STATIONS AS PLACES Opportunity Prospectus

Integration, Community and Delivery: A Masterplan for Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station

STRATFORD-UPON-AVON PARKWAY STATION May 2020 FOREWORD Introducing the concept of Stations as Places The Stations as Places (SAP) programme is a process to help put railway stations at the heart of local communities. It is designed to create a vision for the future and to identify opportunities for delivering improvements to the local environment and create a welcoming ambience. The aim is to work in partnership with others to unlock potential and to meet shared objectives and aspirations. Railway stations are more than access points to the rail ; they can be hubs of activity that are rooted in the locality with the potential to support regeneration and development opportunities. They can also host community and business activities and offer facilities/infrastructure to encourage sustainable, multi modal travel with a view to reducing car dependency and improving local air quality. The Vision “We will develop stations as quality gateways between communities and the railway, supporting the changing needs of our passengers, residents and visitors. Stations in the will be community assets, supporting the wellbeing and development of the areas they serve through involving local community and business.” West Midlands Station Alliance (WMSA) Mission Statement What does the prospectus do for Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway Station? There is an important role for the railways to play in both the economic and social regeneration of the local areas which our stations serve. This Opportunity Prospectus sets out the economic, social and geographic landscape of the area around our station and highlights some of the opportunities for commercial development, partnership working, inward investment and community regeneration. We have included a profile of Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station in this document and looked at different types of activity neighbouring our stations, from local businesses providing facilities to the travelling public, local authorities using existing assets in different ways, businesses looking for investment opportunities and the impact of new development in the surrounding area. Get in touch and keep up to date Contents You can email [email protected] and Chapter Page Chapter Page one of the team will get back to you! Why ‘Stations as Places’? 2 'Last Mile' Concept Plan 14 Bringing our Partners together 3 Local Growth – Planning 15 You can also follow progress on Stations About the Station 4-5 Opportunity Plan 16 as Places at: Station Typology 6-7 Making the Station a better place 17-18 www.wmre.org.uk/stationsalliance Sustainable Transport Thinking’ 8 Stakeholder Findings 19 What Do We Know? 9 Opportunities for Investment 20 Services and Trains 10 Delivery Strategy 21 Station Layout 11 Action Plan and Targets 22 The Headline Opportunities 12-13 Who to contact and how to get involved 23 1 Why ‘Stations as Places’ for Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway?

Who are the West Midlands Station Alliance? WMSA is a formal alliancing arrangement between industry partners with a common vision and What do we know? forward plan, including infrastructure owner , station facilities owner (WMT) and local government West Midlands Rail Executive. The role of the WMSA is to facilitate Stations as Places by bringing together various stakeholders to work together in partnership; ensuring that the Stations as Places vision and local aspirations are shared between the stakeholders, the infrastructure owner - the station facilities owner - and Local Community Government. ENGAGEMENT

Why Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway Station has been selected? Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway is an important station for access to the town for local residents and visitors. The station has an important role as a gateway to the leisure, tourism, cultural and economic parts of the town. Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway provides a strategic park and ride to relieve congestion in the town centre. Stratford-upon-Avon town station Building a should not be considered in isolation when looking at transport in the town. VISION

The station has an important role to play in local economic growth and regeneration of surrounding commercial and retail areas as well as including nearby areas of ongoing development through the towns planning framework. Stations as Places The drivers for developing this location PROSPECTUS The Station has seen a 16% increase in passenger numbers in the last year reaching 1.07 million passengers per annum in 2019. With over one million passengers annually the station is particularly busy at peak commuting times. The station would benefit from improved maintenance and investment in facilities.

