Following approval for a £multi-million redevelopment, rail passengers using Wakefield Westgate station will soon benefit from fantastic new facilities – including a brand new station building – to improve their travel experience.
Submitted by Network Rail and East Coast, which manages the station, the £6.6million funding will also facilitate the provision of better retail outlets, new travel centre, new First Class lounge, customer reception and information screens – all contributing towards forming a welcoming gateway to the city of Wakefield.
The new station building will be constructed adjacent to the multi-storey car park and provide better access for vehicles, pedestrians and bicycles directly off the inner ring road and local bus routes.
This will enhance the integration of links between rail and other sustainable forms of transport.
Tim Hedley-Jones, Stations and Property Director for East Coast, said:
“We are delighted to have received the financial backing to deliver such an important development and are grateful for the support we have received from Network Rail and Wakefield Council.
“Wakefield Westgate is one of East Coast’s key stations and this scheme will complement the new 900-space multi-storey car park and re-furbished customer facilities, which are currently underway on platform 2.”
Phil Verster, Route Managing Director for Network Rail, said:
“Whilst the old station is undoubtedly a striking building, passengers at Westgate will be well aware that it is no longer fit for purpose.
“By moving passenger facilities to a new purpose-built building we can improve the journey experience in a sensible, cost-efficient way.
“This significant investment at Westgate will complement the other work being delivered at the station by East Coast and the wider investment in the city which is being led by the council.”
The funding will be enhanced by a contribution from English Cities Fund as part of its Merchant Gate development, whilst the bid received significant support and backing from Wakefield Council, which lobbied the Government and has granted outline planning permission for the scheme.
Cllr Peter Box CBE, Leader of Wakefield Council, said:
“It is great news for Wakefield that planned improvements to Westgate can now go ahead. This decision is further confirmation that we are open for business and recognition that our regeneration strategy for the city centre continues to gather pace despite the current economic situation.”
Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, said:
“By the end of our 125th birthday city celebrations in 2013 we will have a state-of-the-art station in Wakefield, which will finally be fully disabled accessible.
“This is good for local jobs and growth as we welcome more visitors to our regenerating city.
“This great result is in large part thanks to the vision and leadership of Labour’s Council Leader Peter Box and his top-notch Council team.”
Work is scheduled to start on site at the end of 2012 with all activity due to finish by December 2013.
East Coast recently launched a new timetable in May 2011, which increased its number of services. Wakefield Westgate benefits from the changes in having:
- 32 direct services to London each weekday;
- 18 direct services to London on Saturdays;
- 17 direct services to London on Sundays.
- Average journey times to London are four minutes faster at 1 hour 58 minutes
- A new fastest journey time of 1 hour 47 minutes on the weekday flagship peak service leaving Leeds at 07.00, stopping at Wakefield Westgate at 07.12 and travelling non-stop upon arrival at London King’s Cross at 08.59.
