STATIONS AS PLACES Opportunity Prospectus

An integrated masterplan vision and delivery plan for Station

KIDDERMINSTER STATION

December 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 West Midlands 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 Kidderminster 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 Kidderminster station in this document and looked at different types of activity neighbouring the station, from development in the surrounding area to local businesses providing facilities to the travelling public and local authorities using existing assets in different ways.

There are many opportunities for local stakeholders to benefit from The Stations as Places programme, not least to help put the town and its local attractions firmly on the West Midlands map. The boasts many high-quality tourist attractions that bring in visitors from across the West Midlands and beyond. Kidderminster station provides a gateway for local visitors, not least due to its privileged position next to the Railway. The station can also play an active role in the ongoing development of the town, supporting revitalisation of the Town Centre and major housing developments in the area Coronavirus (Covid-19)

Reviving our Railway

The Covid-19 pandemic has caused massive economic and social disruption. Rail operation across the country was placed into an Emergency Management Agreement with the Department for Transport.

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 Kidderminster Station? 1

Bringing our partners together 2

About Kidderminster Station 3 - 7

The Headline Opportunities – The Station 8 - 9

The Headline Opportunities – The Surrounding Area 10 - 11

Opportunity Plan 12

Understanding the potential for growth 13

The Aspiration: Engaging with stakeholders 14 - 15

Development Opportunities 16

Opportunities for Investment 17

Action Plan 18

Who to contact and how to get involved 19 Why ‘Stations as Places’ for Kidderminster Station?

Who are the West Midlands Station Alliance? THE VISION 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 West Midlands Railway, 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 Kidderminster Station been selected? The new Kidderminster station building and forecourt was opened in June 2020, heralding a significant improvement in the station environment and passenger experience. The station is well placed not only for access to the Town Centre but also the numerous attractions in the Wyre Forest District, a major tourist destination in the West Midlands. The Kidderminster Town Station is located adjacent to the station site, with a key opportunity to establish community links and attract more leisure rail passengers to the town.

The drivers for developing this location There are a number of development schemes in and around Kidderminster Town Centre, namely the Churchfields, Former British Sugar site, Lea Castle Village and Kidderminster Eastern Expansion which are expected to deliver nearly 4,000 new homes. This provides a great opportunity for the newly revamped railway station to increase footfall and improved public transport connectivity for residents.

Kidderminster town has a long industrial heritage, which contributes to the area’s tourism offering and visitor economy. However, the town centre suffers from a fragmented urban landscape, with an abundance of car parking, retail parks and the dual carriageway ring road that restricts redevelopment of high-quality public realm and walking/cycling connections. New developments will increase pressure on the local highway, with congestion and high traffic flows further impacting the vitality of the town centre. As redevelopment schemes take shape in Kidderminster, it is crucial that the station has a pivotal role to play in supporting the local community and economy.

. 1 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 Kidderminster 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 to shape the future of the station to meet the have a positive impact on the local community needs of the local community, involving them in the Residents and businesses are more likely to take planning process is critical. Community involvement ownership of their local station if it is a pleasant and safe helps to make a station a more attractive and valuable place to be, meets their needs and represents local community asset. Stations as Places aims to establish people and heritage. A railway station as a valued strong links between the station management and community hub can offer a real contribution to improving businesses, the community and other local stakeholders, social inclusion and mental wellbeing; from promoting ensuring that the voice of the community is heard. inclusivity through a community station adoption group 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 With the Severn Valley Railway as a station neighbour, of the stations and passing this onto the future generations there are many opportunities to increase community to keep each station a valuable part of the local involvement in Kidderminster Station. Most importantly, community. Of course, Network Rail, West Midlands an integrated station shows that people care and that Trains and the Local Government will also have an they have something to be proud of, improving social important role in the legacy of the station and that is why inclusion and mental wellbeing whilst making the station partnership working between the community and these a more pleasant place to be. organisations is so important.

