The Grade II-listed station at Chippenham in Wiltshire is being refurbished to improve it for passengers and to ensure its integrity for the foreseeable future.

Among the work that Network Rail will be carrying out will be the replacement of weathered and damaged canopies, improving drainage, and resurfacing the station platforms.

The work is expected to take around six months to complete.

So that the contractors can carry out the work safely and efficiently, up to 82 parking spaces in Cocklebury Road Car Park 1 will be temporarily taken out of use to make space available for the contractor’s compound.

It is anticipated that not all 82 parking spaces will be required throughout the project.

While there are fewer spaces available in Cocklebury Road Car Park 1, there are other car parks nearby, including on Cocklebury Road, Sadlers Mead, and Union Road, all of which will remain open during the works.

In March this year, Great Western Railway completed a £2.3 million transformation of the station to create a modern, accessible hub for passengers, cyclists, and the local community. Many other stations are being upgraded, the most recent being Elstree & Borehamwood in Hertfordshire.

“This project will preserve an important historic station while creating a better environment for passengers. We’re carrying out a range of improvements, including replacing the canopies, upgrading drainage and resurfacing platforms, helping ensure the station continues to serve the local community for many years to come. We appreciate passengers’ patience while this work takes place and are working closely with GWR to minimise disruption. Alternative parking will remain available throughout the project.”

Matt Leigh, Senior Portfolio Manager, Network Rail’s Great Western route

“We apologise for any inconvenience this may cause customers, but this is an important investment in the future of Chippenham station. Trains will continue to run throughout the work, except the weekend of 12/13 September when scaffolding is being put up in the station. That weekend, buses will replace trains between Chippenham and Swindon, Westbury or Bath Spa.”

Oana Apetroaie, GWR Station Manager for Chippenham