STATIONS AS PLACES Opportunity Prospectus

An integrated vision and delivery masterplan for Central Station

TELFORD CENTRAL STATION

November 2020 FOREWORD

Introducing the concept of Stations as Places The Stations as Places programme aims to promote local railway stations as community ‘hubs’ rather than simply access points onto the rail network. The vision is to develop local railway stations as an asset highly valued within the community, contributing to economic growth and acting as a hub for creativity, heritage and social amenity.

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 Telford Central 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 the station and highlights some of the opportunities for commercial development, partnership working, inward investment and community regeneration.

We have included a profile of Telford Central station in this document and looked at different types of activity neighbouring the station, from development in the town centre area, to local businesses providing facilities to the travelling public and local authorities using existing assets in different ways.

Telford is a large town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin, within the county of , located approximately 13 miles east of and 30 miles north west of . Situated on the Shrewsbury to railway line, the station acts as a link for commuters and leisure trips. The station facilities are adequate, but they could be improved considering the size of the town and planned development surrounding the station. This Prospectus identifies opportunities for improvements at the station and to further strengthen the role of the station in the community and local economy. Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Reviving our Railway

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused massive economic and social disruption. The Department for Transport has replaced the rail franchising system with Emergency Recovery Measures Agreements (ERMAs) which will address the continuing impact of the pandemic on the railway, whilst delivering on a government commitment to replace the current franchising system. The new system will create a simpler, more effective structure and will take shape over the coming months.

We were proud to keep our railways running during the pandemic to serve key workers and allow them to travel safely.

We are now in a phase of reviving our railways and the communities they serve.

There are big new challenges for our Stations as Places Programme: • Passenger numbers will take time to recover. • The way in which station buildings are used has changed. • City, town and local centres will have to reinvent themselves as retailers withdraw and office buildings are less full. • Ways of funding new investment will need to be transform.

Stations as Places will be forward looking and opportunistic. ‘The moment is now’ for stations to harness community spirit, pursue more entrepreneurial ways of using station buildings and support the revitalisation of high streets and local centres. Contents

Chapter Page

Why ‘Stations as Places’ for Telford Central Station? 2

Bringing Our Partners Together 3

About Telford Central Station 4 - 8

Headline Opportunities – The Station 9

Opportunity Plan 10

Headline Opportunities – The Surrounding Area 11

Understanding the potential for growth 12

The Aspiration 13 - 14

Development Opportunities 15

Opportunities for Investment 16

Action Plan 17

Who to Contact and How to Get Involved 18

1 Why ‘Stations as Places’ for Telford Central Station?

THE VISION Who are the West Midlands Station Alliance? The WMSA is a formal alliancing arrangement between industry partners with a common vision and forward plan, including infrastructure owner Network Rail, station facilities owner Chiltern Railways, operator West Midlands Trains (WMT) and 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 the local government.

Why has Telford Central Station been selected? Telford Central railway station, located on the Shrewsbury to Wolverhampton line, provides an important connection for commuters into Shrewsbury, Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street, as well as providing services to the north west and Wales. Passenger numbers have begun to fall, despite local housing growth which is likely to be due to pressures on car parking at the station. With the additional challenges facing passenger numbers due to COVID-19, now is a prime time for Telford Central to invest in the station, delivering improvements which would encourage users back to the station, as well as benefitting regular users, the local community and businesses in the town. This Prospectus provides an opportunity to engage with the stakeholders of Telford Central to capture the opportunities and seek commitment to delivering improvements at the station.

The drivers for developing this location Passenger numbers at Telford Central dropped by 1% between 2017-18 and 2018-19. The station car park is full early in the morning on weekdays and there are congestion issues upon exiting the station car park in the evening peak. It is therefore essential that passengers are encouraged to access the station using more sustainable modes. Increasing footfall around the station presents an opportunity for local businesses to benefit, particularly given the ambitious plans to provide the new Station Quarter redevelopment on Rampart Way and Hollinsgate.