Monitoring Progress & The Prospectus Continuing Engagement This Prospectus sets out the headline opportunities for Stratford-upon- Avon Parkway; including car parking management, community integration, improvements to the passenger environment and promoting Stratford-upon-Avon’s heritage (such as the Shakespeare's birth place). The flow chart on the right shows how we are delivering Stations as Places in Stratford-upon-Avon

2 Bringing our Partners together

Our stakeholders really matter to us. Whether it’s a major developer building new homes in reach of the station or an individual customer that needs to be able to make an easy journey to a hospital appointment using a combination of train and bus, the Stations as Places team wants to hear views from stakeholders and customers. Our inclusive consultation approach ensures we cover the four dimensions of:

COMMUNITY LOCAL PERSPECTIVE A railway station is often a great asset to a community, but a community The role of a station will depend on it’s location and the needs of can also be a great asset to a railway station. the community and businesses that surround it. Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway provides a transport hub for the community. Park and Ride facilities allow car free access The station at Stratford-upon-Avon to the town centre and its historical, Parkway needs to meet the needs and cultural and commercial areas of the requirements of the local community and town. The station would benefit from needs to engage with them as needs and local adoption from residents or requirements change over time. Travel business on the Enterprise Park to build surveys can establish how and when on the sense of place and community. people travel to and from the stations but community involvement helps to make a The Shakespeare Line Promotion Group (SLPG) encourages the use of station a more attractive and valuable and Stratford-upon-Avon railway and actively promote the community asset. Stations as Places aims to establish strong links between identity of the line and the benefits to residents and visitors. the station management and businesses, the community and other local stakeholders; ensuring that the voice of the community is heard. SOCIAL VALUE Transforming a railway station from a ‘passenger thoroughfare’ into a LEGACY genuine community asset will have a positive impact on the local An important objective of Stations as Places it to provide a long-term community. legacy by establishing integration and community involvement as the A railway station as a valued community heart of the Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station. hub can offer a real contribution to This will involve the community taking a improving social inclusion and mental level of ownership of the stations and wellbeing; from promoting inclusivity passing this onto the future generations to through membership of a ‘friends of’ keep each station a valuable part of the local group or simply making waiting as a part community. Network Rail, West Midlands of a morning commute more pleasant. Trains and the Local Government will also have an important role in the legacy of the Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway has an station and that is why partnership working active station adopter who is actively improving the aesthetics of the station between the community and these by donating and growing plants in station planters. organisations is so important. 3 About the station

KEY FACTS • Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway is a parkway railway station on the northern outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. It is served by trains on the North Line, and by the . • Construction work started on 17 October 2012 at a cost of £8.8 million. The station was opened on 19 May 2013 seven months ahead of schedule. • The station uses the Park and Ride facilities at Bishopton, whose car park has spaces for 725 vehicles, thus saving passengers from driving into central Stratford to get the train from the main Stratford-upon-Avon railway station. PARK AND RIDE • Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway is a rail park and ride facility for rail journeys to cities and towns such as Birmingham, Solihull, and London. • The station is also located adjacent to a bus park and ride to provide onward travel into Stratford-upon-Avon town centre, with 725 vehicle spaces. The bus park and ride facility aims to reduce road congestion on the network of town centre roads. LOCAL ACTIVITIES There are a number of local activities in the area, with Stratford being the birthplace of William Shakespeare. • There are a number of local attractions associated with William Shakespeare including Shakespeare's birthplace, Anne Hathaway’s Cottage, Mary Arden’s Farm and the Royal Shakespeare company and theatre. • A key feature in the town is the River Avon that runs through the town. Frequent canal and river boat trips take place through the summer. FACILITIES OVERVIEW

Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway

This station is not staffed. One waiting shelter on each platform.

No toilet facilities are available. 12 wheel racks for cycling.

Customer Information and Emergency help points at the station.

4 About the station LEASE PLAN

Land within the blue line boundary is leased by Network Rail to West Midlands Railways. West Midlands Railway is required to meet lease holder conditions on behalf of the landlord, Network Rail. This comprises of maintenance and enhancements to station areas, including the station buildings, platforms and facilities.

Key:

Blue Boundary walls and gates belonging to the station.

Green Bridge, viaduct, arch, tunnel, or other structure.

Brown Represents a right of way.

