Gatwick Airport's £150 million transformation will enter its next stage next week as innovative methods of working take place through Covid-19.
Work can now continue, and Network Rail stays on track with the project to improve accessibility at the station.
The station is used by Southern, Thameslink and Gatwick Express and is vital for the airport and economy. When the station fully opens in 2023, there will be step-free access, new lifts and escalators as well as a new concourse area.
The project is managed by Network Rail and is being delivered by Costain. The upgrade is taking place in partnership with the Department for Transport and Govia Thameslink Railway.
Paul Harwood, regional investment director for Network Rail, said “We've found innovative ways of progressing with our work during this pandemic, ensuring the continued safety of our contractors and at the same time hitting our important project milestones. We have now finished diverting power cables and testing the places we'll be piling for new foundations, and we're on target to start our work on platform 7 on May 17.”
Rail Minister, Chris Heaton-Harris, said “I am pleased to see an important milestone reached on this project, which is testament to the hard work of all the teams involved who have come up with innovative ways of working in these challenging times. once complete, the expanded, modern station will be an impressive gateway to Global Britain, improving accessibility and services for passengers.”
Emma Rees, Head of Surface Transport, Gatwick Airport, said: “With the current unprecedented impact on travel due to COVID-19 it remains important to us to ensure that work continues on offering the public an improved service and experience in the future. We are confident that the aviation industry will recover as people start to travel again for business, for pleasure, to trade and to visit family and friends. This work will also offer a much-needed kick-start for the region's economy.”
Jonathan Sharrock, Chief Executive at Coast to Capital, said: “Gatwick is the beating heart of our area and the effects of the pandemic have impacted the aviation sector and supply chains severely, with Crawley being the worst hit local economy in the country. As we look towards recovery, the Gatwick Airport Train Station redevelopment will play a more important role than ever before in providing efficient and safe transport links to London, the coast and international markets. We are pleased to hear that works are continuing safely and look forward to seeing how the improvements will help rebuild the economy.”
Angie Doll, Managing Director of Southern and Gatwick Express, said: “During these difficult times for the country it is important that we continue to look to the future, preparing for a time when we will be supporting the regeneration of our region's economy. Our rail services have a vital role to play at Gatwick and the new station will create a gateway we can be proud of into the UK.”
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If Gatwick Airport railway station is to be redeveloped with more extra platforms being built to cope with more extra trains and people using London Gatwick Airport.
Perhaps East Croydon station in South London could also do with a redevelopment and to have extra platforms to reduce the overcrowding of passengers using trains to commute into Central London.