Next Monday, 28th November, Network Rail is holding a consultation event in Warwick where residents and businesses can find out about the major accessibility improvements that will be made to Warwick station in the new year.
The consultation is being held between 3pm and 7pm at the Warwick Arms Hotel, 17 High Street in Warwick, CV34 4AT. In a multi-million-pound investment, Network Rail will install two new lifts in the existing subway as part of the Government's Access for All scheme. The new lifts will, for the first time, provide step-free access for passengers using platforms 1 and 2. Work is planned to start next January, with completion scheduled for the end of the year.
The work will not affect train services, but it will require the closure of the subway between platforms 1 and 2 whilst the lifts are installed. That means passengers transferring the platforms will need to take an alternative route that entails a six-minute walk.
The work has been planned so that most of the station's facilities will remain open, although at times some parts of the station will be closed for longer than usual. However, several spaces in the station car park will be taken out of use to make room for an engineers' compound and the station's customer toilets will also be temporarily relocated.
While the work is underway, Network Rail will work closely with Chiltern Railways to ensure there is the least possible disruption to passengers and the local community.
Whilst the work is taking place, passengers should check their journeys at www.nationalrail.co.uk
Elinor Weymouth, scheme project manager for Network Rail, said: “We're really pleased to be delivering this important piece of work for passengers in Warwick which will see step-free access between platforms 1 and 2 for the first time.
“There will be some local disruption during the multi-million-pound upgrade which is why we're holding an information event at the Warwick Arms Hotel so people can find out more. I'd urge anyone living or working nearby to come along and meet the project team so we can explain in person how this important work is making journeys better for passengers.”
Rail Minister Huw Merriman said: “Train travel must be an option for everyone and delivering easy, stress-free journeys for all is at the heart of my plan for the railway.
“I'm delighted the passengers of Warwick are benefitting from our Access for All programme and the new upgrade will ensure those with additional needs are supported right from the start of their journey.”
Eleni Jordan, Commercial & Customer Strategy Director at Chiltern Railways, said: “We are delighted that step-free access between platforms at Warwick station is being installed. Alongside Network Rail, we will be in regular contact with local stakeholders and the wider community while these changes take place, as there will be some disruption while these works are completed.
“When the lift installations are complete, it will be a significant improvement to accessibility and customer experience at the station.“
Cllr Wallace Redford, Portfolio Holder for Transport & Planning said: “One of our key areas of focus as a council is to deliver improved transport options for Warwickshire residents. The development being carried out at Warwick station means we are one step closer to making public transport in Warwickshire accessible to all, and it will be easier for more residents to have the opportunity to make more sustainable journeys.
“Making these improvements also improves the independence of our residents and opens up more opportunities for employment and education.”
Local County Councillor John Holland said: “There are many people who cannot manage steps and the scheme will provide access for both pedestrians and people who use wheelchairs. There are many other people who will benefit, for example people with prams or cyclists taking their bikes on the train.”
Warwick railway station could do with a new resurfaced platform as well as new plantation, lighting, seats & shelter. And maybe rename Warwick station to Warwick Central as there is a station outskirts of Warwick called Warwick Parkway that is next door to the A46 road and near to the M40 motorway.
Presumably the station buildings are not Listed? The ticket office is a fair sized waiting room for Birmingham bound passengers with a ‘bus shelter’ on the opposite platform towards Leamington. Warwick used to be a more substantial station with covered accommodation: Shame it was reduced to its current state. I’d like to think that the well-worn stairs might remain, but that seems highly unlikely. Parking is a problem that may never be resolved.
I was surprised to see from the pictures that Warwick station has no covered protection from the weather for passengers. While there’s no doubt that providing step-free access to both platforms is important, I would have thought that providing at least some sort of shelter on each platform is just as important.