2 Bringing our Partners together Our stakeholders really matter to us. Stakeholder feedback is key to creating a prospectus that resonates with different audiences and ensures consensus on the future of the station and surrounding area. We want to ensure that what we collect and receive is representative and inclusive. Our approach to capturing local insights in Telford covers the following four dimensions:

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE SOCIAL VALUE Railways stations should reflect and cater for the Transforming a railway station from a ‘passenger local community to which it serves thoroughfare’ into a genuine community asset will To help shape the future of the station to meet the needs have a positive impact on the local community of the local community, involving them in the planning Residents and businesses are more likely to take process is critical. Community involvement helps to ownership of their local station if it is a pleasant and safe make a station a more attractive and valuable community place to be, meets their needs and represents local asset. Stations as Places aims to establish strong links people and heritage. A railway station as a valued between the station management and businesses, the community hub can offer a real contribution to improving community and other local stakeholders, ensuring that social inclusion and mental wellbeing; from promoting the voice of the community is heard. inclusivity through access improvements or simply making waiting as a part of a morning commute more pleasant.

LEGACY COMMUNITY An important objective of Stations as Places is to A railway station is often a great asset to a provide a long-term legacy by establishing integration community, but a community can also be a great and community involvement at the heart of the station. asset to a railway station This will involve the community taking a level of ownership There is room to grow community involvement and of the stations and passing this onto the future generations enthusiasm for the station. A station which is integrated to keep each station a valuable part of the local with the local community shows that people care and community. Of course, Network Rail, West Midlands that they have something to be proud of, improving Trains and the Local Government will also have an social inclusion and mental wellbeing whilst making the important role in the legacy of the station and that is why station a more pleasant place to be. partnership working between the community and these organisations is so important.

3 ABOUT TELFORD CENTRAL STATION

Key Facts The station is situated to the north east of the town centre, located on Euston Way just off Hollinswood Interchange. Telford is a large town in the borough of Telford and Wrekin, within the county of Shropshire, located approximately 13 miles east of Shrewsbury and 30 miles north west of Birmingham.

Station Typology Telford Central is a local gateway station, serving the town and surrounding area. The passenger catchment area of the station is potentially widened by railheading from areas such where rail services are less frequent and car parking is not provided. The station is served by West Midlands Trains and Transport for Wales. Avanti West Coast provides one direct service to London Euston per day. The station lies on the former Great Western Railway's London Paddington to Birkenhead via Birmingham Snow Hill line and has two platforms.

Station History The new town of Telford was designated in 1963 and served by Wellington and Oakengates railway stations. Telford Central station opened in 1986, designed with full-length platforms to accommodate inter-city trains, and a large car park, which took advantage of the station's location next to the to provide park and ride services.

Did you know? The station and car park were built on the former Hollinswood sidings which served the Lilleshall Company. Lilleshall was a large engineering, coal mining and steel making company founded in 1802 and they operated their own private railway network.

4 ABOUT TELFORD CENTRAL STATION Station Lease Plan

Land within the blue line boundary is leased by Network Rail to West Midlands Railway (WMR). 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. The car park falls within this boundary and is operated by WMR.

Please note, the latest Lease Plan shows the old footbridge which has now been replaced with the current alignment, as shown.

5 ABOUT TELFORD CENTRAL STATION - Service and Timetables

Telford Central is served by two main operators – West Midlands Trains and Transport for Wales.

Service details • Telford Central is served by three trains per hour in total during the daytime, each way between Birmingham New Street (via Wolverhampton) and Shrewsbury.

• West Midlands Railway operates a service of two trains per hour in each direction (Monday-Sunday), westbound to Shrewsbury and eastbound to Wolverhampton and Birmingham New Street.

• Transport for Wales operates one train per hour in each direction from Telford Central. Eastbound to Wolverhampton, Birmingham New Street and Birmingham International. Westbound to Shrewsbury and then on to Aberystwyth and Pwllheli or Holyhead via Chester.

• Avanti West Coast runs one direct service per day to / from Telford Central and London Euston, departing at 07:00. Timetables • https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/timetables • https://tfwrail.wales/december-2019-timetables • https://www.avantiwestcoast.co.uk/travel-information/timetables

6 ABOUT TELFORD CENTRAL STATION Station Layout and Facilities

Telford Central currently provides adequate facilities for passengers including a staffed ticket hall and cycle parking, however the station suffers from a feeling of isolation from the town of Telford. The station is also rather ‘dated’ and ‘tired looking’. Improving the facilities and station environment is likely to increase passenger numbers and enhance customer experience.

Station Facilities

Automated ticket machine on Platform 1

Waiting area

Staffed ticket counter

Lifts

Bicycle storage

Car park

Toilets

Potential Station Neighbours: Telford Central station is bordered to the west by commercial land uses and the large Telford Shopping Centre, offering multiple potential business neighbours. The ‘Station Quarter’ development has the potential to provide more immediate station neighbours and links with this development would be mutually beneficial, boosting passenger numbers and reducing car use.

