms on both sides of the station.

Other improvements include extra disabled car parking space as well as additional cycle parking.

Luke Chard, GWR development manager, said “This work will mean a more welcoming, safer environment and a fully accessible station.”

Dr Mark McClelland, from Wiltshire Council, added: “Our aspiration is to have well-connected communities that enable local communities to live, work and play locally so these continued improvements at the station fully supports this aim.”

Swindon and Wiltshire LEP Chief Executive, Paddy Bradley, said: “We’re excited to see another step towards completion of the Station Hub upgrade. This important work will help develop safe access to the station for all visitors and residents using Chippenham station.

“This very welcome project brings together the elements of the station improvements, ultimately assisting the long-term development of Chippenham and its economy.”

Network Rail’s  Alina Wolfe Murray, said: “This is a great example of partnership working across multiple organisations to improve access to the railway for our passengers.

“Turning the stairs to the north of the station will also allow for safer pedestrian access and an improved walking route for people using the public right of way over the railway line.

“We’d like to thank local residents and passengers for their patience while this work is completed and we’ll look to minimise any inconvenience where we can.”

A public right of way on the north side of the station will be temporarily closed and will reopen in the spring.