Improved Weymouth train station officially opened
The project's cost £1.2 million
An official opening's been held for Weymouth train station, following £1.2 million worth of improvements.
The scheme's seen a refreshed car parking layout, clearer taxi points and drop-off spaces, improved bus links, a new bus shelter, more bike storage and upgraded walking routes put in.
Landscaping's also been carried out in the forecourt, including new lighting and CCTV, with a new station café, a refurbished canopy over two of the platforms and a 'living wall' to encourage plant life and wildlife habitats.
The Pocket Park next to the station has had information panels added to tell visitors more about the station's history.
The project's been a partnership between Dorset Council, Dorset Coast Forum, South Western Railway, Network Rail, Weymouth Area Development Trust, Weymouth BID, Weymouth Town Council, First Wessex Buses and Public Health Dorset.
Cllr Ray Bryan, Portfolio Holder for Highways, Travel and Environment at Dorset Council said:
“Dorset Council invested significantly to enable these improvements to the railway station and its surrounding area. Responses made through the consultation confirmed that people thought the station was in poor condition and a hotspot for antisocial behaviour. This work has transformed the forecourt into a more welcoming and accessible place for visitors, residents and businesses.
“It is vital that we provide modern and attractive public transport infrastructure like this to encourage people to reduce their car use and traffic congestion, improve air quality and help us meet our climate targets."
Claire Mann, Managing Director of South Western Railway said:
“I’m so pleased to see the work we have done at Weymouth, alongside all these different partners, at one of the most important stations on our network which saw more than half a million customers last year.
“On top of the improvements through our Customer and Communities Improvement fund, we have also taken important steps to improve safety and security at the station, through the provision of a shared, secure space for Police, Rail Community Officers and Town Wardens.
“It’s so important that we provide a welcoming environment where our customers feel safe, and we believe these improvements will go a long way to doing just that.”
Mark Killick, Network Rail’s Wessex route director, said:
“It’s great to have worked in collaboration with SWR, Dorset Council, Dorset Coast Forum and other local stakeholders to promote rail travel to Weymouth.
“We want to give our customers the best experience and these improvements will make sure everyone who visits Weymouth has a fantastic first impression.
“The town has a rich railway heritage and work to replace and renew the station canopies is part of the wider Weymouth Station Gateway improvement scheme to boost the local economy.”