5 STATION TYPOLOGY Station Type: Strategic Park and Ride Station Objectives: Stratford-Upon-Avon Parkway Station

No. Objectives Target Strategic Access Point Condition This station provides strategic access to the rail network, typically through a Parkway type station. These stations are used for a 1 Station feels safe and is safe for all to use with well overlooked spaces and wide range of journey purposes and by a accessways. wide range of users who are both familiar and unfamiliar with the area. Access to this 2 Station is accessible for all with level access, shelter and seating stations is likely to be predominantly, by car, public transport and potentially by bike. 3 Station has facilities appropriate to its typology

4 The station is connected to local origins / destinations and key assets by legible, direct, safe and attractive streets for those walking and cycling.

5 At gateway stations there is a sense of arrival and the public realm around the station is high quality and enjoyable to be in.

6 Opportunities for interchange are maximised and interchange between local public transport, cycling and the rail service is easy and attractive.

7 Opportunities for development around the station are maximised

8 Station has adequate capacity now and for future growth

Meet in Full Meet in Part

6 STATION TYPOLOGY Where are we now - Issues

This table summarises the current conditions of Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway Station assessed against station objectives:

Description of Current Condition Current Condition

1 • There is a perception that the station is not as safe as it could be. • The Station is not overlooked by any commercial or • Number of crimes & ASB offences per 100,000 passengers is 0 residential property, P&R buildings are located on the according to the British Transport Police. opposite side of the car park. • The station feels isolated and unsafe when there are no trains. • Walkways are overgrown with plants preventing clear sighting from the station or main road. 2 • The station is accessible on level pathways throughout the carpark • The station platforms are accessible via wheelchair and from all access points to the station. compliant ramps. • Both platforms include waiting shelters and seating areas. 3 • The station includes passenger information screens, waiting • Large carpark shared with road based park and ride scheme shelters and seating areas. operated by Warwickshire council. • Public information boards are available at the station • Station is unstaffed. 4 • The station has some residential property and is also located • Public realm alongside the station is predominantly car park alongside Stratford enterprise park. and unused ground that is over grown. • Park and ride scheme operating from the site.

5 • There is no sense of arrival at the station. • Public realm consists of carparking and overgrown grass area which does not present a sense of place. 6 • Interchange between rail and bus services is easily achievable. • Cycling routes are available along the Birmingham Road with • No journey time saving by changing modes into Stratford Town. on road cycle routes. • Bus interchange not available directly in front of the station • Potential to extend ‘pay to ride’ cycle scheme

7 • 500 home residential development has been awarded planning • Station footprint includes areas of over grown scrub land – permission, near to the station. potential for wildlife hub or community area. • Potential for retail opportunities within park and ride facility.

8 • Station has 2 trains per hour in each direction. • All services operating along the line call at the station.

Meet in Full Meet in Part Does not meet 7 Sustainable Transport Thinking

Stratford-upon-Avon core Strategy Stratford-upon-Avon core strategy sets out the local development approach and planning policies. This includes the allocation of strategic employment and housing sites. It outlines the vision for Stratford-upon- Avon district up to 2031, and the area will see significant development of housing as well as light industrial and commercial sites. Warwickshire Local Transport Plan Warwickshire is traversed by a number of motorways and trunk roads, as well as an extensive network of ‘B’ and ‘C’ roads. This allows Warwickshire to established network of inter-urban bus services provided by a small number of operators. Warwickshire also has a mixture of inter-city, cross-country and local rail services that meet a variety of travel demands across the County.

Warwickshire Rail Strategy Rail services in Warwickshire make a significant contribution to the local economy, business and local communities. Warwickshire intends to continue this support and investment in the local rail network to help improve wider connectivity, contribute to the delivery of housing and employment opportunities and maximise the benefit of economic growth in Warwickshire over the next fifteen years and beyond. It has identified three overarching objectives: • Maximising economic, social and environmental benefits of the rail network to Warwickshire residents and businesses. • Maximising journeys undertaken by rail, particularly for commuting purposes. • Supporting opportunities to transfer freight from road to rail.