7 ABOUT TELFORD CENTRAL STATION - What do we know?

PASSENGERS CAR PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY 1,198,384 IN 2018/19 PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND • 182 chargeable car parking spaces are CYCLINGACCESS available, including 14 accessible parking STATION FOOTFALL • Cycle racks are provided at the main bays. • Footfall fell by 1% from 2017/18 to station entrance, adjacent to the car park, 2018/19, after steadily rising in the • An accessible toilet with RADAR key access with capacity for 40 bicycles. is located in the Booking Hall, toilets are only last 10 years, peaking at 1,211,078 in • The long-distance National Cycle Route accessible during staffed hours. 2017/18 (ORR data). 55, which connects into Route 88, passes • 301,380 entries and exits were made • CIS displays, automatic announcements and directly through the station area via the in 2018/19 using a season ticket, timetable posters provide train running footbridge and provides an almost entirely highlighting the importance of Telford information throughout the station. traffic free route connecting residential Central for commuting (ORR data). • Step-free access is available to both platforms areas north and south of the station. (via ramped footbridge with lift. • Bus stops are located directly adjacent to the station building. Buses serve Telford Town Centre, Madeley, Leegomery, Wellington, Donnington and Town LOCAL ACTIVITIES STATION FACILITIES Centre. • Located within walking/cycling distance of • The Booking Hall is staffed Telford Central is the main town centre, all week, with the ticket office including the 25-acre complex of Telford open Monday - Saturday 06:00 - 19:00 Shopping Centre which provides an extensive and Sunday 10:00 - 17:00. range of shopping, eateries and leisure • A ticket machine is provided outside venues. This is accessed via the footbridge the Booking Hall for use outside these over Queensway A442. times CRIME & SAFETY • A large mixed-use redevelopment of the land • Toilets, including an accessible toilet, • 22 crimes were reported to British Transport between the railway station and the shopping are also located in the Booking Hall. Police at the station in 2019-20, rising by centre (Hollinsgate and Rampart Way) is in • Waiting facilities are provided in the 47% from 15 crimes in 2018-19. early stages of planning to provide a new Booking Hall for Platform 1, Platform 2 Station Quarter. Sustainable access to the • The most common type of crimes were benefits from bench seating and a development via the station will be a key bicycle theft (6) and vehicle crimes (5), waiting shelter. selling point for the development. indicating a need for increased surveillance and provision of secure cycle parking.

8 The Headline Opportunities THE STATION

Physical Improvements • The station is largely well maintained and provides good access for passengers thanks to the recently installed footbridge by Telford and Wrekin Council. However, due to the station's location on the edge of Telford town centre, the station can feel isolated, particularly outside peak hours. Improvements, such as planting and artwork, could be installed to improve the waiting experience and ambience of the station for passengers. Adoption of the station by a ‘Friends of the Station’ group, or increased involvement with the local community (such as religious institutions and charities) could also benefit the station by providing increased integration with the local community. Lack of secure cycle storage, • The Booking Hall at the station has sufficient space for a commercial enterprise to be established, incidences of bicycle theft such as a small coffee shop. This would not only improve the facilities available to passengers but would also provide commercial income for the station.

• The station does not currently benefit from tactile paving along the platform edges. Installing tactile paving would improve safety at the station and improve the safety and experience of using the station for visually impaired passengers.

• Bicycle theft was the most commonly reported crime at the station in 2019/20. Although there is an adequate amount of bicycle storage at the station, this is not secured and is located on the unpaid side. Increasing surveillance around the storage area in the short term and improving security of cycle storage facilities in the longer-term would encourage more passengers to travel to and from Feeling of isolation in off-peak hours the station by bicycle. Telford Central benefits from the traffic free National Cycle Route 55 passing through the station, connecting residential areas, the station and the town centre. Increasing awareness of cycle facilities, improving security and promoting the cycle route would all serve to increase sustainable travel. Operational improvements • Future introduction of some longer, new diesel trains on the route by Autumn 2021 will increase on board experience and capacity for customers. Midlands Connect is undertaking a study on the case for significant capacity improvements to the line to accommodate future growth in demand, including track improvements and line electrification. This is a longer-term aspiration.

Lack of tactile paving on platform edge

9 OPPORTUNITY PLAN The opportunity plan focuses on the station itself. There are opportunities to enhance existing station facilities to improve passenger experience and integration between rail services and the surrounding area.