2 ABOUT KIDDERMINSTER STATION

Did you know? Station Typology Key Facts Kidderminster’s initial growth can be ’ Kidderminster’s station was opened in attributed to the cloth industry, Local Gateway – serves the town and 1852, ten years prior to the Severn Valley helped by the town’s fortunate local centres Railway. The two were not actually position on the River Stour and the connected until 1878, when the meeting point of main roads between • Serves Kidderminster Town Centre (via a Kidderminster Loop Line was completed Birmingham, Dudley, Worcester and ‘last mile’ walking, cycling or bus journey) between Kidderminster and . Bridgnoth. • Provides a gateway for local residential areas to access the railway The two lines were connected until the The town is perhaps most famous for • Provides a leisure/tourism gateway to 1970s and were controlled by a (now carpet weaving, which was access the Severn Valley Railway and other demolished) signal box known as introduced to Kidderminster in the tourist attractions Kidderminster Junction to the south of the early 18th century. Kidderminster’s existing station site. industrial success was bolstered by the opening of the Staffordshire and The Kidderminster Station building has Worcester Canal in 1771 and arrival been replaced multiple times since it first of the railway in the town in 1852. opened. The third station building (left) – opened only 11 years after the first – In 2012, the Museum of Carpet was featured a mock Tudor design which was opened to showcase the town’s sadly replaced in 1968. The newest edition industrial heritage. to Kidderminster station was completed this year! (below left)

3 ABOUT KIDDERMINSTER STATION – Lease Plan

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

4 ABOUT KIDDERMINSTER STATION - Service and Timetables

Kidderminster station is served by two main operators – West Midlands Trains and Chiltern Railways. Service details

• Kidderminster station is served by four trains per hour during the daytime, each way between Birmingham Snow Hill and Birmingham Moor Street and Worcester Foregate Street and/ or Worcester Shrub Hill. In the Birmingham direction, these services either go onto Dorridge, Whitlocks End or Stratford-upon-Avon. In the Worcester direction, the occasional service goes onto Great Malvern.

• Chiltern Railways operates additional direct services in the morning peak (4 on weekdays) from Kidderminster to London Marylebone and in the evening peak (4 on weekdays) from London Marylebone to Kidderminster. These services go via Birmingham Snow Hill, meaning that Kidderminster has 5 services to Birmingham in the morning peak.

Timetables https://www.westmidlandsrailway.co.uk/travel-information/timetables https://www.chilternrailways.co.uk/before-you-travel/download-our- timetable

5 ABOUT KIDDERMINSTER STATION - Station Layout and Facilities

Station Facilities

Lifts to all platforms

Waiting area on each platform Accessible toilets and baby changing facilities

Bicycle storage

Ticket office

Automated ticket machines

Taxi rank

Car park

Toilet Facilities Waiting Area Lifts

Ticket Hall Cycle Parking Parking Taxi Rank

6 ABOUT KIDDERMINSTER STATION - What do we know?

PASSENGERS PUBLIC TRANSPORT, WALKING AND STATION FACILITIES 1,638,322 IN 2018/19 CYCLINGACCESS • The Booking Hall is staffed • Sheltered cycle racks are provided on platform 1, STATION FOOTFALL all week, with the ticket office with capacity for 64 bicycles. open Monday 06:10 - 19:00, • Footfall declined 3.4% from • The long-distance National Cycle Route 54 runs Saturday 07:00 - 18:00 and 2017/18 levels (ORR data) along the Staffordshire and Canal Sunday 09:00 - 17:00. through Kidderminster Town Centre • A ticket machine is provided • Bus stops are located on Comberton Road, with outside the Booking Hall for use access ramps to Platform 1 and Platform 2 sides outside these times • Regular bus services to Kidderminster Town • Toilets, including an ambulant, CRIME & SAFETY Centre, Bewdley, , Stourport-on- are also located in the Booking • 37 crimes were recorded on Station Severn, Stourbridge, Halesowen, Bromsgrove Hall. Approach in 2019/20, including 23 cases and Reddich. of anti-social behaviour, 4 violent acts • Heated waiting facilities are and 3 cases of theft and criminal provided in the Booking Hall for damage Platform 1, Platform 2 benefits • 30 crimes were recorded within the from bench seating and a waiting station, including 7 public order offences, shelter. 6 bicycle thefts and 5 acts of violence CAR PARKING AND ACCESSIBILITY • 224 chargeable car parking spaces are available, including 6 accessible parking bays. LOCAL ACTIVITIES • An ambulant toilet with RADAR key access is • Located within walking/cycling distance of the town centre, with retail provision and located in the Booking Hall, Baby change facilities food and drink retail are available • Weavers Wharf provides a frontage onto the canal and River Stour • CIS displays, automatic announcements and • Located adjacent to the Severn Valley Railway, also housing Kidderminster Rail timetable posters provide train running information Museum throughout the station. • Located a short distance from Kidderminster College Campus • Step-free access is available to both platforms (via lift)