Stratford-upon-Avon Local Cycling Policy The Local Transport Plan (2011-2026) cycling strategy sets out Warwickshire’s policies and plans for cycling, with a focus on the development of cycle routes within the town and on strategic inter-urban routes, to increase levels of utility cycling for journeys to work, railway station, schools, town centre and other significant destinations.

8 PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND CYCLING ACCESS ANNUAL PASSENGER FOOTFALL What do we know? 2016/2017 – 81,043* Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway is an out of town station located in North of 2017/2018 – 92,782 * the town. It has two entrances. The main entrance is through the park 2018/2019 – 107,638* and ride carpark located off Bishopston Lane. The second entrance is for *based on ORR ticket sales data non motorised users and is via Bishopston Lane. The station is accessed directly onto Platform 1. There is no pedestrian pavements along the A46. Bishopton Lane is a CRIME AND road with a pavement and footpath along one side of the highway. When SAFETY FIGURES leaving the station along the pedestrian access point, there is a pedestrian crossing points to allow safe access from the station. Johnson’s Excel Bus operate the park and ride bus facility on behalf of Source: Warwickshire County Council. These are the only bus services in the British Transport area, but provide a direct link into the town centre. Police In the vicinity of the station is which passes through the town on its route between Reading and Holyhead. In addition to the Sustrans cycle route the A3400 Birmingham Road between Bishopston the town has an on street cycling lane. Off road cycling is also available along the Stratford-upon-Avon Canal towpath. The station is well signposted on the cycle route and gives clear directions to cyclists where to turn off the route in order to access the station.

CAR PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY STATION SERVICES Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway Station car park is located adjacent to the • Services operate over the North Warwicks Line between and station alongside Council run park and ride. Stratford-upon-Avon and along Leamington–Stratford line. Local Services • 295 spaces, plus 8 accessible badges at the station. operated by West Midlands Trains operate to Stourbridge Junction (via • A further 725 spaces are located in the park and ride facility. Henley in Arden or fast via Dorridge). Some train services continue to • Three EV charging points are available at the station. Kidderminster and Worcester Shrub Hill. Chiltern Railways operate a local • Car park is open between 0600 and 2330 (30 minutes prior to first service between Stratford-upon-Avon and Leamington Spa via Hatton. train departure and 30 minutes after last train arrival). • Long distance services are operated by Chiltern Railways operating • Car park charges are regulated by Warwickshire County Council between Stratford-upon-Avon and London Marylebone. with peak time car park charges of £3 (£1 after 9am). 9 Services and Trains

OVERVIEW Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station is served by a standard 2 trains per hour. With additional service to London Marylebone. SERVICE DETAILS • 1 train per hour running to Birmingham Snow Hill via Whitlocks End, continuing to Stourbridge Junction, operated by West Midlands Trains. • 1 train per hour running to Birmingham Snow Hill via Solihull, continuing to Stourbridge Junction, operated by West Midlands Trains. • 1 train per 2 hours running to London Marylebone via Leamington Spa, operated by Chiltern Railways. TIMETABLES • The frequency of trains to Birmingham Snow Hill reduces to one per hour in the evening and on Sunday with no services running via Solihull. • First train departing Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway towards Birmingham departs at 0624 with the last service departing at 2208. • The first train departing Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway towards London departs at 0859 with the last service departing at 2303.

West Midlands Trains timetable Chiltern Railways timetable 10 Station Layout

Key Female Toilets Ticket Machine Car Park

Male Toilets Cycle Racks Waiting Room

11 The Headline Opportunities THE STATION

Physical Improvements Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway was built in 2013 as part of a £8.8 million project funded by the Department for Transport (from its local sustainable transport fund) and Warwickshire County Council.

Potential Station Neighbours • Johnson’s Excelbus • Victoria Spa Lodge • Consillom • BDR Group • Quantum Plus • Ark Veterinary Practice

Operational improvements • West Midlands Trains has improved services from 1 to 2 trains per hour services operating over the and fast services to Birmingham via Dorridge. • Chiltern Railways has doubled the number of direct trains from Stratford-upon-Avon to London via the Chiltern Mainline. • Both improvements are recommended in the Warwickshire Rail Strategy 2019-2034.