Install tactile paving Explore potential for links with Station along platform edges neighbours, such as at Telford Shopping Centre

Improve cycle parking security. Provide a commercial entity Deliver ‘quick win’ improvements to Subsequently promote cycle within the Booking Hall (e.g. the station ambience (e.g. planters) provision and connectivity coffee shop) and improve sense of community

10 The Headline Opportunities THE SURROUNDING AREA

‘Last Mile’: Wider connectivity improvements Pedestrian routes within the last mile of the station are generally of a good standard with wide footways, dropped kerbs at junctions and lighting. The town centre is signposted throughout the route and accessible via the footbridge and quiet, paved walkways. For the benefit of the community and its station, it is fundamental to enhance travel choice and connectivity to local development and centres. Funding could be levied from developers in order to enhance existing walking and cycling infrastructure, as well as facilities at the station, whilst travel planning engagement and information resources can increase awareness of sustainable modes to rail users and local residents. It would be particularly beneficial to ensure integration between the railway station and the proposed Station Quarter, improving station connectivity for residents and visitors.

Beyond the Station

The surrounding area is steeped in history; the popular tourist destination of Gorge is located approximately 5 miles away, along with Ironbridge town which is a terminus of the Severn Valley Railway. Shropshire is a mostly rural county and is home to the Shropshire Hills Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty (including The Wrekin) and Wenlock Edge Site of Special Targeted personalised Integration of WMT Developer contributions Scientific Interest. There is an extensive public rights of way travel planning at new travel initiatives with for improving last mile network in Shropshire opening up the countryside to housing developments and employer and school connectivity and 'at residents and visitors. local employment sites travel plans station' facilities

11 Understanding the POTENTIAL FOR GROWTH

Telford is one of the fastest growing towns in the West Midlands. Excellent transport links, including proximity to the M54 (Junction 5) and Telford Central station, mean the town has become a business tourism hub.

Station Quarter A proposed development, ‘Station Quarter’, aims to build on this reputation by transforming 50 acres of brownfield land, located between the station and the town centre, into a mixed-use development. The development would comprise of up to 500 homes, leisure, business and hotel facilities and could create up to 60 jobs in the town centre. The increased number of visitors would help provide a further economic boost to the town and. The development will help make Telford an even more attractive destination, attracting new investment to the town and linking Telford station with the town centre and Southwater. Given the important role that the station will play as a gateway for this redevelopment, major station upgrades may be required and it could help to make the case for Housing Growth in Telford the electrification of the railway line to Telford and In addition to the Station Quarter redevelopment, several housing developments onwards towards Shrewsbury. The car park currently are planned or under construction surrounding Telford town centre (see map operates at capacity (pre-COVID-19) and is full early in above). In combination, the new developments could provide a significant uplift in the morning on weekdays. Increased passenger passenger numbers at the station and encouraging sustainable travel, through numbers will mean it is vital to encourage sustainable targeted personalised travel planning at the new housing developments, will be modes of travel to the station to alleviate pressure on important given the parking capacity constraints currently seen at the station. the car park and surrounding road network.

12 THE ASPIRATION the place we want it to be

“Telford Central railway station is a key economic asset and forms an important gateway to the town. It is the busiest station in the Borough with over 1.1 million passengers using the station each year, and there is potential for that number to grow. We are keen to continue working with partners to invest and improve the station itself and the area around the station to reflect the town it represents”

Cllr David Wright, Cabinet Member for Economy, Housing, Transport & Infrastructure

“I am looking forward to working with West Midlands Trains to deliver much-needed station improvements to Telford Central’s accessibility and safety for all its users, whether residents, commuters or visitors”

Lucy Allan MP Member of Parliament for Telford

14 THE ASPIRATION the place we want it to be

“Although the station is a modern one built to serve the town, it is now over 35 years old and the facilities need upgrading to ensure it meets the expectations of the modern traveller. Telford has ambitious development plans not least the proposed Station Quarter and the Station Prospectus will help to support this development”

Tom Painter, Head of Franchising and Partnerships, West Midlands Rail Executive

13 DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES

Large Scale Options • High quality and sustainable ‘last mile’ connections supported by new/improved infrastructure. • In particular linking the station with the proposed Station Quarter mixed-use redevelopment on Rampart Way and Hollinsgate, highlighting the important role the station will play as a gateway for this redevelopment. • In light of the growing significance of station driven by new development, long term aspirations would be for a major station upgrade to deliver exemplary customer facilities. • Increase capacity of car park and address car park exit congestion issues in the evening peak. • Better integration for walking and cycling within the town centre and to key assets/destinations and surrounding residential areas.

