Revamp for Salisbury train station subway completed
It's part of a wide range of enhancement in that area of the city
Work on a revamped customer subway at Salisbury train station has been completed, South Western Railway has revealed.
The new facility opened on Monday.
It's been revitalised to give more pleasurable customer experience and specialists were brought in to clean the original Victorian tiles, which date back to 1859, on the ramps and in the subway.
The floor has also been resurfaced, with concrete plinths have been repaired and repainted, the handrails repainted and new and improved navigation signage has been added.
Peter Williams, Customer and Commercial Director for South Western Railway, said: “Salisbury is one of the most important destinations on our network and one of the jewels of the South West, which is why we’ve been working so closely with our partners to revamp the subway as part of our wider programme of investments in the station.
“The subway has been restored in line with its Victorian heritage, while enhanced to provide greater accessibility for customers using the station today, creating an improved overall customer experience."
The subway's walls have been redecorated with new murals supplied by English Heritage. They depict famous local sites and historical scenes to promote the City and nearby places of interest.
Investment to revamp the subway was provided by SWR, including with a grant from the operator’s Customer and Communities Improvement Fund awarded to Three Rivers Community Rail Partnership; the Department for Transport ‘Access for All’ Mid-Tier programme; Network Rail; and the Railway Heritage Trust.
It's part of a number of improvements being made to the station, which also includes the Station Forecourt scheme, which is due to complete next year.
During the works, engineers have discovered a hitherto unknown tunnel, which is entirely separate from the revamped station subway. While its origin and purpose are uncertain, SWR will be working with Network Rail and the Railway Heritage Trust to investigate, and is inviting anyone who might know more to get in touch.
Cllr Tamara Reay, Wiltshire Council’s Cabinet Member for Transport, said: “We are delighted that South Western Railway is continuing to invest in Salisbury station, enhancing its facilities and significantly improving the customer experience.
“These improvements align perfectly with the multi-million-pound station forecourt scheme, funded by the Future High Streets Fund, and set to be completed next summer.
“Together, these improvements demonstrate the Council and SWR’s commitment to providing a safer, more efficient and greatly enhanced experience for all station users at this key gateway into the city.”
Mr Williams added: “We want to encourage even more people to travel sustainably by train and explore the many leading attractions that Salisbury and the surrounding area have to offer, with some of these showcased by our splendid new subway murals.
“This project was made possible thanks to a grant from our Customer and Communities Improvement Fund and the Department for Transport’s ‘Access for All’ scheme, as well as investment from the Railway Heritage Trust. We are grateful to all our partners who have worked us to deliver it.”