Integration The Park and ride scheme operated by Johnson Excel Bus work in partnership with West Midlands Trains to allow extended evening and weekend coverage. Evenings services are predominantly provided West Midlands Trains to extend the operational hours of the park and ride site.

Introducing a bus service to the station forecourt as an additional calling point for the park and ride facility would improve interchange ease. Additional bus information screens with real time information should be installed at Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway. It would be beneficial to have Top: Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway Station(Warwickshire County Council). more information on the station to help make interchange between modes easier and attract Bottom: Johnson Park & Ride more people to use the bus and travel to the station sustainably.

12 The Headline Opportunities THE SURROUNDING AREA

Wider connectivity improvements to the station The Stratford-upon-Avon transport strategy key congestion hot spots within the area include the A46 and Birmingham Road, that run alongside the station.

There is a high car dependency with in the district. Car ownership according to the transport strategy is higher compared to county and national levels. (71% compared to 59% national average for car ownership.

There is an aspiration to improve rail connectivity between Stratford- upon-Avon and particularly London and Birmingham Airport. Last Mile Almost a quarter of all journeys to work within Stratford-upon-Avon are less than 5km (3miles) with 15% of these less that 2km (1.2miles).

Improved connectivity with bus services using the station forecourt, as well as the park and ride services would increase last mile journeys on public transport.

The Park and Ride operates a bus service every 15 minutes during the day (Monday-Friday) with a half hourly rail service during evenings and weekends. The lack of bus priority on the route into the town from the park and ride site results in limited journey time benefits. Rush hour traffic can result in journey times of 45 minutes to cover the 1.5 miles into the town centre.

Pedestrian routes to the station vary in quality and accessibility.

13 ‘LAST MILE’ CONCEPT PLAN

Stations as Places is also about promoting wider connectivity to existing communities, businesses, local centres and future development sites. The 'Last Mile' concept plan considers other land uses in the surrounding area and what the priorities should be in terms of integration of sustainable transport modes and station facilities. Key local stakeholders have been identified through initial consultation and auditing of the local area. Engagement will focus on improving access to rail services and how Stations as Places can unlock development potential and enhance existing connectivity for residents and the local economy.

Orange – Residential areas Blue – Industrial or commercial areas Red –Station Green – Development Locations White – Main Arterial roads

14 Local Growth - Planning

Why is it important to integrate stations' and local growth? The local authority can choose to use planning conditions (or Section 106 or 278 obligations) for defined schemes e.g. 100 secure cycle spaces and a bike hire building. Where new housing or employment development is likely to occur, these should also be recognised in the scheme planning application. Off- site sustainable travel measures which fall outside the station boundary should be delivered and funded via local transport strategies or development control contributions through the relevant property developer.

15 OPPORTUNITY PLAN

Potential Station Neighbours Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station is in a rural location on the outskirts of Stratford-upon-Avon. The station is surrounded by a mixture of residential andcommercial developments, offering multiple business neighbours: Additional EV charging • Johnson’s Excelbus points • Victoria Spa Lodge • Consiliom • BDR Group • Quantum Plus • Ark Veterinary Practise

The Stratford-upon-Avon transport plan and regional development masterplan focuses on the town centre itself but identifies opportunities for integration with the station's immediate vicinity. Enhanced walking, cycling and bus interchange will make a significant difference to how the station feels. There are also opportunities to enhance existing station facilities to improve passenger experience and integration between rail services and the surrounding area. The station is surrounded by empty grass land and ponds. The area immediately around the platform could be transformed into a nature hub with bird hides and observation spots. 16 Making the Station a better place Managing car parking demand

The car park consists of over 1,000 pay and display spaces, these consist of 295 station spaces for rail users and 725 vehicle spaces as part of the park and ride complex. The whole car park is managed by Warwickshire County Council as part of the Park & Ride complex.