Medium Scale Options • Improved cycle storage facilities (cycle hub). • Investigate potential to provide a ‘pop up’ style commercial entity (e.g. coffee shop) during peak hours.

Small Scale Options and Quick Wins • Install tactile paving along platform edges and repaint platform edge lining. • Complete branding change to WMT as this has not been rolled out fully on all station boards etc. • Provide aesthetic improvements to the station, such as planting, to improve the ambience for waiting passengers. • Promote connectivity via National Cycle Route 55 through cycling events (eg. Dr Bike), seizing opportunity presented by Covid-19, and engage with developers at new housing developments as well as local cycling groups. • Investigate provision of community rail discount card at local businesses and pursue local links with station neighbours. • Liaise with Telford & Wrekin Council to monitor performance reliability of lift.

15 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 Telford Central station serves.

Options for Delivery

External Funding Section 106 Commercial Third Party Funding Funding Opportunities • Customer and Communities Improvement Fund • Telford and Wrekin Council Establish a new Community (CCIF). Subject to DfT approvals, West Midlands • West Midlands Trains café at the Infrastructure Levy Trains has an annual budget of £1.7million to • Transport for Wales station, and/or or S106 funding support schemes that are proposed, developed • Network Rail stimulating fixed raised from and delivered by our customers, communities and • The Marches LEP or 'pop-up’ development stakeholders. • Department for Transport activities within sites in the local • National Stations Improvements the station authority area Programme (NSIP). Booking Hall

Easy Wins

Cycle Rail: Community and Volunteering resources: The Cycle Rail Programme has already tripled the Investment of time from community and enterprise number of cycle parking spaces at more than 500 and engaging with the charity sector (e.g. local stations in the UK, bringing the total to over 80,000. charity shops in the town centre). The Cycle Rail programme is a great opportunity to get Potential to establish a ‘Friends of Telford Central funding to improve cycling facilities and security around Station’ group. railway stations.

16 Action Plan Making the station a better place and achieving mode shift

The action plan and targets provide a focus for the Stations as Places prospectus, as a way of measuring whether future schemes have a positive impact on sustainable travel. The targets below enable us to review the success of this opportunity prospectus and if the measures taken have resulted in improved sustainable access to the station, continued and enhanced community involvement and a complement to other capital improvements, not least the station forecourt improvement scheme.

Action Responsibility Timescale Targets Deliver initiatives that encourage mode shift • West Midlands from car for journeys under 2 miles from the Railway Short to Year 1: Secure adoption of the station by a station to local residents and local • Telford and Wrekin Medium ‘Friends of the Station’ group. employment sites. Council Deliver ‘quick win’ station improvements including Deliver ‘quick win’ improvements at the station – • West Midlands canopy repainting. including installation of tactile edging where Station Alliance Short to required, providing additional planting and • Telford and Wrekin Medium Years 0 to 2: Deliver customer experience increasing seating along platforms Council improvements to support environment and ease of interchange. Secure adoption of the station by a local • West Midlands Short community group Railway Years 1 to 3: Deliver improvements to cycle storage facilities, potentially through a Cycle Rail Improve cycle storage facilities to ensure safe, • West Midlands funding bid. Provide better integration for walking secure storage. Promote the traffic-free National Railway Medium and cycling within the town centre, residential Cycle Route 55 in tandem with improvement of • Telford and Wrekin areas and to the station. cycle storage facilities at the station Council

Increase passenger numbers through local Years 0 to 5: Increase the number of customer • West Midlands Medium to interchanges to reflect the station’s increasingly housing, employment and retail growth (post Railway Long important role as a local and strategic interchange. Covid-19 recovery)

Deliver travel planning engagement Years 0 to 5: Achieve 10% growth in passenger • West Midlands at the proposed Station Quarter site on numbers by capturing a rail market from housing, Railway occupation; secure developer Long employment and retail growth (post Covid-19 • Telford and Wrekin contributions for sustainable transport recovery). Council infrastructure

17 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 and more passengers ensue.

This prospectus presents information on the challenges and opportunities at Telford Central station as expressed by different members of the local community. This evidence has been used to inform a set of objectives and a list of actions defined during the course of the study which will help to prioritise future investment at the station and within the local area. We hope you enjoyed the journey.

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 shopkeepers 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

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