Date set for work to start on Weymouth Train Station improvements
The first phase of work on the Weymouth Station Gateway Improvement Scheme will start on Monday
The date has been set for work to start on the Weymouth train station’s forecourt (Weymouth Station Gateway.)
The first phase of the project will begin on Monday (22 November).
The Pocket Park element is due to commence early in the New Year.
The work will be carried out in phases to minimise disruption and allow the station to fully operate as normal.
The main infrastructure work and surfacing should be completed by the end of March 2022 when landscaping and planting can be added.
Updates will be available for everyone through a weekly blog on the Weymouth Station Gateway Improvement Scheme webpage as the work progresses.
The Weymouth Station Gateway Improvement Scheme aims to:
• Enable interchange between buses and trains and sustainable transport links by redesigning the space for buses/coaches to drop and pick up.
• Improve traffic flow throughout the station forecourt.
• Implement attractive landscaping and planting.
• Enable better pedestrian access and cycle routes through the forecourt area.
• Creating an attractive walkway and cycle link from a narrow area which links two major business areas and runs alongside a section of closed rail line into a Railway Heritage Park.
• Better wayfinding, interpretation and the provision of information.
• Transform the first Impressions with improved public realm making the area more welcoming and safer for residents and visitors to the town.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Dorset Council’s Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment, said:
“This is great news; I fully welcome this new design and support the proposals to deliver what the community wants. Residents’ views have been taken on board during the development stages of this design and along with other improvements happening in Weymouth over the winter, this is a great example of the community working together in partnership to deliver much needed development in this area.”
For those wishing to park at the station while commuting, there will be alternative use of Network’s Rail additional car park opposite B&Q accessible via the Jubilee Retail Park. Signage and diversions will be in place. Please note there is direct access to platform 1 on the station from this car park. Disabled car parking is also available at this location. Drop off and pickup facilities will still be available and signposted during the construction phases. Taxi access will remain unaffected.
Andrew Ardley, Regional Development Manager at South Western Railway, added:
“We have been working towards construction for some time and now to finally realise this is welcome news. The new design has addressed the many challenges we face and will enhance the customer experience within the station environment. We have come a long way since the consultation and now have a design to improve the experience of all station users and welcome visitors to the town.”
“The more integrated transport links should be beneficial to all, especially the new bus stops on the forecourt and King Street itself. It will complement the funding secured from Department of Transport and
Dorset Council for improved cycle parking facilities at the station. I look forward to seeing the scheme take shape on the ground and working with partners to explore options for a next phase of improvements to the station building.”
Find out more details and follow the progression of the work.