The Station car park is regularly under utilised with spaces available throughout the day. • There is real scope for developing better car parking management at the station to improve journeys to / from and around the station at peak hours.

• Increase the number of Electric Vehicle charging points from the current 4 spaces and/or car sharing spaces should also be How to get more efficient use of the considered to increase sustainable travel station options and encourage sustainable travel. • Combine with the local authority to operate rail and bus park and ride into the town centre offering joint tickets to • Introduce free or reduced charges for multiple occupancy car users by allow better integration between bus and train to allow a introducing a car share scheme to increase car park patronage. weekend and evening services to operate and offer a 7 days a week park and ride facility. Pedestrian access

• Sustainable access links to the station should be integrated • Improve wayfinding signage from the station to local areas such as local into future master planning, planning frameworks and land enterprise park and residential areas. use development proposals to ensure that railway offers an attractive transport choice for new residents and workers • Clear vegetation to open pedestrian access from Bishopton Lane, this will encourage walking to and from the station and improve personal security. • Improve current cycle facilities providing better quality cycle parking at Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway station. • An increased level of pedestrian and cycling wayfinding near to the main station entrance and at pedestrian access points on Bishopton Lane will increase usage of • Use shrub land alongside the platforms to develop wildlife the wider cycling and pedestrian routes and local amenities. Wayfinding could area to encourage bio-diversity and attract wildlife include an element of interpretation value, informing on local heritage of the area. community groups.

17 THE ASPIRATION The place we want it to be

“The station is used as a starting point of a journey (mainly away from Stratford) rather than as a destination due to better alternative transport links to the town.” Paul Harris - Planning Policy Officer, Stratford District Council

“The station has a utilitarian style but the function is beginning to show.”

Paul Harris - Planning Policy Officer, Stratford District Council

“Better facilities are need to make the station a more attractive destination and a better place for the community”. Ian Taylor - Station Manager, Stratford Lines

Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway is located less than two miles from the local tourist attractions, including Shakespeare's Birthplace, Mary Arden’s Farm, Anne Hathaway Cottage and the Royal Shakespeare Company

THE GATEWAY TO STRATFORD-UPON-AVON

18 OPPORTUNITIES for INVESTMENT

The Stations as Places Prospectus should act as a means of providing an evidence base which can attract funding opportunities and implement quick-win initiatives and measures. To achieve this, continuous stakeholder involvement and collaboration is crucial to develop relationships within the communities that Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway stations serve. OPTIONS FOR DELIVERY

Section 106 External Funding Match Funding Commercial Revenue Third Party Funding

• Section 106 funding • West Midlands Trains • Stratford-upon-Avon • Working with Johnson • Royal Shakespeare can be secured when • Network Rail District Council and Excel to combine Park Company and a third-party • Visit Stratford-upon- Warwickshire County and Ride operation to Shakespeare Birthplace development relates Avon Tourist board Council. share revenue. Trust to use the station as a to the station (in • Shakespeare’s • Warwickshire County gateway into planning terms). Birthplace Trust Council and Network Shakespeare's Stratford. • Long Marston Village • Rail (Station • Shakespeare line development & Warwickshire development) promotion group • Meon Vale Chamber of • Contributions from development Commerce operators such as West • Coventry & Midlands Trains and Warwickshire Local Chiltern Railways Enterprise Partnership EASY WINS

Cycle Rail Community and Volunteering resources As result of the Cycle Rail Fund awarding in 2019, it was announced an extra Working with community organisations such as the RSPB and 2,300 cycle spaces to be built at 48 stations across , enabling commuters Wildlife Trust could transform the under utilised waste ground into a to cycle directly to the station and lock-up their bike securely. community wildlife sanctuary using local volunteers who in tern could become station adopters. An application to Network Rail under the The Cycle Rail Programme has already tripled the number of cycle parking spaces Community Licence Scheme if the land is owned by Network Rail. at more than 500 stations, bringing the total to over 80,000. The Cycle Rail programme is a great opportunity to get funding to improve cycling facilities and security around railway stations. 19 Making the Station a better place DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY Short Term • Station environment improvements – platform planters and improved seating sponsored by local businesses. • Actively support and promote mode shift for journeys to and from the station. • Increased the number of cycle spaces at the station and actively encourage their use. • Wayfinding for foot and bus routes • Improved and increased cycle facilities - provision of additional cycle parking shelter to existing cycle cages by the main entrance • Offer a mobile coffee cart to provide refreshment facilities at the station during peak times.