7 The Headline Opportunities THE STATION

Physical Improvements

The station environment has significantly improved with the opening of the new station building and improved forecourt in June 2020. However, there are elements of the station which are not in keeping with the high quality standard of the new build. A series of additional improvement works have been identified following completion of the station building and forecourt.

The greatest potential for enhancements can be found on Platform 2, which is currently deficient of seating, lighting and heated shelter facilities. Given the high footfall at the station, there is a strong case for improving seating and shelter capacity, whilst lighting will enhance passenger comfort and feeling of safety. The same can be said for the area of Platform 1 under the railway overbridge, which feels dingy and uninviting and encourages antisocial behaviour. The adjacent bike shelter also encourages loitering, smoking and anti-social behaviour, so improvements to the vicinity could reduce this.

The other significant issue is the access ramps from Comberton Road, which currently have steep and uneven surfacing, steps and broken handrails in places. These ramps provide a main pedestrian route to/from the local highway, including nearby bus stops. Improvements would enhance amenity and accessibility, particularly for passengers with mobility impairments, whilst encouraging bus access to the station.

‘Quick Wins’ (subject to funding) Integration include general aesthetic The vacant commercial unit in the improvements, such as repainting station building provides an opportunity of the Comberton Road overbridge, for a local retailer/attraction to have a litter clearance and deep clean of foothold at the station and encourage rail the footbridge. Keep Clear passengers into the town. The former markings on both platforms will Conductor’s Booking on Point (BoP) on also improve passenger safety, Platform 2 could be reinstated for however tactile paving will require community use, safeguarding the more significant investment. station’s remaining heritage building.

8 The Headline Opportunities THE STATION

Station Neighbours

The recent station improvements have given real impetus to community adoption, with a high-quality building providing a real asset for the town. Adoption of the station by the Severn Valley Railway presents a significant short-term goal for the prospectus, with huge potential for collaboration that could benefit one of the Wyre Forest’s principal tourist attractions and increase passenger footfall at the mainline station, as well as deliver some of the shorter-term improvements.

Operational Improvements Working collaboratively with the Severn Valley Railway could Anti-social behaviour and rough sleeping at the station could be increase footfall at both stations, with opportunities to reduced through remote locking of the platform lifts overnight. This is promote this tourist attraction at the mainline station and being managed by Network Rail. along the Snow Hill Line, in order to draw in local tourists to the town by sustainable transport modes. A business case was submitted in January 2020 for the North Cotswold Line transformation, which would significantly enhance connectivity at Increased footfall could will generate additional commercial Kidderminster by linking the existing North Cotswold Line and Snow Hill revenue for Severn Valley Railway and could attract tenants Line, provided by new Great Western Railways services between to fill the vacant unit within the mainline station building. Kidderminster and London Paddington via the Cotswolds, Oxford and Reading. This is considered as a longer-term ambition. Potential future enhancement of the North Cotswold Line will expand the Severn Valley Railway’s rail catchment further and could significantly benefit other local businesses and attractions as well.

9 The Headline Opportunities THE SURROUNDING AREA

Last Mile

Improving connectivity to the Town Centre provides major opportunities to increase footfall at the station. Currently, the Ringway, the dual carriageway ring road surrounding the town centre, is a major barrier to walking/cycling trips. The existing underpasses below the Ringway, the steepness of Comberton Hill towards the station and lack of development to the east end of the Town Centre is likely to deter pedestrians and cyclists.

There have been improvements to walking and cycling routes in Kidderminster Town Centre, such as a new cycle lane on Worcester Street. There is potential to capture more rail passengers from new housing developments in and around the Town Centre, provided there are attractive and legible walking and cycling routes available. Local bus routes could be promoted for return trips from the Town Centre, should the steepness of Comberton Hill pose a barrier to active travel.

