The Government has awarded almost £10 million to the station improvement works at Reading station.
Full approval has now been given for the scheme following work by Reading Council to keep costs down.
The Council will now award the contract to the successful bidder. The improvements are forecast to be completed by April 2014.
The scheme includes road improvements which will make it easier for road users, bus passengers, pedestrians and cyclists to access the station.
The funding comes in addition to a £850 million rebuilding programme for the station – allowing significant improvements to train services, including electrification of the line between London, Bristol, Oxford and Newbury.
Norman Baker said:
“I am delighted to confirm that the Government is investing £9.6m towards these improvements which will help economic growth and further encourage rail travel.
“The works will improve access to this station – a critical hub in Britain’s rail network – allowing passengers to enjoy the full benefits of the wider redevelopment, the further electrification of the Great Western Main Line and the associated improvement in train services.”
The improvements include:
- Direct access to the new northern and south-western station entrances.
- Safe, secure and step-free pedestrian access
- New and improved walking and cycling routes
- Significantly increased secure cycle parking provision
- A new junction providing access to the new northern entrance.