Medium Term • Actively support and promote mode shift for journeys to and from the station. • Travel planning engagement with local businesses to facilitate mode shift to rail and other sustainable modes. • Bus priority routes along the Birmingham Road to improve journey times into the town centre. • Secure Station adoption by community groups. • Increase rail to bus interchange by increasing the number of regular services calling at the Station forecourt. • Improved on and off road cycle route to encourage sustainable travel.

Long Term • Convert unused land around the station platforms and access routes into nature reserve for community groups. Land currently owned by County Council but is at risk of flooding. • Improve connectivity through influencing future developments. • Work with housing developers, Stratford-upon-Avon District Council and Warwickshire County Council to deliver 'last mile' improvements to new housing development through S106 contributions.

20 ACTION PLAN Making the station a better place - achieving mode change

Action Plan

Action Responsibility Timescale Mode shift targets provide a focus for the Stations as Mode shift from car for short West Midlands Railway Short to Medium Places prospectus, as way of measuring whether trips. future schemes have a positive impact on sustainable travel.

Increase bus to rail Johnson’s Excelbus, Short to Medium Walking & cycling opportunities for sustainable last interchange to improve Stratford-upon-Avon mile travel to and from the station between the local sustainable travel to the District Council, enterprise park and residential developments. Station. Warwickshire County Council and West Midlands Railway

Secure adoption by the two West Midlands Railway Short Qualitative, non-modal targets have been identified to maximise community interested groups. integration and accelerate land development opportunities.

Station environment West Midlands Railway Short Targets improvements and Station enhancement - platform • Active station adoption by community by end of Year 1. planters, improved seating • Engagement with wider community group such as the Shakespeare artwork, and interpretation Birthplace Trust and business on the Enterprise Park by end of Year 1. boards. • Hold a community wide Peer to Peer event by end of Year 1. Secure walking and cycling Stratford-upon-Avon Short to Medium • Develop strategies to encourage visitors to use the park and ride facility to investment through Section District Council and remove town centre congestion and improve journey times to Stratford 106. West Midlands Railway Town between Year 0 and 3. • Reduce the levels of rail heading to alternative stations such as Parkway by increasing passenger numbers at Stratford-upon-Avon Parkway. Improve customer concerns West Midlands Railway Short to Medium • Secure walking and cycling investment through Section 106 by between within the station and Year 0 and 3. journeys from the station. • Increase rail to bus interchange by starting a regular services from the Station forecourt.

21 WHO TO CONTACT AND HOW TO GET INVOLVED

Railways bring people together and there is a powerful historic sense of pride in the railways in the UK. Stations began life as beacons of hope and revival for local communities and when stations are places of welcome, happier & more passengers ensue.

The Stations as Places initiative is designed be open to all.

We really want to engage with organisations of different shapes and sizes. We’d love to hear from developers and their consultant teams about how we can work more closely with you to connect with your development schemes, especially if you are needing people to take the train to ease pressure of the road network and make your development proposals work effectively.

But we’d also love to hear from retailers and other local businesses, from social enterprises and residents groups, and from organisations supporting disabled people and others needing accessibility support. So how to get involved?

You can email [email protected] and one of the team will get back to you!

Contact us if you would like to • Give us feedback about this Prospectus • Flag up an opportunity with your proposed development • Talk to us about how your organisation can get involved

You can also follow progress on Stations as Places at www.wmre.org.uk/stationsalliance

22