Wider connectivity improvements to the station 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.

Investment in surrounding land use activities The Westgate Development – including the Weavers Wharf retail centre – demonstrates the potential to regenerate the Town Centre, which helps capture more visitors to the Wyre Valley area. However, there is a need to balance out existing development to the east end of the town centre, which is devoid of visitors and requires improvement. Key development sites in the town could unlock further passenger footfall to the station, which can be used to promote the town to visitors and local residents.

10 The Headline Opportunities Lion Fields Severn Valley THE SURROUNDING AREA Development Area Railway Kidderminster Railway Station KIDDERMINSTER LAST MILE MAP

KEY ‘Last Mile’ Churchfields Connectivity 600 Improvements dwellings Major Housing Development Rail services Local Tourist towards Attraction Westgate Birmingham Retail and Leisure Comberton Hill Higher/Further Kidderminster Kidderminster Education Centre Bus Station Town Centre Local Bus Connections Heritage Possessions and Castle Wharf Did you know? Development Area Rail services towards Approximately 600 dwellings Former British ’ Worcester are being developed to the Sugar Site north of the Town Centre at the 320 Churchfields development. dwellings There are major opportunities to increase walking and cycling trips through travel planning engagement and connectivity improvements on The Ringway. 11 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.

Promote bus trips from the Planters and embankment Creation of a (digital) tourism Deliver ‘quick wins’ town centre for returning flowerbed offers hub in the station building, with improvements to station passengers, due to community volunteering ‘last mile’ connectivity and appearance and steepness of Comberton Hill opportunities other information resources ambience, particularly the platform environment around the overbridge and deep clean/litter removal where required

Improve quality of access ramps to/from Comberton Hill to promote walking and equal access

Provide heated waiting facilities, enhanced lighting and additional seating on Platform 2

Advertisements for Severn Valley Railway and other attractions at the station

Reinstate the Conductor’s BoP for community use

Enhance Explore opportunities Fill the vacant commercial unit in the Tactile paving and keep wayfinding in the for EV charging points, station building; pursue opportunities clear markings installed on station forecourt bike hire or car club for Severn Valley Railway as tenants the platforms

12 Understanding the POTENTIAL FOR DEVELOPMENT

The Lion Fields Development Scheme has been proposed Severn Valley Partnership by Wyre Forest District Council and offers huge potential to Regional Growth Zone – a Lea Castle Village rebalance development in the town centre and promote masterplan to deliver c.£1bn 1,400 dwellings investment along the Severn access by rail. The former Glades Leisure Centre site is River catchment being proposed as a new cinema and leisure complex, whilst Future High Street Fund to bring development of the existing Bromsgrove Car Park could also forward development aspirations offer residential opportunities. Pedestrian routes will connect Wyre Forest Kidderminster to the traditional town centre and Weavers Wharf. The Town Centre Former Magistrates Courts to the west of Comberton Hill, which greats passengers into Kidderminster Town Centre, New excursions offered Lion Fields has plans to be reinstated as a creative industry hub. This by SVR to increase visitor numbers Improved ‘last mile’ offers opportunities to improve the connectivity and legibility connectivity to the station of Kidderminster town centre to/from the railway station by Severn West Midlands linking key land uses. The Prospectus should consider these Valley sites in its long-term vision, whilst supporting enhance Safari Park Railway

walking and cycling accessibility in the Comberton Hill area. Bewdley Kidderminster

