Railway station revamp is on track

Plans to revamp Gloucester Railway Station, as part of the transformation of the north of the city centre, are set to get a boost.

Funding is due to be discussed at Gloucester City Council’s next cabinet meeting, that could see the redesign of the railway station taken forward.

The overhaul will mean both the station and the connecting underpass will undergo a major facelift to make them more welcoming for visitors and commuters.

The improvements will complement the newly redesigned bus station and nearby regeneration of Kings Square that saw plans submitted in December, which include new homes, office space, restaurants and a shared workspace, as part of the multi-million pound scheme.

Cabinet will consider committing £425,000 to allow the design to be taken forward and a design team appointed. This will then be recouped from the £3.75 million that GFirst LEP awarded the project, which will be released in April next year.

It is also proposed that a project board should be set up on which Gloucester City Council, Great Western Railway, Network Rail, GFirst LEP and Gloucestershire County Council will be represented.

If the funding is given the go ahead at Gloucester City’s cabinet meeting on February 6, then it is proposed that a design team will be appointed with work on site intended to start next year.

Councillor Paul James, Leader of Gloucester City Council, said: “This is yet another piece of the jigsaw that will see our ambitious plans for Gloucester taken forward.  Providing a modern and inviting railway station is part of our strategy for attracting more people to visit, live and work in our growing city.”

GWR Regional Development Manager, Dan Okey, said:  “Rail plays a vital role in supporting Gloucester’s economy and community, and it is fantastic news to be able to progress plans for the redevelopment of the station.

“New Intercity Express Trains are already in service providing hundreds more seats every day, and later this year we plan to offer more frequent, and quicker journeys. This proposed station work will bring the station in line with the wider regeneration of the Kings Quarter, with improvements to access, the underpass and the station forecourt.”

GFirst LEP CEO, David Owen said: “Working with GWR, Network Rail, Gloucester City Council and Gloucestershire County Council, the investment at the Railway Station will not only create a much better environment for passengers but will also provide a safer, more attractive access and improve the connectivity of the city. GFirst LEP is pleased to support this important connectivity project for Gloucester and the business community.”

Richard Graham, MP for Gloucester, said: “I’m delighted the City Council and GWR are taking forward the government / Local Enterprise Partnership funding to regenerate key parts of the railway station. Gloucester deserves real improvements to the Underpass and an exit from the station car park to Metz Way which will improve journeys whether by foot or car. Bring it on!”