LAST MILELAST River Stour New on-site accommodation Eastern Extension supported by better public 1,400 dwellings A review of Wyre Forest District Local Plan identified a transport connectivity significant uplift in the number of dwellings in and around Kidderminster. By 2036, over 6,000 homes will be delivered in the district, including the Lea Castle Village and Kidderminster Enhanced regional rail Eastern Extension, delivering 1,400 homes each. Enhanced connectivity via the North Cotswold Line connectivity by walking, cycling and local bus to these sites could unlock further increase in footfall at the station, whilst Future Aspirations additional pressure on the car park and surrounding highway network will need to be managed appropriately. New rail Kidderminster 2040 services via the North Cotswold Line could open up leisure A masterplan is being developed by Wyre District Council and employment opportunities to residents and increase the and Hemingway Design, which will consider the economic visitor catchment. Wider regional economic development recovery from Covid-19 and futureproofing of the town could be maximized through the newly formed Severn Valley centre. Public consultation is underway over the future Partnership, a consortium of local authorities, local enterprise vision of the town, which the prospectus will promote and

partnerships and utility and environmental bodies. consider as part of the longer term action plan. BEYOND THE STATION BEYOND 13 Listening to our Community

Virtual Stakeholder Workshop A virtual workshop provided stakeholders a chance to put forward their views on station issues and opportunities. The key messages were as follows: • Numerous opportunities for collaboration and delivering combined benefits for local residents, visitors and businesses • Existing pressure on the station car park (Pre Covid) • Issues with ‘last mile’ connectivity, including unattractive underpasses at the Ringway and the steepness of Comberton Hill for return trips • Cosmetic improvements and tackling anti-social behaviour on the platforms is needed • Filling the commercial unit should be a short-term priority • Ensuring that there is a tourist information point at the station • New tourism opportunities in the town and wider District, such as: lodging experience at West Midlands Safari Park, excursions offered by Severn Valley Railway as a ‘gateway’ to • Consider connectivity to other regional attractions, e.g. Stratford-upon-Avon • The BoP should be reinstated for community use, although will require asbestos removal

Thanks to our key stakeholders who had their say… • Severn Valley Railway • Wyre Forest District Council • West Midlands Trains • West Midlands Stations Alliance • Worcestershire County Council • Visit Worcestershire • Kidderminster Business Improvement District (BID) • Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership

14 THE ASPIRATION the place we want it to be

“We’re pleased to be working closely with the West Midlands Station Alliance to continue improving the rail station network across Worcestershire. It is important that we continue the progress made in this area, and continue to make the county’s stations a key part of their local community, and to make them welcoming, attractive and accessible to all by all modes, especially sustainable modes including walking, cycling and bus.” Councillor Ken Pollock, Cabinet Member for Economy and Infrastructure

“I want to improve the perception that the station is out of the centre of the town. It is only 5 minutes walk and much could be done to include the Station Approach and its access as an extension of the Town Centre” Nicholas Hughes, HB 121 Solicitors

“As a heritage railway, we are delighted to work with our neighbouring mainline partners on this exciting project. This will greatly benefit both ourselves and the mainline to bring people into Worcestershire.” Severn Valley Railway

“As partnership officer for Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership I am delighted that opportunities for community engagement are being promoted at Kidderminster. I am sure that the planned adoption group will make a real difference to the public perception of the station and show what can be achieved by partnership working.” Peter Chapman, Community Rail Officer, Worcestershire Community Rail Partnership

“Kidderminster Station is a magnificent gateway to Kidderminster town centre and its surrounding areas of attractions” Simone Carter, Station Manager

15 Development Opportunities

Large-Scale Options Station Vision • Provide new rail services between Birmingham, the Cotswolds and • Create a sense of arrival for visitors to Kidderminster London Paddington and The Wyre Forest District, which showcases local • Improve last-mile connectivity to heritage, business and tourism offering Kidderminster Town Centre, such • Accessible for all, with safe pedestrian routes to the as level crossings at the Ringway, platform and high-quality seating and shelter and provide high quality walking, • Promote the station as a community asset and cycling and bus links to new establish a partnership with Severn Valley Railway developments and other District • Connected to local origin and destination points by visitor attractions legible, direct, safe and attractive streets • Futureproof the station to support local growth, sustainable travel and potential rail service expansion Medium-Scale Options

• Tactile paving and keep clear • Introduce EV charging points and step-free access markings on both platforms and other car park • Provide WIFI and a digital • New heated waiting facility on management measures such Tourist Information Point in the Platform 2 as bike hire, car club links and station building • Increase the level of lighting improved access to local bus and seating on Platform 2 and services around the overbridge • Improve the quality of access • Reinstate the Conductors’ ramps to/from Comberton BoP Road to provide direct, safe

Small-Scale Options • Instil a culture of community the station embankment • Repainting of Comberton Hill pride and sense of stewardship through the SVR partnership overbridge at the station • Deep clean of footbridge and • Improvement of cycle storage • Develop tourist and resident litter removal environment maps and informational • Increase presence of bins • Enable remote locking of lifts resources to improve legibility • Provide advertisement of last-mile connections opportunities for local • Carry out landscaping works on businesses 16 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 Kidderminster station serves.

Options for Delivery

Third Party Funding Worcestershire Rail Investment Strategy Existing Funding Streams • Worcestershire County Council Support greater regional rail connectivity with new • Customer and Communities and Wyre Forest District Council services via the North Cotswold Line to London Improvement Fund (CCIF) - • Chiltern Railways Paddington. Supported by DfT and Network Rail, annual budget of £1.7m* for • West Midlands Trains subject to the rail industry’s medium- and long-term West Midlands Trains • Network Rail investment period (2023 to 2043), and Local • National Stations Improvements • Worcestershire and Greater Enterprise Partnerships, Midlands Connect and a Programme (NSIP). Birmingham and Solihull LEP newly created North Cotswold Line task force. . *subject to DfT approval

Easy Wins

Section 106 Funding can be secured Community and West Midlands Trains Minor Works Fund Volunteering resources £329,000 per annum to cover small scale when a third-party development relates to the Investment of time from alterations at stations to improve accessibility. station (in planning terms). Developer community and enterprise These can include signage, handrails, step nosing, contributions can be sought for Lea Castle groups such as Severn step tactiles, induction loops, dropped kerbs, blue Village, Kidderminster Eastern Extension and Valley Railway volunteers badge markings and WC fittings other nearby developments to improve last mile connectivity to/from the station and the charity sector.

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

Action Responsibility Timescale The action plan and targets provide a focus for the Stations as Places prospectus, as a way of measuring whether future Establish partnership with Severn Valley Railway • West Midlands Trains Short schemes have a positive impact on sustainable travel and and develop shared vision for both stations • Severn Valley Railway compliment wider improvements to the town and Wyre Forest Support consultation for the Kidderminster 2040 • West Midlands Station District . Masterplan; liaison with local businesses, Alliance government and the Severn Valley Partnership; Short develop travel planning resources for passengers • Wyre Forest District *Year 0 assumed to be 2020 and residents Council Targets • West Midlands Station Agree use for BoP and identify package of works Alliance Short and funding to reinstate Year 0 - 1*: (Quick Wins) Deliver minor station • West Midlands Trains improvements; establish partnerships with Severn • West Midlands Station Complete cosmetic improvements to the Valley Railway, other station neighbours, operators and platforms, footbridge and Comberton Road Alliance Short to local government; develop last-mile and travel planning overbridge; secure a tenant for the commercial • West Midlands Trains Medium resources unit and open BoP • Network Rail

Establish Kidderminster Station as a tourist hub; • West Midlands Station Years 2 - 3: (Post Covid-19 Recovery) Achieve rail investigate opportunities for self-service Alliance Medium passenger uplift by capturing a rail market from local information points and marketing campaigns at the station and along the Snow Hill line • West Midlands Trains housing, employment and retail growth; fill vacant commercial unit, reinstate BoP and complete more • West Midlands Trains Develop plan to manage increased car parking capital intensive improvements • Worcestershire County demand through travel planning engagement, Medium to Council EV/car club/bike hire schemes and strategies to Long Year 3+: (Futureproofing) Establish Kidderminster increase local bus patronage • Wyre Forest District Station as a Gateway for the Wyre Forest District and Council • West Midlands Station support future growth of rail patronage and last mile Work collaboratively with Worcestershire CC, Alliance connectivity improvements through developer Wyre Forest DC and Network Rail to deliver last contributions, town centre regeneration schemes, mile connectivity schemes, town centre • Worcestershire County Medium to regeneration plans and the Worcestershire Rail Council external partnerships and Worcestershire Rail Long Investment Strategy (future consultation with • Wyre Forest District Investment Strategy Great Western Railway subject to service Council expansion) • Network Rail 18 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 Kidderminster 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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